Preparing for a Public Safety Power Shutoff
09/16/2019 -
As you may be aware, PG&E may implement Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during this fire season in order to help reduce the risk of wildfires. SCOE has been informed by the county’s emergency preparedness that the likelihood a PSPS during the fire season is high. Once implemented, a PSPS could impact significant portions of the county and could last for as much as five days. We expect to get 24-48 hours notice before a PSPS occurs.
SCOE Protocol
In the event of a power shutoff, SCOE will observe the following protocol:
- If the shutoff occurs unexpectedly during the work/school day, SCOE offices will remain open as long as phone and internet service remains intact (about three hours) and as long as conditions are safe. Offices will be closed for subsequent days that the power remains out. Essential personnel, such as those on the SCOE emergency management team, IT, and payroll staff, may be called in or need to work remotely.
- If the shutoff occurs overnight and power is lost at SCOE facilities, employees will not be expected to report to work until the power is restored. They should check in regularly with their supervisor. Email updates on the status of the power outage will be provided if possible. Essential personnel, such as those on the SCOE emergency management team, IT, and payroll staff, may be called in or need to work remotely.
- SCOE Special Education classes will observe the school closure protocol of the school sites where they are located. Classes serving students with specific medical needs may need to close earlier than their host school site, as decided by Assistant Superintendent of Special Education, Mandy Corbin.
- SCOE Alternative Education classes will also follow the decisions of nearby school districts (Santa Rosa City Schools for Amarosa and Petaluma City Schools for Petaluma). Staff will be noticed by Alternative Education Director, Georgia Ioakimedes.
- The Juvenile Justice Center and Probation Camp have backup generators, so school is expected to proceed as usual in the event of a power shutoff.
If you have questions about this protocol, please discuss it with your supervisor.
Preparing for a PSPS at Home
It is also important to prepare personally for a PSPS. Be sure to have backup supplies of food, water, medications, and cash at your house. Have a plan for how to communicate with family members if the power is out and cell phone towers are not working. Following are some resources regarding how to prepare.
