The California ISO has issued a “Flex Alert”
for voluntary electricity conservation … due to predicted high temperatures pushing up energy demand and [draining] available power supplies.
Consumers are urged to conserve … especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when the grid is most stressed due to higher demand [as solar energy flatlines for the day and wind energy fades].
Reducing energy use during a Flex Alert can help stabilize the power grid [and keep local energy disruptions to a minimum]...
For information on Flex Alerts, and to get more electricity conservation tips, visit the
ISO’s Flex Alert website
— 4:00 to 9:00pm is the time period when energy supply to the grid from renewable sources dips and flatlines as the sun goes down and the winds fade. AND ALSO when adults are getting home from work and kids fom summer activities, expecting to flip the A.C. on, nuke meals, use the computer, watch TV…
Meanwhile the grid is getting pushed to the brink, unless we PREPARE IN ADVANCE to help one another get safely through the afternoon and evening.
TONIGHT Californians PLEASE:
- Pre-cool home by setting the thermostat to as low as 72 degrees
- Use major appliances — o Washer and dryer o Dishwasher o Oven and stove for pre-cooking and preparing meals and doing household tasks in advance
- Adjust blinds and drapes to cover windows
- Fill clean waiting-to-recyle plastic bottles 9/10 full with water to fit all empty space in freezer and fridge, and put’em in.
Tomorrow, midday/early afternoon:
- Pre-cool again to 72 degrees.
BEFORE 3:30pm:
- Set thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
- Prepare ice-chests with water, cold snacks, etc., so you can keep fridge and freezer shut in case a POWER OUTAGE does happen — it could go on for hours, or longer, and you don’t want those appliances losing cold and spoiling food from opening them until it’s safe (after a blackout, leave them shut a few hours to re-refridge if at all possible).
- Prepare battery-power & rechargeable lanterns/flashlights (and portable emergency radios, if you have them, hand-crankable or otherwise) so you can move around safely if a blackout does happen … and so you can read a book or play board-games etc during this time period.
- Shut off all possible remaining electrics … anything plugged into the wall, and shut off all unnecessary lights..
- Make sure the pets are somewhere safe.
More recommendations for power outage safety and prep, boiled down from PG&E:
<big>[A.]</big> Electric companies can shut off power in any condition of high fire risk sparking their equipment. For planned blackouts, elec companies MUST notify customers 48 AND 24 hour ahead by automated calls, texts & emails, in person leaving a door hanger at the homes of Medical Baseline Customers if necessary. So, MAKE SURE YOU CAN AND WILL RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS AND KEEP IN AS GOOD COMMUNICATION AS POSSIBLE:
⦁ Sign up & keep current your mailing address, landline, cell# & email at your utility company and local (city, or county) office of Emergency Management to receive as all possible info & contact.
⦁ If you have a landline, sign up for Reverse 911 at the Sheriff’s Office and other local agencies.
⦁ Ask your local fire department and/or ready.gov if your community has a Community Resilience Center near you that serves as a hub for assistance in disasters, and an Emergency Response Team.
⦁ Copper-wire phones (POTS/plain old telephone service) may keep working -- they don't use the power grid. But fiber & cell likely will go dead, ditto internet & TV. If your landline is fiber optic VoIP or cable, ask your provider the recommended back-up battery or Uninterrupted Power Systems to get.
⦁ Keep cell phones charged, in case cell towers stay working. Keep laptop computer with USB ports charged to recharge cellfones. Get correct USB adaptor to recharge from your vehicle’s lighter outlet.
⦁ If a friend or relative has a generator or backup power, arrange to go there in emergencies.
⦁ Protect your electronics so you stay in communication: keep all your electronic equipment always plugged into surge protectors to prevent surge damage when power is restored.
<big>[B]</big> PREVENT/AVOID FOOD SPOILAGE, SANITATION PROBLEMS, & Rx Problems
⦁ Have a cooler, and keep ice packs &/or waterbottles always stored in your freezer. A few hours before planned blackouts, put as much as fits of what you'll need into the cooler from fridge & freezer, and don’t open them again until 4 hours after the power has been restored.
⦁ 48 hours ahead of blackout, pack freeze & fridge with water bottles in all empty space — this will sustain cold when the power goes out, and keep them shut until 6 hours after all clear. The fridge should thereby keep food safe 6-8 hours without power, freezer 48-60 hours tops.
⦁ Keep stocked with shelt-stable & canned food, bottled water and a hand-operated can opener, also for pets.
⦁ Keep a supply of meds & 1st Aid in the home: pharmacy electrics, including computerized cash registers, won't work if they have no backup generator, so they may not sell anything during outages.
⦁ Water supply should be OK, even hot water IF it’s gas-heated. To be safe, keep a stock of full gallon jugs for washing & toilet flushing (DO NOT let escretia pile up - it'll clog & overflow), by saving and relabelling gallon jugs from bleach, vinegar, and other household supplies you routinely purchase in that size.
To flush the toilet, either fill the tank to usual level from the jugs OR [1] open 2 jugs and [2] only THEN pour both into bowl in quick succession to cause flush.
With a camping "dry" toilet stool using plastic bags & anti-microbial powder, urinate separately & pour in garden to minimize sewage.
<big>[C.]</big> HOW TO NOT BE COMPLETELY IN THE DARK
⦁ Have Emergency lights that stay plugged in recharging under ordinary conditions that turn on when the power goes off.
⦁ Own several kinds of flashlights and lanterns —solar, rechageable, battery-power, crank-power— so all needs can be met, and keep fresh batteries stocked up.
⦁ Own a battery-operated, hand-crank or solar radio.
Commenters, please add your experienced prep suggestions!