Fremont, CA - Approximately 550 Fremont residents are without power this morning in Fremont as result of the PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff. At approximately 12:20 a.m. a small area stretching east from Mission Blvd into Niles Canyon appeared on the PG&E outage map https://m.pge.com/#outages. Shortly thereafter, a small area along Vargas Rd., just north of I680 appeared.
At this time, the most recent update from PG&E is that the restoration of power will begin this afternoon. It is expected to be a slow process, taking anywhere from two hours to a couple of days. We will continue to keep our community updated with information as it becomes available.
The most significant issue thus far for the City was the signal light at Mission Blvd. and Niles Canyon Rd. that went down this morning at 7:30 a.m. Fremont PD Traffic Units immediately responded and conducted traffic control to assist motorists. Motorists self-detoured into Niles, causing heavy traffic as a result. Caltrans and the City’s traffic signal maintenance contractor both responded and have a backup battery system now in place. The signals have been restored and are once again cycling as normal. The Police Department and Transportation Engineering will continue to monitor into the afternoon and will be prepared for this evening’s commute should we have further issues.
Most notably related to the wind storm, Morrison Canyon sustained the highest winds overnight, and the Fremont Fire Department is continuing to monitor the area. Fremont Fire continues to be staffed with an additional wildland fire team, consisting of four firefighters, for rapid deployment throughout the county. The wind storm is expected to begin residing around noon.
The City of Fremont’s Emergency Operation Center is now in virtual mode and all City Departments are actively monitoring and in close communication.
Resources for Community Members Affected by the Power Outage:
- If you need to charge your phone or a place to cool down, the Centerville Community Center, located at 3355 Country Drive (behind Washington High School) will be open today as a Community Resource Center until 4:30 p.m. It will reopen Friday, October 11 at 8:30 a.m.
- If you have a medical device that needs electric power consider staying with friend or relative who still has power or at a hotel. If your medical device does not operate and you are scared for your safety, immediately call 911.
- Please do not run gas generators indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning could result in death.
- What do I with the food in my refrigerator/freezer? Open the door as little as possible. A freezer can last up to 2 days. Eat the perishable food first, save the non-perishable food for later.
- Can I cook indoors? Your electric range and oven will not work. Your gas range may work.
- Do NOT use barbecues, hibachis or other outdoor cooking devices inside.
- Will my garage door opener work? Most garage doors will not open as normal. Look for a handle or level on the overhead track to release it and open it by hand. The door will be heavy, and you may need to ask a family member, neighbor, etc., for help.
- Will my landline, corded phone, still work? Yes it should, unless you have internet based phone service.
- Will cell phone towers still work? Most cellular phone company towers have generators and should still work.
To stay up to date on current PSPS conditions and power outages we encourage everyone to subscribe to:
- Fremont Police Nixle Alerts by texting your zip code to 888777 or online at www.nixle.com
- Alameda County Alerts (AC Alert) by visiting www.acalert.org
- PG&E PSPS Zip Code Alerts by texting “Enroll” to 97633
