Tom LaBonge Newsletter: Wind, Preparedness and More

3-1-1 Call Service Extended Tonight Due to Ongoing WindEvent
Due to the high volume of calls received and the continuing wind storm, 3-1-1 hours will be extended continuously throughout the evening and early morning hours 5pm to 8am with no interruption of services. Normal 3-1-1 business hours on Friday December 2, 2011 are currently planned from 8am through 4:45pm.

If You Have a Power-Outage
LADWP strongly encourages the public to be vigilant and cautious to stay safe during this storm. Stay away from any downed power lines and poles as well as downed trees and limbs, and protect children home from school today from the same. Beware of traffic signals that may be affected by power outage and proceed with extreme caution. Allow access for uniformed LADWP crews, all of whom carry Department-issued identification cards, so they may service infrastructure in need of repair. 
In the event of a power outage:
Stay calm.
Have a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Don’t use candles in a power outage.
Turn off lights but leave one light turned on so you will know when your service is restored.
Turn off and unplug appliances and other electrical equipment. Unplug heat-producing items like irons and space heaters. This helps prevent circuit overloading, which could delay restoration of service.
Call us and report your outage at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397).
If you encounter a downed power line:
Report any downed power lines immediately by calling the LADWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
Do not touch a downed or dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized.
If a power line falls on your car, stay in the car and wait for help. If you must get out, make sure you do not touch the metal parts of the car and the ground at the same time. The safest exit method is to open the door, stand on the door sill and jump free without touching the car.
Stay away from metal fences, such as chain link fence, as there may be a power line down and touching the fence somewhere beyond your sight.
If there is damage to the connection from the power pole to your house, you should go to the electrical box and turn off the main switch or shut off the fuse switch. Again, always assume electric lines are live.
In case of an electrical emergency, stay calm and think before you act. Don't become a victim while trying to help others. Call 911.
If someone is shocked or not breathing, apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR.) Then cover the victim with a blanket, keep their head low and get medical attention.


Tips for Dealing with the Wind
With the resumption of seasonal winds, the Los Angeles Fire Departmentreminds Southern Californian's to use caution at home, in the workplace and on the road.

Strong winds compound wildfire danger. We therefore ask residents - especially those in foothill and wildland communities, to use caution with flame, heat and spark producing equipment, including vehicles, barbecues and power tools.

Those living near flammable vegetation should remain vigilant to the possibility of brush or structure fires, and report nearby smoke and flames immediately to 9-1-1.

Additional preparation, such as a fire safety survey of your property and a review of household emergency and neighborhood evacuation plans can help remove the apprehension that many of us feel when winds begin to blow.

With the possibility of downed power lines causing local power outages, drivers should use extreme caution when approaching darkened traffic signals. Whether driving on a main thoroughfare or a side street, motorists should treat all non-functioning traffic signals as a four way stop.

If you encounter downed wires, assume them to be energized and potentially lethal. Be careful that such wires haven't electrically charged puddles of water, chain link fences or other conductive sources.

In many circumstances, but especially during high winds, firefighters discourage the use of candles, lighters, fire pits and fuel-powered lanterns.

Now is a good time to fully charge your cell phone, check your flashlights, portable radios and spare batteries. Place these items strategically, and make sure others know how to find them. Before you activate a portable generator, make certain you know how to use a generator legally and safely.

And finally, please take a moment now to secure household items, such as outdoor furniture, that could cause harm or damage if catapulted by a wind gust, and to remove flammable items from around your home. 

When outdoors, be careful for toppling trees, wind-blown debris or high profile vehicles buffeted by turbulent wind. If you must get behind the wheel, Los Angeles Firefighters remind you: "Heads Up, Easy on the Throttle and Expect the Unexpected!"