Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) has announced that it may activate its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) protocols in response to a high wind event and Red Flag Warning. The PSPS could begin as early as noon on Saturday, October 26, 2019. 

The attached news release from the Marin County Office of Emergency Services provides more information about the potential shutoff. In addition to the steps we all must take as individuals, the Town has taken the following steps to prepare for this event:

• The Tiburon Police will have extra officers on duty starting tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. and will maintain that elevated staffing level throughout the PSPS event. 
• Public Works staff is working with CalTrans to provide portable generators that will power the traffic signals at 6 intersections along Tiburon Boulevard. 
• Town Hall, which has a backup generator, will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday to allow residents access to power for charging phones, etc. If the PSPS event continues into Monday, residents are welcome to come back to Town Hall as often as necessary to keep their devices charged. Please remember, we will have plenty of outlets available for charging, but you must bring your own charging cable suitable for your particular device.

Keep reading for tips on how to stay informed and get ready for a potential shutoff. 

Stay Informed

• Sign up to receive safety information on Nixle by texting your ZIP code to 888-777.
• Sign up for AlertMarin notifications to receive information on immediate threats to personal safety or property, tailored to an address of your choosing.
• Sign-up for PSPS Zip Code Alerts by texting ENROLL to 97633 or by calling 1-877-9000-PGE
• Update contact information with PG&E at www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts or by calling 1-866-743-6589.

Get Ready

• Identify several evacuation routes for your location in case roads are blocked. Tell someone out of the area which routes you plan to use.
• Keep vehicles fueled and ready in case of an evacuation.
• Make a list of what you’ll want to take with you if you leave your home quickly. Consider the Five P’s of Evacuation: People/Pets; Prescriptions; Papers; Personal Needs; Priceless Items.
• Talk to a medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Take stock of batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Take inventory of available supplies such as food, water, clothing, and flashlight batteries.
• Have some cash available in case retail point-of-sale devices are unable to accept credit cards during an outage.
• Check thermometers in refrigerators and freezers during an outage. Dispose of perishable food if the appliance temperature reaches 40 degrees or higher for an extended period.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged.
• Know how to manually open electric garage doors and gates.
• For more information, including what to do during a power outage, visit www.readymarin.org and www.ready.gov.