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East County News Service
February 22, 2023 – The storm has caused power outages amid frigid weather in some parts of East County. While power has been restored in most areas, power went down in parts of Borrego Springs last night due to weather affecting SDG&E equipment, and is not expected to be restored until this evening. Borrego resident Nikki Symington posted on Facebook, “I am freezing. No electricity since 9 last night."
According to SDG&E, “Last night at its peak 11,000 SDG&E customers were without power during the night, in addition to momentary outages caused by high winds. Crews have made significant progress in restoring thousands of customers and are working to restore remaining customers as quickly and safely as possible.”
The utility states that to protect the safety of its customers, employees and communities, the company has taken proactive steps to prepare for winter storms this week, with the strongest storm due this weekend. A news release from SDG&E states, “In anticipation of these storms, SDG&E increased the number of field crews and equipment available to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. The company’s meteorology team is also monitoring weather conditions minute-by-minute to help provide situational awareness to crews working hard to maintain the infrastructure that serves our communities. However, preparedness is a community effort, and the company encourages all of its customers to have a plan in place in case of unplanned outages.”
To help customers prepare for the upcoming storm, the company is sharing the following safety tips to help keep you and the region safe:
- If you see a downed power line or damaged electrical equipment:
- Always assume it is energized and stay away. Never touch a downed power line or damaged electrical equipment.
- Call 9-1-1 and SDG&E at (800) 411-SDGE (7343) to report it.
- If a person has come into contact with a power line, do not touch them. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Secure any loose outdoor items like umbrellas, patio furniture and garbage bins to prevent them from flying away and damaging power line
- Drive safely. During storm conditions, the number of cars hitting transformers or power poles increases, so be sure to slow down and allow more time for braking.
- Have a plan and kit with essential supplies. Keep a battery-operated radio and flashlights handy in case the power goes out. Check the batteries now to make sure the equipment works, and do not rely on candles for lighting during a power outage.
- In the event you do experience a power outage, customers are encouraged to visit sdge.com/outages for status updates and to view SDG&E’s outage map.
- If you rely on electrically operated medical equipment for your health and safety, make sure you have made backup power arrangements in case of an unplanned outage.
- If you see SDG&E crews working in the field, please be sure to slow down while driving to give them space to restore power as safely as possible
- For additional tips, customers can view SDG&E’s storm safety video here.
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