High demand for around-the-clock energy use — especially air conditioners — could lead to failed equipment and power outages for Southern California Edison (SCE) customers surging periods of high temperatures.
Residents are urged to conserve power throughout the day, but especially in the evenings as much as possible, including setting thermostats no lower than 78 degrees and using electric fans instead of air conditioning when possible. Conservation also helps keep utility bills lower during high temperatures, as they can increase by 30 percent for residential customers who use air conditioning.
The following tips can help with energy conservation:
• Turn off unused appliances and equipment.
• Shut off lights when leaving a room.
• Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.
• Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.
• Operate swimming pool equipment and energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and evening hours. Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.
• When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or evening hours.
If a power outage occurs:
• Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they pose a significant fire hazard.
• Never attempt to move or go near a downed power line. Call 911 to report the situation. Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.
• If someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered, life sustaining medical equipment, have an emergency plan that includes a back-up power source, or make arrangements to relocate.
Residents should try to stay as cool as possible during the heat by:
• Keeping outdoor activities to a minimum, and drinking plenty of water during the hottest parts of the day.
• The La Mirada Activity Center operates as a cooling facility Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Splash! La Mirada Regional Aquatics Center will serve as a cooling facility on August 11 and 12 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Splash! is a great place to stay safe in the heat, and provides a variety of leisure and recreational activities for all ages including lap swimming, swim lessons, and competitive swimming in the 50-meter and 25-yard pools. The Buccaneer Bay water park offers families a fun-filled day with three two-story waterslides, a zero depth play structure, a lazy river, and plenty of room to relax by the water.