Power Outage Plan

PLAN FOR POWER OUTAGES

A Power Outage(PO) is a very common emergency in the Crescenta Valley. Preparing for a Power Outage (PO) also prepares for larger disasters. The most important concern is getting information about the Power Outage: How long will the power be out? How widespread is the outage? Are there any resources (informational/physical environmental descriptors) that can help us? An OUT-OF-AREA CONTACT(OOAC) that can find information for you, is very helpful. If 2-way radios are not available to you, texting may be a way to get available information. Electronic devices and the internet are good sources for information, but may be inaccessible during a Power Outage.

Basic information-gathering Power Outage equipment should include:

Crescenta Valley Fire Safe Council
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
  1. Cell phone, Tablet or Laptop Computer, USB charging cord and DC/AC adapters.
  2. 400watt INVERTER with DC plug(cig lighter type). The INVERTER converts your vehicle into a low-power generator. Park vehicle close to residence, plug in the inverter and run a heavy duty extension cord into the home. This AC outlet can power/re-charge some electronics and LED lights. Do not run any heat/cold appliances, fans, motors etc. on this circuit. Add up the watts you are using, staying under the inverter’s power rating. Run vehicle about 10 minutes per hour of full inverter use. Do not run vehicle in a closed garage.
  3. Portable AM/FM radio. Should have hand-crank, solar and USB charging features. This item can provide radio info(KNX AM1070 is best local source), flashlight, USB/crank/solar/AC charging & operate on battery power.
  4. Search the web, now, for lots of other great Power Outage equipment available.

Links to local information & equipment:

SCE: https://www.sce.com/wps/portal/home/outage-center/

Glendale residents: Glendale Water & Power website, Tujunga/Sunland/Eagle Rock residents: City of LA DWP website.

CV WEEKLY: http://www.crescentavalleyweekly.com/

NEXTDOOR: https://help.nextdoor.com/customer/en/portal/topics/364757-about-nextdoor?b_id=98

FACEBOOK: CV Ready and/or CV Fire Safe Council + LASD, LA Co. Fire and others.

RADIO: https://www.amazon.com/Crane-Observer-Weather-Flashlight-COBS/dp/B005F5II1I

400w INVERTER: https://www.amazon.com/BESTEK-Power-Inverter-Adapter-Charging/dp/B00UFERZKO

Tips: Post earthquake lighting: Don’t use candles(aftershocks/gas leaks). Pre PO: Fill empty freezer space with ice blocks/frozen water. Post PO: If freezer door is not opened after the PO, items will stay frozen up to 24 hours.