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Public Safety Power Shutoff - Residential Customers
(PSPS) Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Tips and Precautions for Residential Customers
Before the PSPS
-Turn “OFF” and unplug all sensitive equipment (e.g., computers, TVs, etc.)
-Have a contingency plan for any electrically powered equipment necessary for medical conditions, or for any medications that require refrigeration
-Plan ahead for meals as your stove and microwave may not be available
-Consult with your solar contractor for questions pertaining to rooftop solar and/or battery systems, and how to prepare for the temporary outage
-Assess all safety systems and alarms with an electrical connection to determine the impact the outage may have on them
-Invest in surge protection for your equipment
-Never plug a portable generator’s power into a household outlet because electricity may backflow into utility lines, creating a safety hazard for utility personnel. For tips on how to safely use a generator at home, visit https://hawaiianelectric.com/generatorsafety
-If you have a refrigerator/freezer, take all necessary measures to protect any perishable items. Check the seals on appliance doors to ensure they are well insulated.
-Ensure that any Hawaiian Electric equipment at your premise (e.g., transformers, switchgear, meters, etc.) has level and unobstructed access. A minimum of 10 feet circumference clearance is required to ensure safety.
-Learn to manually open any electric security gates and garage doors (e.g., check openers for manual-release operation) or park your vehicle outside before the scheduled outage
-To ensure that you receive timely notification and information about a potential PSPS outage, confirm your contact information via your online account at https://hawaiianelectric.com
During PSPS
-Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed
-Be prepared to manually operate electric security gates and garage doors
-Be aware that narrow road conditions may require crews to block traffic near the work area so they can access vehicles and equipment
After PSPS
-Check all foods before cooking or consuming. For the latest recommendations on food safety, visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov and https://health.hawaii.gov/san/food-information.
-Safely turn off your generator
-Once power has been restored, check equipment and gradually turn on essential items
-For customers with rooftop solar and/or battery systems, consult your solar contractor regarding how to check and reset the main control panel if your system is not working
Public Safety Power Shutoff - Special Medical Needs
(PSPS) Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and Special Medical Needs Customers
In the interest of safety, Hawaiian Electric may need to turn off power to communities served by electric lines in or running through high fire-threat areas when gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with a heightened fire risk, threaten a portion of the electric system. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
-During a Public Safety Power Shutoff, ALL customers serviced by an affected power line will have their power shut off. This includes Special Medical Needs customers.
-For residential customers who are on life support and have medical needs, please be sure to provide the Hawaiian Electric Company with your contact information to receive future notifications in advance of a Public Safety Power Shutoff by submitting an online Medical Needs Communications Form at https://hawaiianelectric.com/medicalneedsalerts
-Though weather conditions can change quickly, Hawaiian Electric will aim to provide advance notifications for potentially affected customers beginning 48 hours before the power is turned off. In the future, additional outreach to Special Medical Needs customers may include extra phone calls or a door knock to ensure that you are aware that a Public Safety Power Shutoff is going to occur so you can make the necessary preparations to stay safe.
Power outages may be serious for people who use electricity and battery dependent assistive technology and medical devices. These include customers who use respirators or ventilators, power wheelchairs, oxygen, or home dialysis machines. Power outages may also be serious for customers who rely on medication that requires refrigeration.
What should I do to prepare for a power outage if I rely on an electric or battery dependent medical device?
To prepare for a power outage:
-Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them handy
-Identify a backup location where you can go if necessary
-Consider a safe backup power source, such as an electric generator or uninterruptible power supply
-Regularly check that your backup or alternative power source is working properly
-Teach family and friends how to operate your equipment and backup systems
-Label your equipment with your name, contact information and clear instructions on how to operate the equipment
-To the extent your device uses a rechargeable battery, maintain spare batteries and keep them fully charged
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful for customers:
-If you or someone in your family uses a life-support device, contact Hawaiian Electric about signing up for the Special Medical Needs Program to receive additional advance notifications of a power outage when possible
-If you use a ventilator, keep a hand-held resuscitation bag on hand
-If you depend on dialysis or other medical service, check with your provider about their service plans during an emergency
-If you use oxygen, check with your provider to determine if a reduced flow rate can be used to extend the life of the system. If possible, have backup canisters available.
-If you use a motorized wheelchair or scooter, have a lightweight manual wheelchair available for emergency use
-If you use a generator as a backup power source, follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions to operate your generator safely
Public Safety Power Shutoff - Commercial Customers
(PSPS) Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Tips and Precautions for Commercial Customers
Before the PSPS
-Consult a licensed professional about whether you should turn off the main breaker or switch off the circuit-breaker/power supply box
-Consult your elevator maintenance professional to determine whether to power down all elevators before power is turned off
-Turn “OFF” and unplug all sensitive equipment (e.g., computers, TVs, etc.)
-Assess all safety systems and alarms with an electrical connection to determine the impact the outage may have on them
-Invest in surge protection to protect your equipment
-Please contact us at (808) 543-7777 if you plan to use backup generators, as precautions are needed to avoid electrical backfeed to the crews. Generators should never be connected directly to an outlet
-If you have a refrigerator/freezer, take all necessary measures to protect any perishable items. Check the seals on appliance doors to ensure they are well insulated.
-Ensure that any Hawaiian Electric equipment at your premise (e.g., transformers, switchgear, etc.) has level and unobstructed access. A minimum of 10 feet circumference clearance is required to ensure safety.
-Learn to manually open any electric security gates and garage doors (e.g., check openers for manual-release operation)
-To ensure that you receive timely notification and information about a potential PSPS outage, confirm your contact information via your online account at https://hawaiianelectric.com
During PSPS
-Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed
-Be prepared to manually operate electric security gates and garage doors
-Be aware that narrow road conditions may require that our crews block traffic near the work area to provide access to our vehicles and equipment
-Check all elevators if they are in operation at the time
After PSPS
-Check all foods before cooking or consuming. For the latest recommendations on food safety, visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov and https://health.hawaii.gov/san/food-information.
-Safely turn off your generator
-Once power has been restored, check equipment and gradually turn on essential items
-For customers with rooftop solar and/or battery systems, consult your solar contractor regarding how to check and reset the main control panel if your system is not working