Preparing for Fire Season in a Changing Climate
In sunny California, fire season arrives predictably like clockwork, usually beginning in April, and ending with the first rainfall, typically in October. As we near the time of year where temperatures climb and rain becomes increasingly scarce. Our hot, dry climate provides the perfect environment for wildfires to flourish. For newcomers and seasoned residents alike, this may be overwhelming, but don’t worry, at California Solar, we're dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources you need. We'll help you prepare effectively and provide you with resources to ease the stress of the fire season.
Are We Experiencing A Drought Right Now?
Luckily, as of now, we are not experiencing a drought. This past February has actually been our 40th wettest February and 45th wettest year on record in the past 130 years. However, this could change as we approach spring and summer so it is important to stay alert and informed. Let’s jump into it!
Helpful Resources
We have a wonderful community dashboard dedicated to the preparation and aftermath of fire season. Here you can find any and all information you may need to help you and your family be prepared, stay prepared, and stay aware all season.
If you are a PG&E customer, we recommend that you ensure your contact information is up to date, you can do so by using the link below. This is important because PG&E will be able to inform you about events affecting your service, including the possible need to temporarily turn off power for safety reasons.
Understanding zoning is crucial for all residents, as it determines how the county will evacuate us if needed. To find out which zone you're in, click the button below. Most densely populated areas fall under Tier 2 (elevated) or Tier 3 (extreme fire-threat area), it's important to sign up for emergency alerts using the button provided below.
Rising Temperatures and Our Community
The unprecedented heat extremes and increasing temperatures witnessed in California during 2023 and 2024 underscore ongoing trends of climate change and global warming. These extreme weather occurrences align with scientific forecasts, suggesting that climate change will result in more frequent and severe heat waves. These heat waves may pose challenges for our community and more specifically the power grid, potentially leading to rolling power outages for customers dependent solely on the grid. Don’t worry! We are here to help, let's dive into how we can prepare for potential outages.
Preparing For An Outage
Outages, also known as public safety power shutoffs (PSPS), occur during the fire season in order to minimize the risk of PG&E’s equipment inadvertently causing a fire. These outages can last anywhere from several hours to several days.
When there’s an outage, it means the power grid is taking a break, and so does the electricity running to your home, potentially leaving you and your family in the dark. It is important to be prepared for this situation, especially if you do not have solar panels installed with a back-up battery or a home generator. So, having a plan in place can really save the day when the lights go out!
Preparation includes things like:
Having a large cooler filled with ice to store your perishable food
Stocking up on jugs/gallons of water within your home
Charging all electronics and having chargeable battery packs to recharge your electronics.
Backup Battery Storage
Battery storage allows you to store excess energy from your solar panels and use it when you need it most, such as during peak energy demand or power outages. It will allow you to have a dependable and independent backup energy source that will power your home and provide you and your family peace of mind.
Home Standby Generator
A home standby generator ensures uninterrupted power supply without any interruption! When the power goes out and you've used up your battery storage (if installed), a home standby generator will kick on automatically within seconds, supplying your home with the necessary power to keep your essential appliances running or to maintain your daily routine seamlessly, depending on the size of the generator you select. If you're uncertain about the appropriate size for your home, our team is ready to help you choose the right generator size tailored to your home's needs, providing you and your family with assurance and comfort.
Looking For The Ultimate Solution To Supercharge Your Solar Powered System?
We are dedicated to meeting all of your sustainable energy needs whether it be investing in a tailored Solar powered system, backup batteries, and/or a home standby generator that can power your home for weeks at a time. No matter what the situation, our #1 priority is giving you and your family the peace of mind you deserve!
