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Public Safety Power Shutoffs

During extreme weather or wildfire conditions, the local energy company may proactively turn off power for public safety.

ABOUT PG&E PUBLIC SAFETY POWER (PSPS) SHUTOFFS

Due to the increased intensity and frequency of wildfires in Northern California, the California Public Utilities Commission has required that the electrical grid power down in areas prone to fires in times of elevated risk.

In response, PG&E may occasionally implement an expanded PSPS that may impact Tuolumne County. PG&E has indicated it will provide notice 48 hours before a planned power shutoff, when possible. The PG&E notice will trigger the activation of the TCSOS’s three-phased response plan. Families and staff can expect an email, voice, or text message through our TCSOS emergency contact system during this response.

PHASE 1: 48 Hours before the Planned Power Shutoff: Early warning that PG&E has given 48-hour notification of a possible power shutoff and that the TCSOS is monitoring the situation. Under most circumstances, TCSOS will not initiate closures of schools or offices based upon this 48-hour notification. At this point, please plan to report to work until you receive further notice.

PHASE 2: 24 Hours Before the Planned Power Shutoff: Families and employees will receive an update informing them if the power shutoff is still scheduled. If the power shutoff is still expected, TCSOS will notify you no later than 5 PM that schools and offices will be closed the following day. PLEASE NOTE: During an extended power outage, many functions of TCSOS continue, and some employees may be expected to report to work. Supervisors will communicate to staff what their responsibilities are during the outage.

PHASE 3: During the Planned Power Shutoff: You will receive daily updates until power is restored and schools and offices are back to business as usual. TCSOS will post updates on this page as well as on social media.

Is Your Contact Information Up-To-Date?

To ensure that you receive TCSOS Emergency Notifications, please make sure your contact information is up-to-date and accurate. TCSOS employees can access the Employee Emergency Information Form in our Employee Forms & Resources section of this website.

POWER OUTAGE RESOURCES

At TCSOS, we believe that planning is the best safeguard. With this in mind, we have provided additional information and resources below to help you and your family prepare for extended power outages. Please remember that TCSOS employees affected by an extended power outage at home are expected to be prepared to attend work as regularly scheduled unless otherwise directed. All absences must be approved by a direct supervisor and reported either in Aesop or to your supervisor.

  • Ensure you receive updated information from PG&E by updating your contact information at www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts.
  • Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your family’s medical needs when the power goes out.
  • Review the supplies available in your household in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water stored to meet your family’s basic needs for at least a few days.
  • Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer to know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
  • Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
  • Know how to open electric garage doors and gates manually.

Together, we can work to ensure that employees, families, and students are informed, prepared, and safe during a power outage.