Prolonged power outages resulting from recent storms are possible and another atmospheric river is headed our direction next week between March 21 and 23, 2023.
For more information about outages, visit the PG&E outage map at https://pgealerts.alerts.pge.com/outagecenter/
Community members who are unsheltered are urged to take precautions against hypothermia and to go to warming centers.
The Los Gatos Library serves as a warming and charging center seven days a week during business hours from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For a complete list of warming center locations and hours of operation, visit www.PrepareSCC.org/ColdWeather. Anyone in need of overnight shelter should call (408) 539-2105 or email outreach@homefirstscc.org.
If you need to contact the Town regarding any issue related to the storm (flooding, downed trees, gutters, storm drains, etc.), contact Parks and Public Works Department at (408) 399-5770 during business hours (Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm). After hours, call Police Department Non-Emergency Communications at (408) 354-8600. If it is an emergency, such as trees blocking roads, downed power lines or a medical emergency, dial 911.
You can take the following steps to minimize the safety risks and inconvenience caused by a power outage:
- Keep important phone numbers, such as numbers of hospitals, fire departments, police, friends and relatives in a convenient location in case you need emergency help or other assistance.
- Have a backup plan to maintain any life support equipment.
- Keep a cellphone or hardwired, single-line telephone on hand. Cordless phones don’t work without electricity.
- Keep a flashlight with extra, fresh batteries in a convenient place. Avoid using candles because of the fire risk. If you must light candles, use extreme caution.
- Turn off heat-producing appliances such as ovens, stovetops and irons during an outage. This practice helps eliminate fire hazards that can occur when power is restored.
- Protect sensitive electronic equipment such as televisions and computers with surge suppressors. Unplug any such equipment that is in use when the power goes out.
- Ensure that food stays cold by keeping your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. You can keep the refrigerator cold by placing ice in plastic containers inside it. A full freezer stays colder, longer.
- Keep nonperishable food that doesn't require cooking on hand. Ensure that you have a manual can opener.
- Inform PG&E if you have a generator, and avoid using it unless you’re sure that it was installed safely and correctly. An incorrectly installed generator can damage your property. It can endanger you, and potentially harm PG&E line workers who may be working on nearby power lines.