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Pacific Palisades Fires: Correcting Misinformation about LADWP’s Water System

LADWP Crews are at the Ready to Respond to 1st Major Storm of Season Utility reminds customers to stay safe, report outages and turn off sprinklers

LADWP Crews are at the Ready to Respond to 1st Major Storm of Season

Utility reminds customers to stay safe, report outages and turn off sprinklers 
LOS ANGELES — With the first major rainstorm of the season expected to hit the Southland tomorrow, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is ready to respond to rain-related power outages that may occur. During storms, power poles and lines can be knocked down by tree limbs, palm fronds or other debris and can cause power outages. This is especially true during early season storms, when dried out palm fronds and tree branches can break easily and severe power lines. LADWP crews are at the ready  around-the-clock to restore power to any affected customers as quickly and safely as possible.

LADWP also urges its customers to use caution around any downed power lines, which can be fatal. Any downed power line should be treated as if it is “live” and reported immediately by calling 9-1-1. Anyone experiencing a power outage should call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) and use the automated telephone system to report it.  The automated information is relayed to dispatchers and customer service representatives to respond.  Outage information is available online at www.ladwp.com and updates are posted on Twitter (@LADWP) during storms.

In preparation for the rain, LADWP also reminds customers to turn off their sprinklers. The State of California remains in a serious drought, and continued water conservation is important to help preserve precious drinking water supplies.

LADWP offers the following additional tips for electrical safety during a storm:

When Around Downed Power Lines

  • Never touch a downed or dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized.
  • 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 9-1-1.
  • Don’t touch anyone in contact with a power source – you could be killed or seriously injured. Instead, turn off power at the control panel and immediately call for help.
  • 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
  • Stay away from metal fences, such as a chain link fence – 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 9-1-1.

If Your Power Goes Out

  • 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 LADWP and report your outage at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397).

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