Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

Community Memorial Healthcare During a PSPS Event

Community Memorial Healthcare is prepared to continue critical patient care during Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events. Our hospitals have emergency power systems in place to support essential operations during power outages.

Emergency services will remain available. Depending on local conditions and the duration of an outage, some non-urgent services, appointments, or clinic operations may be adjusted.
Patients with upcoming appointments should monitor their phone, email, and MyChart messages for updates and instructions from their care team.

For the latest information about power-related impacts to Community Memorial Healthcare facilities, services, and appointments, click here.

Need assistance? Patients with concerns about how a power outage may affect their medical care or home medical equipment should contact their healthcare provider before a PSPS occurs.

What Is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?

During periods of high winds, dry conditions, and elevated wildfire risk, Southern California Edison (SCE) may proactively shut off power in certain areas to help reduce the risk of wildfire. These Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) can last several hours or, in some cases, multiple days while weather conditions improve and equipment is inspected before power is safely restored.

Preparing in advance can help keep you and your family safe and minimize disruptions if a power outage occurs.

Prepare Before an Outage

Take these steps now to prepare for a PSPS event:

• Sign up for outage notifications from Southern California Edison (SCE).
• Register for Ventura County emergency alerts through VC Alert.
• Keep mobile phones, medical equipment batteries, and backup power sources fully charged.
• Store enough food, water, medications, and essential supplies for at least 5 – 7 days.
• Keep your vehicle fueled and ready to travel if needed.
• Have flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio available.
• Create a communication plan with family members, caregivers, and emergency contacts.
• Know how to manually operate garage doors, gates, and other electrically powered access points.

To help protect electronics when power is restored, consider unplugging sensitive equipment before an outage begins.

If You Depend on Electricity for Medical Equipment

A power outage can create additional challenges for individuals who rely on electricity-powered medical equipment.

If you use devices such as oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, ventilators, mobility equipment, or other essential medical devices:

• Develop a backup power plan.
• Keep emergency contact information readily available.
• Discuss emergency preparedness with your healthcare provider.
• Identify an alternate location where electricity will be available if needed.
• Ensure backup batteries are fully charged and accessible.
• Keep an updated list of medications, medical equipment, and emergency contacts.

Southern California Edison offers a Medical Baseline Program that provides additional support and advance notifications to eligible customers who depend on qualifying medical equipment.

Resources

Stay informed and prepare for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs with these trusted resources.

Outage Information and Alerts

• SCE Public Safety Power Shutoffs
  Learn about Public Safety Power Shutoffs, outage notifications, and preparedness resources.
• VC Alert Emergency Notification System
  Ventura County's official emergency alert system for wildfire notifications, evacuations, severe weather, and other public safety emergencies.

Medical Equipment Support

• SCE Medical Baseline Program
  Provides additional support and advance notifications for customers who depend on qualifying medical equipment.

Ventura County Preparedness Resources

• Ventura County Fire Department PSPS Information
  Local information about PSPS events, outage preparedness, and community resources.
• Ready Ventura County
  Emergency preparedness information, outage planning guidance, and disaster readiness resources for Ventura County residents.

General Emergency Preparedness

• Red Cross — How to Prepare for Emergencies
  Guidance for building emergency kits, creating family emergency plans, and preparing for power outages and other disasters.

Remember: Public Safety Power Shutoffs are intended to help reduce wildfire risk and may occur with advance notice during periods of extreme fire weather. Taking simple steps now can help ensure you and your family are prepared if an outage occurs.