Edison Offers Pointers in Case of More Blackouts

Wednesday night power outages left an estimated 81,000 Santa Barbara customers of Southern California Edison in the dark. More outages are expected and, on Thursday evening, Edison urged customers to prepare them in case they happen.

Southern California Edison has released tips on how to conserve as well as what to do if such an emergency repeats itself.

If you are without electrical service in your home or business, leave only one light on to serve as a signal that electrical service has been restored in your area. This will help limit stress on the electrical system when Edison restores service.

Turn off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronic equipment.

Do not rely on candles for lighting during a power outage because they could pose a fire hazard. Use flashlights instead.

Do not cook indoors with charcoal or other fossil fuels not meant for indoor use. They could create deadly fumes if used indoors.

If possible, stay out of areas severely impacted by the fire damage. Traffic signals could be inoperative, Edison equipment such as poles could be blocking streets and utility crews could be in the area making repairs.

If you see downed lines, please call SCE and report it to the police and fire departments immediately.

Back-up power arrangements should be made in advance for anyone dependent on medical equipment that uses electricity.