SEPTEMBER 9, 2022 (LOS ANGELES)–With rain and wind in the forecast for today and Saturday, LADWP has scheduled additional field crews who are ready to respond to and restore outages, should they occur. The most frequent cause of power outages during heavy rain and wind storms is flying debris, like tree branches and palm fronds, that can make contact with power lines, resulting in outages. This is particularly true with the first rain after an extended period of time, and especially after the dry conditions like the kind the region has seen as a result of the drought.
LADWP urges all customers to use caution around downed or dangling power lines or poles. If you see a downed wire, always assume it is LIVE and immediately dial 9-1-1. Never touch any wire that is down or dangling. Even communication lines may become energized during extreme conditions.
Depending on the amount of rain that falls, dried, brittle tree branches and trees can fall from soaking up an excess amount of moisture. Downed trees can result in extended outages as the affected power lines must be deenergized and the tree cut down and removed, before crews can begin restoration work.
Outages may also occur if rain seeps underground into electrical vaults, causing damage to distribution equipment. Vaults are designed to be waterproof to avoid outages, but can become flooded from excess wear and tear, combined with localized flooding.
Customers should report an outage by calling LADWP customer service at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) or online at www.ladwp.com/outages. To sign up to receive outage alerts via email and/or text for neighborhood outages, customers can visit, www.ladwp.com/outagealert.
Once again, if you encounter a downed wire, always assume it’s live, do not make contact with the wire, and call 911.
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