California Governor Schwarzenegger Calls on Californians to be Safe as Heat Risks, Wildfires, Energy Demands Increase

08/30/2007 -- As the Labor Day weekend approaches, California Governor Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement urging Californians to be safe and vigilant as the state experiences multiple days of extreme high temperatures. Since yesterday, the number of wildfires in the state has dramatically increased, while at the same the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) is expected to again declare a Stage One Electrical Emergency today and will likely raise it to a Stage Two Electrical Emergency later this afternoon, due to the high electricity demand.

“In the last day, more than 20 wildfires across the state have flared up, causing state and local authorities to mobilize a strong response effort to keep communities safe. I continue to be briefed by CAL FIRE officials who assure me that all resources are being utilized at all levels of government to fight these fires – to contain them and ensure that people are protected.

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“I urge all Californians to take the heat forecasts seriously as they spend time with friends and family over this Labor Day weekend. We are experiencing extreme temperatures that will continue through next week and everyone should take steps to protect those vulnerable to the heat conditions.”

The Governor gave the following tips for Californians to follow to help keep families safe over the Labor Day weekend:

· Do not use lawn mowers to cut weeds which can generate sparks and ignite vegetation fires

· Avoid driving vehicles in dry grass or weeds which can generate sparks and ignite vegetation fires

· Do not start campfires in unauthorized or non-permitted locations and always properly supervise any campfire

· Drink plenty of water

· Avoid physical activity outdoors

· Check on neighbors, family members and pets

· Set thermostats at 78 degrees or higher

· Turn off unnecessary lighting

· Avoid using major appliances until after 7 p.m.

· Those people whose health could be compromised should not put themselves at risk by turning off their air conditioner

Governor Schwarzenegger yesterday directed state agencies across California to conserve energy after the National Weather Service issued heat advisories and forecasted extreme temperatures throughout portions of the San Joaquin Valley, Los Angeles County and South Eastern California over the next several days.

Also yesterday, the Governor directed the Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to activate their heat response plans to protect vulnerable citizens in the heat impacted areas. The California ISO is expected to declare a Stage One Electrical Emergency for the second day in a row and will likely raise it to a Stage Two Electrical Emergency later this afternoon. State officials are urging California consumers to conserve energy and reduce demand on the system during the peak hours of 4:00-7:00 p.m.

As a part of the Governor’s heat wave response directive, the California Department of Food and Agriculture opened cooling centers at State fairground facilities to augment those that have already been opened by local officials. The state-run centers will be opened from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. through at least Tuesday in the eight counties. Also, OES has established a toll free number for the public to get information on how to protect themselves from the hot weather - 1-877-435-7021 Voice or 1-800-822-6268 TTY (active through 9/4/07).

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) also issued a health alert to affected local public health offices, directing them to activate their heat response plans, particularly those actions to protect vulnerable individuals. CDPH's Licensing and Certification District Offices will also be monitoring heat impacts at long term care facilities in the impacted counties.

Source: California Governor