Utility Outage Preparedness in Santa Monica

Our transportation, commerce, clean water, electricity, and communications systems all rely on a vast network of critical infrastructure systems to function smoothly. In addition to general system failures, natural and human-caused disasters also have the potential to cause power, water, natural gas and other utility outages. Destruction or damage to one of the systems may have an impact on the others.

Taking steps to prepare for day-to-day utility outages can help you be better equipped for bigger emergency events. Know how to respond to a utility outage.

To report utility outages and learn more about preparing for these events, visit the webpages of Santa Monica's main utility providers:

Southern California Edison power outage (for power outage specifically)
Southern California Edison (for general preparedness information)
SoCalGas
Santa Monica Water Resources

Learn more about preparing for other Santa Monica hazards here.

FAQ

How do I report a utility outage?

For day-to-day outages of utilities, please report disruptions directly to the service provider via the following websites or phone numbers. Unless the outage poses an imminent threat to your health and safety, or you are trapped as a result of a utility outage, please refrain from calling 911 to report an outage. 911 operators routinely see increased call volume during utility outages, and it is important to ensure dispatchers can quickly provide services to those in danger.

After a major disaster, such as a large earthquake, residents should expect widespread utility outages. During these events, City and utility operators will deploy crews to neighborhoods across the City to assist with identifying critical utility outages and to conduct surveys. Individual notifications to the utility companies are not needed after major disasters, due to the possibility that utility operators may preventatively turn off services until system inspections can be completed.

To report a utility outage to the service provider contact:

Southern California Edison - (Electrical): https://www.sce.com/outage-center/report-an-outage or call 1-800-611-1911
Southern California Gas /SoCalGas - (Natural Gas): 1-800-427-2200 and/or call 911, if there is an imminent threat to your health and safety.

City of Santa Monica Water Resources - (Water, Sewer, Stormwater & Wastewater):

Monday through Thursday (7:00 AM- 4:30 PM) = 310-458-8531

Fridays (7:00 AM - 3:30 PM) = 310-458-8531

After hours and on weekends = 310-434-2672

What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?

A Public Safety Power Shutoff is a temporary shut off of electricity by a system operator to an area that has dangerous weather conditions and is at high-risk for wildfire. The planned electricity outage is to prevent the electric system from becoming a source of fire ignition. Santa Monica is not typically impacted by PSPS events, however, should a local PSPS event occur, a significant area of Santa Monica could be impacted by electrical outages.

Learn more and get the status of current PSPS events at: Public Safety Power Shutoffs/Wildfire/Home -SCE.

What is a Flex Alert?

A Flex Alert is issued by California ISO (Independent System Operator) and serves as a request for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity in events where there is high demand and an anticipated shortage of energy across the State. Flex Alerts may occur with little or no advanced notice but typically occur during extremely hot weather. By collectively lowering energy use, residents and businesses have the ability to prevent an electrical grid emergency and rotating power outages.

Each household and business has the power to prepare to a Flex Alert by doing the following:

Turn off unnecessary lights
Close blinds to keep the sun from heating up spaces
Charge cell phones and electric vehicles overnight or in the morning. Be sure to reserve enough energy to last through a Flex Alert event.
Use major appliances like dishwashers, ovens and washing machines in the morning
For air conditioned areas, pre-cool your home in the morning and then raise thermostat to 78 degrees when conservation is needed
During conservation periods, avoid using major appliances and charging devices

To learn more visit California ISO’s webpage.

What should my household do in a power outage?

Day to day power outages may occur due to scheduled maintenance or may be unexpected and caused by weather events or damage to a power line, pole or transformer. Taking steps to prepare for smaller power outages can help you be ready if an extended outage occurs during a major disaster event, like an earthquake.

To prepare for a power outage, have the following supplies ready:

Flashlights and applicable batteries
Lantern and applicable batteries
Extra batteries for all battery powered devices
Non-perishable or canned food and a non-mechanical can opener
Potable water
Portable solar chargers or power banks for essential supplies, like cell phones
Cooler
Portable solar or gas-powered generator and extension cords
Working carbon monoxide detectors
Cash, including small bills, if ATM and credit machines are not operable

During a power outage, do the following to minimize the outage's impacts:

Use battery powered lanterns and flashlights to light your home
Keep refrigerator and freezers closed to prevent food spoilage. For more information about food safety after a power outage visit here.
Use gas-powered generators, camping stoves, and charcoal grills ONLY outdoors and 20 feet away from windows
Do NOT use a gas stove or oven to heat your home
To prevent damage from electrical surges, turn off and unplug appliances and devices like televisions and computers
Do NOT use candles during a power outage which results from an earthquake, as they could pose a fire hazard during aftershocks
If you require a power-dependent medical device or refrigerated medications, activate your emergency plan

If I am dependent on an electrically powered medical device, what should I do to prepare?

Persons who are dependent on electrically-powered medical equipment, like a hospital bed, oxygen generator, or motorized wheelchair should have a back-up power supply and an emergency plan with what to do if their power fails. Individuals should also see if they qualify to enroll in Southern California Edison's Medical Baseline Program. This program provides additional electricity per day at the lowest baseline cost. During PSPS events or rotating power outages, SCE attempts to notify Medical Baseline customers to give as much advanced warning as possible so they may activate their emergency plan. To learn more visit SCE's program webpage link here or call 1-800-655-4555.

SCE also offers backup power solutions and rebates for portable power solutions and generators. Those who live in high-risk wildfire areas and are Medical Baseline customers pre-qualify for SCE's Critical Care Backup Battery Program. Learn more about different tools, resources, and programs here.

If you are dependent on refrigerated medications, talk to your physician about your emergency plan. Find out how long your medication can be stored at a higher temperature and specific directions on what to do, especially if the medication is life-essential. Consider having a back-up power supply to run a refrigerator or having someone's house you can go to in the event of a power outage.

What should I do if I smell natural gas?

If you smell natural gas near your home or business and suspect a leak, first evacuate to a safe location. Do not use electronics or turn off electronic devices or lights. Do not operate vehicles or motorized equipment. Do not smoke, light a match, candle or other flame. When you reach a safe location, immediately report the potential gas leak to 9-1-1, then call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200.

When should I turn off my natural gas in an emergency?

In a major disaster event, like a large earthquake, after the shaking stops and ONLY if it is safe to do so, check your natural gas meter. Only turn off natural gas if you identify one of the following natural gas leak warning signs:

Smell of natural gas
Hear whistling or hissing near gas meter
See dirt or water blowing in the air
See a dry patch of grass in an otherwise green area

Use the SoCal Gas website for identifying your natural gas meter and directions on how to turn off your natural gas. When a natural gas meter has been shut off, a SoCal Gas technician or other qualified professional should perform a safety inspection before the natural gas is turned back on and appliance pilots are relit. Only turn off your natural gas during a major disaster IF you identify a warning sign AND it is safe to do so.

What can I do to prevent a natural gas leak at my home in an earthquake?

Earthquake natural gas shutoff valves and excess flow valves automatically shut off or restrict the flow of natural gas during a significant earthquake. Installation prevents the risk of fires caused by gas leaks. After 2008, Santa Monica Municipal Code requires earthquake-actuated automatic gas shutoff systems be installed on fuel gas piped to new construction and existing buildings with renovations costing over $10,000 and during the sale/exchange of a building. Learn more here.

To learn more about installing earthquake shutoff valves, visit the SoCalGas webpage.

How should I prepare for a water utility disruption?

A disruption to the water supply and water emergencies can have significant impacts on a community. Natural disasters, like earthquakes, may have significant impacts on water and wastewater infrastructure and the delivery of water to homes and businesses. Delivering clean and safe water to Santa Monica is a City priority every day and in times of disaster.

Having water in your household disaster kit is essential. Every household should aim to have at least 3 gallons of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs. Some individuals may need additional water supplies, considering medical conditions and special needs like making baby formula and activity levels.

Clean water may also be found in your home. Water for your home’s water heater tank, melted ice cubes, and from your home’s toilet tank (if clear and without toilet cleaners) can be potential water sources after a disaster.

Do not use water you suspect is contaminated, as it could be unsafe and cause illness. During a disaster it may be necessary to treat water, through processes like boiling or light chlorination. It is a good idea to have a container of bleach and coffee filters in your disaster kit should you have to treat water. It is always best to drink water you know is not contaminated first and follow the directions of local government and health officials.

Learn more here.

How should I communicate during a landline or cell phone outage?

During a large disaster, internet and cell phone towers may suffer outages. Most landlines are now connected to internet and may not be used during a disaster event. During major emergencies phone systems will likely be damaged or overwhelmed. You are more likely to reach someone who is out of state and through text message. Have a communications plan with your family or close group of friends using text. It is best for the group to individually text a point of contact out of state and then that individual has the responsibility to provide the group with status updates and information. It’s a good idea for this person to be able to update your social media pages to let friends and family know you’re safe.

In widespread disaster, only report life safety emergencies where you immediately need police, firefighters, or paramedics to respond. During these events, calling 9-1-1 may not work. First responders have a plan to conduct a block-by-block survey of the City to identify major emergencies to prioritize where to send resources. If you see a City official driving or working, flag them down and ask them to report the life safety emergency using their radio system.

If you cannot use a phone to call 9-1-1, try texting 9-1-1. If you’re unable to reach a dispatcher by text, send someone to report the emergency to a local fire station or police station. Learn more about reporting emergencies to Santa Monica dispatchers using text message here.