Full Notification

Novato Responds to PG&E’s Potential Power Shut-Off with Advanced Preparation
NOVATO, CA – This morning, the City of Novato and Novato Fire District acted promptly to prepare for the potential shut down of PG&E power to areas of Marin County including Novato. PG&E has notified the County that they may activate their Public Safety Power Shut-Off protocols due to extreme weather, and could potentially initiate a power shut down in areas of Marin County within the next 24 hours. Novato is ready to respond to the effects of the power outage; however, the decision to turn off the power and the speed at which it is restored is managed solely by PG&E. It is anticipated that a planned power shutoff will occur in Novato between 1 pm and 5 pm on October 26, 2019.
 
“We are being proactive and mobilizing our resources due to the potential power loss and increased fire threat,” stated Fire Chief Bill Tyler.
 
 “Fire agencies in Marin County have increased staffing resources including adding a strike team of engines, water tender, and an extra fire and EMS dispatcher during this heightened threat.”
The County of Marin Emergency Management Division has proactively taken steps in preparation for a
potential power shut down after being notified by PG&E of their new Public Safety Power Shutoff
program. The Novato Emergency Management Division has developed an Electrical System De-energization Response Plan and put it into motion.
You can check if your home is in an area where power may be shut off on the PG&E website:
https://m.pge.com/#high-fire-threat-map. PG&E is monitoring weather patterns, and will provide updates
to customers and the County of Marin when information is available.
Emergency Management officials remind residents and visitors that it is important to have a plan. FEMA
recommends taking steps to prepare for a power outage, including:
Stay informed –
 Sign up for safety information on Nixle by texting your zip code to 888-777.
 Marin County will send a Wireless Emergency Alert to areas if evacuations are ordered, intended to reach all cell phones in the area. Learn more: www.alertmarin.org
Review your evacuation and communication plan –
Identify several evacuation routes for your location in case roads are blocked, and tell someone out of the area which routes you plan to use. If you will evacuate by car, keep your car fueled and ready to go.
Make a list of what you’ll want to take with you if you leave your home quickly.
Consider the Five P’s of Evacuation:
1) People/Pets; 2) Prescriptions; 3) Papers; 4) Personal Needs; 5) Priceless Items
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs
when the power goes out.
Reviewing the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water. Using a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher. Keeping mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full. Know how to manually open electric garage doors and gates.
For more information, including what to do during a power outage, visit www.ready.gov.
Make sure you can receive updated information from PG&E by updating your contact information at
www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts.