Public safety power shutoffs and their impact on Santa Cruz County residents

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) — Santa Cruz County residents have been issued a red flag warning as PG&E's public safety power shutoff is underway for a small number of customers near Loma Prieta Mountain.

Red flag warning is now in effect as strong winds and dry conditions create a heightened risk of wildfires, now, residents in that area are without power.

PG&E has identified 132 customers affected by the public safety power shut offs near Loma Prieta Mountains.

Now, they are closely monitoring the areas.

"PG&E is currently monitoring a weather system that is bringing strong winds, low humidity levels. and when you combine that with the really dry vegetation that we're looking at, Stephanie Magallon PG&E spokesperson said. "Such as in some areas in the Santa Cruz County, then those are the perfect ingredients for a wildfire, so that's why we are taking these proactive steps to protect the community there."

For many people living in Aptos, power outages can pose a significant challenge, especially for those who work from home. 

"It can impact my work because I work from home when I'm not traveling," Dave Barrera from Aptos said. "I'll have to go drive somewhere where I can get power and wifi is the most important thing."

Another Aptos resident shares how she prepares for power outages.

"I have several lanterns, some are small, some are larger and then I have those in a cabinet and I give them out and light them up," Katherine Murray Aptos resident said. "I also have flashlights all around the house."

Magallon warns that wind speeds could reach up to 70 mph in some areas, further increasing the fire risk.

"We also look at the humidity levels, anything below 30% and then also how much dry vegetation is out there even though the red flag warning is something that we do consider, it's not a determining factor," Magallon said. The duration of each public power safety shut off is also dependent on the duration of the event is different in every community, it all depends on the weather."

Power shutoffs in the area are planned for Friday and possibly Saturday. To see if your address is impacted, click this link.