California energy companies announce wildfire preparedness campaign

Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) recently announced a coordinated wildfire safety and awareness campaign to help Californians prepare for the 2019 wildfire season.

The statewide Power of Being Prepared campaign was created at the direction of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

“Wildfires are a real and growing threat in California,” Denise Everhart, Pacific Division Disaster Executive of the American Red Cross, said. “Now more than ever it is critical that Californians be ready for the unexpected and prepare their emergency kits, download the Red Cross Emergency App, outline a family plan and practice safety drills before the need arises. Education, awareness and preparedness can make a difference in keeping families safe and saving lives.”

The campaign includes radio ads, preparedness resources and a new website, prepareforpowerdown.com. It calls on Californians to take steps to prepare for the wildfire season by taking steps such as creating emergency plans updating their contact information with their energy companies.

“More than 25 million acres of California wildlands are classified as under very high or extreme fire threat. Approximately 25 percent of the state’s population – 11 million people – lives in that high-risk area,” according to a recent report from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Strike Force addressing wildfire issues.