With Hot Temperatures and Dry Conditions Across California, It’s More Important Than Ever to Put Safety First This Fourth of July

Rhea-AI Summary

This Fourth of July marks California's first major holiday without COVID-19 restrictions, encouraging celebrations. PG&E urges customers to prioritize safety, highlighting risks associated with fireworks, barbeques, and swimming. The company recommends attending public fireworks displays, staying clear of power lines, and reporting any electric hazards. PG&E also emphasizes summer safety tips, including proper swimming precautions and heat-related illness awareness. Customers are encouraged to update their contact information for timely safety alerts. PG&E serves over 16 million people across Northern and Central California.

Positive

• PG&E's proactive approach to safety enhances community trust and compliance.
• The focus on summer safety may reduce accident-related liabilities.

Negative

• Potential increased operational costs associated with heightened safety measures.
• Risks of incidents during holiday celebrations may lead to negative publicity.

This Fourth of July brings the first major holiday since California officials lifted guidelines related to COVID-19, and that means many more residents will celebrate the country’s independence with friends, family, and neighbors.

While Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) welcomes the return to holiday gatherings, the company urges its customers to put safety first and stay alert to potential dangers. Celebrations that involve fireworks, barbeques and swimming can increase the risk of fires, electric hazards, heat-related illnesses, and other perils. PG&E strongly recommends that citizens follow the local rules and regulations regarding fireworks.

The safety of our customers and communities is our most important responsibility, and that’s why PG&E is offering important reminders to help customers stay safe this Independence Day and throughout the summer:

Electric Safety

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals.
• First and foremost, know what the local regulations allow. Be aware of surroundings — stay clear of power lines, structures, dry grass, or flammable materials when using legally purchased fireworks in areas approved by local regulations.
• If a firework strikes electric equipment or causes a power line to come down, stay away, keep others away and immediately call 9-1-1 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
• Always assume downed electric lines are energized and extremely dangerous. Never attempt to retrieve anything that is tangled in or near a power line.

Summer Safety

• Make sure everyone has proper skills to swim. Keep an eye on young children and check flotation devices for leaks.
• Every child under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when on a moving vessel that is 26 feet or less in length.
• Don't dive or jump into unfamiliar water. Shallow water or submerged trees or rocks could cause serious injury.
• Don't swim or play near a dam or powerhouse; these areas can have strong underwater currents, sudden water discharges, slippery surfaces and submerged hazards.
• Never use generators, propane heaters, barbeques or charcoal indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.

Heat Safety

• Limit exposure to direct sunlight. Reapply sunscreen often.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine when temperatures are high.
• During hot weather, watch for signs of heat stroke — hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; or rapid, shallow breathing. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place. Use cold towels to help lower their body temperature until help arrives.

PG&E reminds customers to update their contact information at pge.com/mywildfirealerts so that we can provide up-to-the-minute safety and service information.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210702005018/en/

FAQ

What safety tips did PG&E provide for the Fourth of July?

PG&E recommends following local regulations for fireworks, avoiding power lines, and attending public displays. They also provide guidelines for swimming and heat safety.

How does PG&E communicate safety information to customers?

Customers are encouraged to update their contact information at pge.com/mywildfirealerts for up-to-date safety and service information.

What is the significance of this holiday for PG&E?

This Fourth of July is the first major holiday without COVID-19 restrictions in California, highlighting community gatherings and safety.

How many people does PG&E serve?

PG&E serves over 16 million people across Northern and Central California.

What is the purpose of PG&E's summer safety tips?

The safety tips are designed to reduce risks associated with summer activities, ensuring the safety of customers during the holiday celebrations.