Malibu faces possible power shutoff this week as Santa Ana winds create a high risk of fire conditions.
If the shutoff happens, it would start at midnight on Oct. 15. The City of Malibu says that the shutoff is meant to prevent downed electrical equipment from starting fires as wind picks up.
Southern California’s primary electric utility company, Edison, notified the city of the possibility of shutting off power to residents as a safety precaution with upcoming high wind speeds.
The electric company also told the city that it will be cutting power to central and western Malibu as well as the city’s Cuthbert, Galahad, Maguire and Merlin circuits. The company will also notify customers of the shutoff directly.
This week, the National Weather Service forecasts hot, dry conditions and Santa Ana winds intensifying Tuesday through Friday. Wind gusts could reach 70 mph, putting conditions in the “high risk” category for wildfires. The hottest days this week will be Thursday and Friday, with highs in the upper 80s and 90s.
Even when winds finally die down, crews will need about eight hours to inspect lines before power is fully restored. The city of Malibu is advising residents to be prepared for not only power outages, but cell service outages, traffic signal outages, fires and evacuations.
Residents should take safety measures such as looking up your circuit, keeping phones charged and vehicle tanks full, calling 911 if there is smoke, reviewing evacuation routes, and preparing emergency supplies. Evacuate early and take extra precautions if you are disabled, elderly, or a horse owner, and residents should check on vulnerable neighbors.
Under California law, residents should come to a complete stop when approaching a malfunctioning traffic signal, use extreme caution when doing activities that could cause sparks and residents should sign up for L.A. County alerts to stay informed and up to date on what’s happening.
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