As fire season approaches in Southern Oregon, residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to mitigate wildfire risks and ensure community safety. Recognizing that safety is a collective effort, various strategies are being implemented, including enhanced weather monitoring, active vegetation management, and reinforcement of electrical systems to protect against fire hazards.
Ensuring the safety of the community is a top priority. As part of a comprehensive strategy, there may be times when power lines are de-energized during periods of heightened wildfire risk. This preventive measure aims to reduce the potential for fire ignition across the region.
Key Preventive Measures:
Enhanced Safety Settings: Advanced safety settings are used on devices that de-energize power lines upon detecting a fault. This immediate response minimizes the risk of fire ignition.
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): The decision to implement a PSPS is based on extreme weather conditions, including high wind speeds, low humidity, and critically dry fuels. These shutoffs are a precautionary measure to protect public safety during high-risk periods.
Encroachment Strategy: In the event of an active wildfire approaching power lines or equipment, an emergency de-energization may be executed to prevent the fire from spreading.
Community Preparedness:
To help residents prepare for wildfire season, the following recommendations are provided:
- Update Contact Information: Ensure your contact details are current with your utility provider and sign up for alerts to stay informed about potential outages and safety updates.
- Prepare an Outage Kit: Assemble an outage kit that includes essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and necessary medications.
- Create Defensible Space: Clear the area around your home of flammable vegetation and debris to create a defensible space that can help protect your property from wildfires.
- Plan for Medical Needs: If you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, consider obtaining a backup power source to ensure continuous operation during an outage.
- Sign Up for Emergency Notifications: Register for emergency notifications through your local emergency management or public safety website to receive timely updates and instructions.
For more detailed information on enhanced safety settings, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and additional preparedness tips, residents are encouraged to visit their utility provider’s wildfire safety page.
