Fires are raging to the south of us, in Los Angeles county. I am in the county just north, Ventura. We had fires here that burnt out a lot of the areas with which I am familiar. Several years ago my in-laws were evacuated and showed up on our doorstep at 1:00 a.m. Josh’s brother’s family were evacuated from their canyon and are now back home, but areas around them are devastated and many people they know are homeless, having lost everything. If we didn’t have family here, or Josh wasn’t restricted by work where he can live, we would be long gone as I am so sick of this. It is only going to get worse, IMO.
That said, the local electric company, SCE, turned off our electricity to help prevent downed power lines – if they happen – from sparking and setting off fires. These are called “PSPS” shut-offs – public safety power shut-off or shutdown.
It’s a smart thing to do as down lines in a dry, dry area are often responsible for fires. One of our current fires is apparently the work of an arsonist – beyond my comprehension.
We had no electricity for 2 days, and while it wasn’t especially hard on me as there is a lot I do without the need of electricity except for light, Josh wasn’t able to work or play very much. Sleep from stress is difficult for all of us – the back of the brain and the ear are tuned to hear alarms of all sorts. The electricity was shut off in the middle of the night, and last night turned back on.
This was a bit of a financial loss in terms of food. 2 days without electricity means lost frozen food and fresh. Luckily, food is still in the area – we have 6 grocery stores nearby – and roads and transport are not down or blocked. Hot water continued throughout the 2 days. Gas for cooking and heating water, thankfully, but not for heat as the furnace requires electricity to start up. Here in CA where we are, cold nights exist but are not as if we were in upstate NY without electricity or oil to burn in the dead of a winter’s blizzard.
The winds are expected to pick up again, and I expect fires are going to continue to start or burn unabated. We are going to find a generator so we can have some electricity to keep from losing perishables and have access to phones and such in times of emergency. Meanwhile, all we can do is hunker down, or when in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout. Or:
What else can you do? Life is so fragile but in times of safety and comfort, we forget it so easily.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
No power for two days is preferable to losing everything, maybe life, in a fire. Still, it’s annoying, and a minor financial loss with regard to the food. I am grateful to know that so far all our family have been spared.
We have a generator which runs on the propane tanks people use for grills. It’s enough power to run our well pump, fridge and freezer, lights, and computers/phones. With natural gas service, you could presumably get a whole-house generator, but it’s not cheap. For the portable generator, the best thing is to get an electrician to make the proper kind of connection for you at the box. And be sure the generator is OUTSIDE and not near any open windows or open garage. The CO can be deadly if care is not taken.
Thanks for the thoughts, Kathy. Yes, we are fortunate and know it, as well as being very aware of how things can change in minutes. The wind is whipping up again and who knows what will happen.
Our house is already equipped to take a whole house generator, 240v 50amp. We just have to find one and drop the bucks. Where we would hook it up is not near any windows, we never open the garage unless J is working in there. Our neighbors have no windows on the other side of the fence, either. CO2 monitors in the house.
In CA, generators are getting restricted as to type of fuel to use in them. We have a natural gas outlet in the yard nearby, and certainly can use gasoline or propane easily enough. We just need to get our butts in gear. Luckily, Ed is willing to help us out on our final generator decision.
It’s awful to see the devastation and loss the fires are causing. Stay safe, and I hope the power outage is the worst you have to suffer.
It so hard to watch the news and see the devastation, I cant even imagine how it must feel to actually lose your home and possessions. Fire is frightening. In my dark distant past I designed and installed fire protections systems. The old man who owned the company told me, addressing the fear of fire: “People will joke about almost everything, even death, but you never hear a joke about fire.” He was right fire is just too serious. Our thoughts are with you all, and hope that things improve soon.
Good points, all! Hope that things will be better soon. Love, J xoxox
I’m sorry you are experiencing the results of having fire or any natural disaster so close. We keep a generator that will run our refrigerator, freezer and our electric stove if needed. Hold on N! Sending you calming vibes.
Thanks for all the good thoughts, Anne! Much appreciated.
Thanks, Judy. We all hope, but I think nothing will improve until the winds die down and the pyromaniacs are arrested . . .
Thanks so much, Terry! Your old man was right. But, we still need to joke . . . it helps keep us sane.
Thanks, Fishyfish! (I love saying that!) We are doing our best and hope for the same.