Microburst-related power outage

By Riverside County
Contributed

Yesterday [June 17] afternoon, a microburst with high winds damaged multiple power poles, causing a power outage for more than 100 residents in the Thousand Palms area. Imperial Irrigation District (IID) responded and restored power for most impacted residents. However, 14 residents continue to remain without power.
The County Emergency Management Department (EMD) worked with Riverside County Fire Department, Department of Public and Social Services and Community Action Partnership to assist residents who were without power. In addition, EMD personnel went door to door to inform impacted residents of local cool centers to escape the extreme heat.
Cool centers in Riverside County can be found at www.CAPRiverside.org/Cool-Centers.
Weather-related power outages are unpredictable and serve as a reminder for residents to plan for extreme weather and power outages. Below are a few steps to prepare:
• Know your local hazards.
• Have a plan for you, your family and your pets.
• Prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies to sustain your family for three to seven days.
• Have a way to charge your phones and mobile devices when the power is out.
• Ensure your vehicle’s gas tank is always at least half full.
• Limit the time you open the refrigerator doors during power outages.
• When it comes to food, remember “when in doubt, throw it out” to avoid becoming ill due to spoiled food.
• Never go near downed power lines.
You can find more preparedness tips at www.RivCoReady.org.