September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, and it’s a timely reminder for Angelenos to always be equipped for emergencies. Whether it be a heatwave, windstorm, or unexpected power outage, preparation is key to staying safe and informed for all emergencies.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) recognizes how disruptive outages can be and remains committed to restoring power services to all customers as quickly and safely as possible. When outages occur, LADWP prioritizes keeping customers in the loop every step of the way while crews work tirelessly day and night until full service is restored.
Staying Informed During Power Outages
LADWP offers several tools to help customers report outages, track restoration progress, and receive timely updates:
- Reporting Outages: Visit www.LADWP.com/Outages or call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) to notify the Department of any service disruptions.
- Outage Map: On LADWP’s outage website (www.LADWP.com/Outages), there is an interactive map of the Department’s service territory that marks communities with power outages using colored dots. The size of each dot reflects the number of customers impacted by the outage, while the colors represent the outage status (e.g. crews en route, crews working). Clicking on a dot reveals outage details such as start time and estimated time of restoration, when available.
- Outage Alerts: Customers can sign up any time to receive email and/or text notifications regarding power outages for up to three neighborhoods. Notifications are sent after an outage occurs, when outage updates are available, and when services are restored.
- Social Media: Follow LADWP on X (@LADWP) and NextDoor for outage updates, safety tips, and service restoration news.
What to Do When You Experience a Power Outage
In case of a power outage, be prepared and stay safe by following these valuable tips:
- Never touch a downed wire. Always assume wires are live and dangerous. Stay away and call 911 to report downed wires.
- Stay calm and assess your surroundings.
- Use flashlights instead of candles and have extra batteries nearby.
- Keep a fully charged cell phone or cell-phone battery pack on-hand so you have a backup power source and access to online information.
- Switch off all lights except one so you know when power is restored.
- Turn off and unplug electrical equipment, appliances, and heat-producing items to prevent circuit overloading and service restoration delays.
- Close refrigerator and freezer doors to protect their contents.
- Check on vulnerable friends and neighbors to make sure they are safe.
Emergency Preparedness is a Community Effort
In conclusion, emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, Angelenos can help protect themselves, their families, friends, and their communities. LADWP continues working diligently to ensure reliable service and clear communication during power outages.
For more information and resources, please visit:
· www.LADWP.com/Outages for outage information, to sign up for outage alerts, or to report an outage.
· www.LADWP.com/EmergencyPreparedness for tips on how to prepare for an emergency
· Call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) to reach our Customer Service representatives where you can also report a power outage.
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