BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 PG&E is ramping up preparations to keep electricity flowing across Kern County as the region braces for another round of sweltering temperatures next week.<\/p>\n
Jeff Smith, a spokesperson for the utility, said extreme heat response plans are nothing new for the company. PG&E routinely activates preparedness measures throughout the year as weather conditions put added stress on the grid.<\/p>\n
But during prolonged stretches of triple-digit heat, equipment can be pushed to its limits.<\/p>\n
“It’s much like driving your car 100 miles an hour around a track without stopping, right? It just, it wears those tires out when they’re having to work that hard, as opposed to when you’re just driving at a normal speed.” Smith said.<\/p>\n
In the event of a power outage, residents should stay away from failed equipment and allow crews to restore power safely.<\/p>\n
“Should there be an outage as a result of some type of equipment failure that our customers are prepared. If they are without power for a short period of time, and we will have crews at the ready to respond and get their power restored safely and as quickly as we possibly can.” Smith said.<\/p>\n
Kern County cooling centers may offer relief for anyone who needs a place to cool down. A full list of open cooling centers can be found on the Kern County Cooling Center website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Smith is also encouraging neighbors to look out for one another during the dangerous heat.<\/p>\n “When we see weather like this, make sure that you’re checking in on your loved ones, checking in on your pets, and, if you have elderly relatives.” Smith said.<\/p>\n The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public to stay alert near the Kern River. Officials say the river remains extremely dangerous, even for experienced swimmers, due to fast-moving currents, cold water temperatures, and hidden hazards beneath the surface. Anyone heading near the river is urged to use caution and wear a properly fitted life jacket.<\/p>\n