BISHOP, CA (February 1, 2024) – Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Owens Valley electric crews are prepared to respond to any potential power outages that may occur as the first forecasted atmospheric river storm could bring winds of 35-50 miles-per-hour in parts of the Owens Valley and up to three feet of snow in higher elevations.
The Department will monitor the storm system closely and respond accordingly, with the ability to schedule crews to be available around the clock as needed from both our aqueduct operations and power system divisions.
Our Owens Valley customers can report power outages by dialing 1-800-992-8331 (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and (833) 325-2397 after hours.
During the storm, winds could blow down large objects such as trees, or cause branches and debris to strike power lines which could cause power outages. This is especially true when soil becomes oversaturated by the rain, causing it to loosen and uproot trees. If that occurs, our crew’s first responsibility is to secure the affected area to protect the public from safety hazards posed by downed trees and power lines, followed by the removal of trees entangling LADWP power poles and power lines. Only after this is done can crews begin to conduct repair work and restore power.
LADWP also reminds customers to use caution around any downed or dangling wires or poles. If you see a downed wire, always assume it is live. Do not assume a downed wire is a communication line. Never approach or touch any wire that is down or dangling and immediately report it by calling 9-1-1.
In addition to downed trees, flooding and water intrusion into underground electrical systems may also occur, resulting in power outages. When the affected equipment is underground, crews must go from vault to vault to identify the source of the damage before repairs can take place, which can also take time.
In preparation of the rain and in the event of a power outage affecting your community, LADWP recommends customers take the following steps:
- Keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Never use candles in a power outage or other emergency.
- Keep your cellphone fully charged as your cordless “landline” may also lose connectivity during a storm. It will also enable you to access information online.
- Keep a fully charged portable cell phone charger handy in case you need to charge any of your electronics while power is out.
If power does go out:
- Report outages by calling 1-800-992-8331 (Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and (833) 325-2397 after hours.
- Don’t go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises–get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity in it.
- Switch off all lights, except for one, so you will know when your power has been restored.
- Keep your refrigerator closed to keep food cold for longer.
- Check on vulnerable friends and neighbors to make sure they are safe.
Other safety tips include:
- Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, and check trusted internet and social media sources.
- Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately.
- Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave and if you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances.
Subscribe to LADWP in the Eastern Sierra for outage information and updates.
INYO & MONO COUNTY RESOURCES
Inyo County Office of Emergency Service’s website: ready.inyocounty.us
Mono County Office of Emergency Management website: ready.mono.ca.gov
Individuals who do not have access to the internet and the ability to use the Ready Inyo website are encouraged to call 2-1-1. This non-emergency phone service will provide information similar to what is maintained on the Ready Inyo website, as well as the ability to access other County resources via phone. Anyone seeking more information about the storm and storm response is urged to call this number–NOT 9-1-1, which is intended for life safety issues only.
Residents not currently signed up for CodeRED may do so at any time. It is the number one mechanism for informing residents during a local emergency or disaster. CodeRED is an opt-in, high-speed notification solution that quickly delivers emergency messages to targeted areas or the entire county. If your cell phone number has changed, or you have moved, or if you are new to the area please register at: public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/DAD807D480BF.
Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS) is FEMA’s national system for local alerting that provides authenticated emergency and life-saving information to the public through mobile phones using Wireless Emergency Alerts, radio and television via the Emergency Alert System, and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Radio.
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