EPD responded to 20 alarm activation calls last night

From City of Eureka:

The Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)was initiated last night beginning at midnight. The two main power transmission lines coming into Humboldt County along Hwy 299 and Hwy 36 were de-energized to protect areas along the route that are subject to high fire risk due to predicted wind weather events.

The shutdown is scheduled to last until 12 noon on Thursday, October 10th.  Re-energization of the lines could take additional time and residents should be prepared for the outage to last until Friday the 11th.

The City activated the Emergency Operations Center and is working with Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services.  EPD responded to over 20 alarm activation calls during the night.  Some traffic signals are operating normally, others are dark or flashing.  Remember, a flashing or dark signal is a four way stop.  Proceed with caution after stopping.   Due to loss of power, the City of Eureka operations have been impacted.  Public Safety and Public Works crews have been staffed up to handle operations as needed.

During this power shutdown, residents are advised to the following: • City Hall, Eureka Police, the Zoo and Humboldt Bay Fire Offices will be open regular hours  • The Adorni and Wharfinger facilities are closed • Water will still flow to homes however sewer lift stations will be impacted and crews will rotate pumping utilizing mobile generators and other equipment • Non-working traffic signals are four way stops. Motorist must stop and proceed once it is safe to continue. • Street lights are out – use caution at night as it is extremely dark and difficult to see pedestrians • Only call 9-1-1 with in the event of a true emergency – Please don’t use 9-1-1 as a number to call to ask questions •

From County of Humboldt:

In the early hours of Wednesday, Oct. 9, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) activated its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) protocols, which resulted in shutting off power to parts of Humboldt County. PG&E is reporting that around 60,000 customers in Humboldt County have been impacted by the shutoff. The National Weather Service expects extreme weather conditions in neighboring counties to last throughout the day and into Thursday. PG&E continues to work on efforts to restore power in Humboldt County, but there is currently no estimated time for full restoration.

Public safety is the county’s primary concern during this time. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services has been in touch with local hospitals and health care providers to take steps to protect vulnerable members of the community. Law enforcement services remain active in all parts of the county, including 911 emergency dispatch. Most administrative, non-essential county functions are expected to be closed today.

PG&E plans to open Community Resource Centers (CRC) at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds at 3750 Harris St. in Eureka and College of the Redwoods main campus at 7351 Tompkins Hill Rd. in Eureka by midday today. The CRCs will have air conditioning, water and power stations for community residents to charge medical devices and phones. The CRCs are not evacuation shelters. The City of Eureka and Humboldt Bay Fire will operate an interim “Medical Equipment Charging Station” at 3030 L St. This facility will open at noon and is expected to close when PG&E’s CRCs are open and operational.

Residents should conserve water and minimize sewer use – such as flushing toilets unnecessarily. Conservation of both water and sewer use will assist water agencies to maintain services to residents until PG&E is able to restore power.