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LADWP READIES FOR MAJOR STORM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 2, 2007

CONTACT:    LADWP PUBLIC AFFAIRS, 213-367-1815
UPDATES: WWW.LADWPNEWS.COM

 

LADWP READIES FOR MAJOR STORM WITH APPOINTMENT OF
POWER OUTAGE MANAGEMENT TEAM,
REMINDS CUSTOMERS TO ALWAYS PUT SAFETY FIRST
 

CREWS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS PLACED ON ‘STORM ALERT’

LOS ANGELES – In advance of a severe winter storm expected to bring heavy rainfall to the City, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) General Manager David Nahai announced the formation of a Power Outage Management Team today to ensure that the utility is prepared to respond to storm-caused electrical problems as quickly as possible.  The team is comprised of senior managers from the Power System, Customer Service, Security, and public affairs among others. 

Nahai directed DWP managers to place additional power restoration crews and customer service representatives on standby and has designated personnel to manage the storm response for the next several days. 

“We are taking all possible steps to keep the lights on and power flowing in Los Angeles during the forecasted winter storm.  In the event that any customer loses power during the storm, they can be assured that our dedicated crews are doing everything possible to restore their power as quickly – and safely – as possible.  We are leveraging all available resources to ensure safe, prompt restoration of power in the event of outages as well as increase the level of communication with customers,” Nahai said.  “While we can’t control what mother nature does to our power lines and poles, we can control our restoration and customer service efforts, he added”

Media are advised to check http://www.ladwpnews.com/ for the latest outage conditions during the storm.  When outages surpass 10,000 customers, LADWP staff will begin posting outage updates on the site until full restoration is achieved.  Customers can also access the site for general outage information or contact customer service at 1-800-DIAL-DWP.

During winter storms, winds and rain cause havoc for power poles and lines, which can be knocked down by fallen trees, blowing branches or other hazards, prompting officials to warn customers about the dangers of fallen power lines.

“The message is don’t go near power lines, whether they are on poles or have fallen on the ground,” Nahai said. “If you come across a downed power line, call 911 or 1-800-DIAL-DWP.”

To the unsuspecting person, power lines look harmless enough. Yet coming in contact with power lines or other electrical equipment can cause serious injuries or even death. Downed wires are often still charged, and can carry thousands of volts of electricity. The hazard is the same whether the person touches a wire directly or does so with any object.

The LADWP recommends the following winter storm safety tips:

Winter Storm Safety Tips

  • Stock up now on emergency supplies: flashlights, batteries, portable radio and a wind-up or battery-powered clock, plus a phone with a cord. (Cordless phones do not operate in a power outage.)
  • Make backup power arrangements now to prevent disruption of service to electrically powered medical equipment needed by you or a family member. If you are medically needy, call the DWP to ensure your account is noted so that in the event of an outage, you can be contacted.
  • 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. If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
  • 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. Then call for help and tell them it’s an electrical injury.
  • 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 time. The safest method is to open the door, stand on the door sill and jump free without touching the car.
  • 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 911.
  • If someone is shocked or not breathing, apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Then cover the victim with a blanket, keep their head low and get medical attention.
  • To report a power outage, call the LADWP 24-hour hotline at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). Please be patient, we may be experiencing delays due to the high volume of calls. When the Power Goes Out
    • Check the neighborhood first to see if others have their power. If they do, the problem may be a “tripped” circuit breaker or a blown fuse. If your neighbors don’t have power, call 1-800-DIAL DWP.
    • Do not use candles for lighting during an outage, since they create a fire hazard. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead.
    • Do not use equipment designed for outdoor cooking indoors. Such equipment-including charcoal and gas grills-can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases, which can harm you and your family.
    • Unplug heat-producing items such as irons or portable heaters to prevent a fire when power is restored.
    • Turn off and unplug all appliances and other electrical equipment, except for a single light bulb, which will be the signal your power has been restored. This helps ensure against circuit overloading, which could delay restoration of service.

    Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
    The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was established more than 100 years ago to provide a reliable and safe water and electric supply to the City of Los Angeles residents and businesses. The LADWP serves approximately 1.4 million electric customers and 680,000 water service customers. For more information, log on to http://www.ladwp.com/.