The California electric grid operator issued the highest alert for an electrical emergency on Tuesday evening – sign that the grid cannot meet the state’s electricity needs and on facet of rolling blackouts.
The California Independent System Operator issued a Level 3 Alert at 5:17 pm. in effect until 20:00 Alert level 3 final step before calling for rolling blackouts.
“ISO expects high loads and temperatures,” the report says. announcement on network operator website. “CAISO predicts energy shortage with all available Resources in use for specified period of time. We call for maximum conservation efforts.”
Bye Alert in place participating customers will be directed by the utilities to use generators approved for emergency situations or reduce their consumption of electricity,” the administration said.
The agency noted that “electricity demand is currently forecast in more than 52,000 megawatts (MW) and new historical maximum for nets.”
Shortly before 16:00officials with Pacific Gas & Electric Co. stated that the utility reported more more than 525,000 clients to prepare for possible rolling blackouts”out of abundance of caution.”
Ben Gallagher, Edison’s spokesman for Southern California, approached The Times with an independent system operator. for questions on rolling blackouts. He said the utility was being prepared for in heat wave.
“It is extremely important during a long heat wave like save it, especially during hours of From 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm,” Gallagher said.
heat now a wave is expected last until Friday, but the worst of Maybe over for southern half of state – even as temperatures remain dangerously high.
For many of northern california, in heat expected peak on tuesday but they promise temperature remain Levels are well above the weekly average, according to the National Weather Service.
By Tuesday evening weather The service confirmed that in downtown Sacramento set constant temperature record. Height of 115 degrees surpassed the previous one record of 114 degrees set on July 17, 1925, meteorologists reported.
weather service office in Hanford reported that of 15:00, “all major weather connecting airports in in the San Joaquin Valley set daily record temperature“.
A day earlier, Livermore broke the record with 116. one degree higher than the previous record of 115 set September 3, 1950
In video posted on twitter on TuesdayGovernor Gavin Newsom named heat throughout California unprecedentedly, and warned that the state is heading for the most severe stretch.
” risk for blackouts real, and it’s immediate,” Newsom said. “These three-digit temperatures for many of leading state is not surprising to record demand on energy system”.
He said heat wave it”on track to be the hottest and longest on record” for California and parts of West for September.
The West has long gone through episodes of extreme temperatures, but studies have shown that human-caused climate change is making them heat waves more long, frequent and intense.
nutritional problems
California authorities called for flexible warning again Tuesday, hoping to volunteer power conservation can prevent rolling blackouts because demand peaks.
The key to avoiding Monday and Tuesday blackouts is to reduce energy consumption, officials said. use in in hours of highest consumption: in the late afternoon and evening.
Californians urged to reduce electricity use setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher if health permits, avoiding use of large household appliances and lathe off all unnecessary lights, officials said.
“We need two to three times as much conservation as we have experienced to save power on with these historically high temperatures and demand— Elliot Mainzer, Executive Director of California independent system operator who runs States power grid, warned on Monday news conference.
In response to a Flex alert first posted Wednesday, Californians lowered their energy use by about 2%.
“Everyone must contribute to help step up, for just a little more days… until help reduce voltage on grid,” Newsom said.
The Governor called people chill them first homes previously in day tuesday and wednesday to keep out sunlight by keeping the blinds closed, and especially to limit electricity use after 16:00
Warm Tips
I know
You can keep track of your area forecast by contacting the National Weather Service. website and search by citystate or zip code for in latest weather updates and alerts. Follow local officials and agencies on social media for advice and information on available Resources in your area. Hold on to extremes heat checklist to do sure you are ready.
Stay home and get dressed in light clothes
Officials of the National Weather Service and public health departments advise people stay indoors for as long as possibleespecially between 10:00 and 15:00 when the sun is at its strongest. If you are exercising outdoors, it is recommended to do so early. in in the morning or later in evening.
If you don’t have air air conditioning, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends going to the mall or public library. You can also contact your county website or call local health department to learn about cooling centers in your area. Another options turn on the cool shower twice a day or even find shaded yard or a park. (Health officials at UCLA say electrical fans will not prevent heat comorbidities when the temperature reaches 90 degrees and above.)
Watch out for heat comorbidities
According to the CDC, heat comorbidities can range from heat rash and sunburn more severe conditions, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, result from bodyx inability to cool down sweating. Signs of heat stroke, the most severe of in heat comorbidities, including temperature of 103 degrees or higher; hot, red, dry, or moist skin; fast strong pulse; Headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and loss of consciousness. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. CDC advises against drink something and recommend moving cool place and in a cold bath or using cold tissue.
Signs of heat emaciation includes profuse sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; a fast weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle convulsions; fatigue; dizziness; headaches and fainting. If you have these symptoms, get out of sun immediately, look for cool place or cool towels and a sip of water. Monitor your symptoms and get help if you are vomiting, if your symptoms get worse, or if they last longer than an hour.
Stay Hydrated
Plentiful drink of liquids, especially before going outside, critical in prevention heat-accompanying illnesses. UCLA officials warn against wait until you’re thirsty. During times of extreme heat is best drink at least two to four cups of water per hour. (For those working outsideCDC offers one cup of water or 8 ounces every 15-20 minutes). also advise against drinking alcohol during times of extreme heat like this causes dehydration and increase risk of heat-accompanying illnesses.
it also it is important to replenish the reserves of salts and minerals body loses when she sweats, drinking low-sugar fruit juices or sports beverages. nutritionists also recommend eating foods with high water level content – I think watermelon, celery and cucumbers – together with drinking the right fluids.
Signs of dehydration in adults turn on intense thirst; fatigue; dizziness; frivolity; dry mouth and/or lips and infrequent urination. In infants or young childrenWatch for dry mouth and tongue; lack of tears when crying; no wet diaper for more than three hours; sunken eyes and cheeks; sunken soft spot on top of their head irritability or lethargy.
(If your doctor on certain diet or regulates how you drink a lot of water, ask about what steps you should take during heat waves to stay properly hydrated.)
Check on most vulnerable
In addition to ensuring safety and health, check in often with those who are at risk, including retired people, children, pregnant women, homeless people, those who work outside and without air conditioning. Heat also affects your pets so keep them indoors otherwise if they will outside do sure they have a lot of water and shade area. Never leave a child or pet in in back seat of a car as the temperature inside vehicle can take off quickly with windows cracked.
To help homeless peopleLos Angeles County Department of Public Health offers to donate water, electrolyte packs, light and loose clothing, tents, towels, and other supplies for local organizations.
