The San Luis Obispo City Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services is asking that those who are dependent on medical equipment take the necessary steps to stay prepared.
"We have limited resources, so we encourage people to make sure they're working with PG&E, working with family and friends, working with their providers, so that they aren't forced to call 911" said Joseph Guzzardi, the manager for the Office of Emergency Service in San Luis Obispo.
Although the county is prepared for a shutoff, Guzzardi says a state of emergency could potentially not allow first responders to get to everyone who needs medical assistance from power-based equipment as quickly as they'd like to.
"Making sure that you have the batteries or even a small generator or working with your medical equipment provider to find out ways to have those systems work when you lose PG&E Power" added Guzzardi.
Those who are likely to need emergency help during a shut off are encouraged to sign up for PG&E's alerts online. The list is then handed over to first responders in San Luis Obispo County.
"This list would be made available by Pacific Gas & Electric so that that way we can go out and check up on these residents and make sure that they are taking care of" said James Blattler, the Public Information Officer for the San Luis Obispo Fire Department.
Both departments encourage everyone, but especially those who depend on power-based medical equipment, to make sure their contact information is always up to date with PG&E.
To learn more about how to sign up for alerts from PG&E click here.
