Due to weather conditions that may create the potential for elevated fire risk, Southern California Electric or SCE is monitoring Santa Ana wind speed in its service territory, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley, and may cut power to residences and businesses to avoid sparking wildfires.

SCE calls them “Public Safety Power Shutoffs” in case of downed power lines caused by high wind.

Here’s how the PSPS power shutoffs are handled, according to the SCE website:

When forecasts indicate elevated weather conditions, we’ll begin assessing the potential impact to affected areas. We’ll analyze historical data to help predict the likelihood of a wildfire occurring, closely monitor weather watch alerts from the National Weather Service, and place incident responders on alert, if needed.

Disclaimer: Erratic or sudden onset of conditions may impact our ability to provide advanced notice to customers.

4-7 Days Ahead
When forecasts indicate extreme fire conditions, SCE will begin predictive modeling to assess the potential impact.

4 Days Ahead
SCE monitors fire weather watch alerts from the National Weather Service and continues to refine predictive models. Incident responders are placed on alert.

2 Days Ahead
Extreme fire conditions forecasted. Coordinate with the emergency management community, first responders and local government first. Initiate customer notifications on possible PSPS. First notification is sent to customers.

1 Day Ahead
Extreme fire conditions imminent; continue to coordinate with emergency management community, first responders, local government, and customers of possible PSPS. Second notification is sent to customers.

During: Power is Shut Off
Extreme fire conditions validated by field resources, notify the emergency management community, first responders, local government, and customers to power shutoff. Note that an erratic or sudden onset of conditions may impact our ability to provide advanced notice to customers. Third notification sent to customers.

After: Power is Restored
Extreme fire conditions subside to safe levels; field resources perform inspections and patrols of equipment, then power is restored to affected communities; notification sent to impacted parties. Fourth notification sent to customers.

Other notifications may occur as needed to keep customers informed.

To find out if your home or business is located in a potential shutoff zone, view the maps here.