Press Contact: Matthai Chakko, (510) 981-7008CONSERVE ENERGY, STAY HYDRATED, AND MONITOR AIR QUALITY THIS WEEKEND
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Berkeley, California (Friday, September 04, 2020) - With high temperatures expected across California this weekend, limit your energy use to reduce stress on the state's electric grid and avoid outages.
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the organization that manages the grid, has issued a statewide "flex alert" asking all Californians to conserve energy between 3pm and 9pm on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, September 5-7.
During the last statewide flex alert in mid-August, local blackouts were averted thanks to the efforts residents took to conserve energy. As a new statewide heatwave looms, it is important to continue limiting energy use:
- Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher. When you're not at home, turn thermostats to 85 degrees.
- Close drapes and blinds to keep rooms cool.
- Don't turn on your oven.
- Use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool, even if you have air conditioning. Keeping a ceiling fan running allows you to raise the thermostat by 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort.
- Turn off lights and fans when you leave a room.
- Limit use of energy-intensive appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during peak hours. Clean clothes and dishes early in the morning or after 10pm at night.
Prepare for possible outages by fully charging your essential devices and backup power sources, check your emergency supplies to confirm you have flashlights and batteries for everyone in the household, and make a paper list of emergency contacts.
Protect your health during hot weather
Temperatures in Berkeley are forecasted to reach the mid-80s this weekend.
- Drink lots of water - even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Limit physical activity overall, and avoid physical activity during the hottest time of the day (10am-3pm).
- Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked car.
- Cool off by taking a bath or shower.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing to help stay cool. Stick to breathable fabrics like cotton.
Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions are at greater risk during hot weather. Call and check in on friends, family, and neighbors to make sure they're okay.
The City does not anticipate needing to open a cooling center at this time, but may do so if temperatures reach extreme levels. If a cooling center is opened, we will send a notification on AC Alert. For local cooling centers outside the City of Berkeley, see Alameda County's cooling center dashboard.
Stay inside if air quality is poor
Berkeley continues to be impacted by smoke from regional wildfires. Air quality levels can change quickly depending on the wind and other factors. Stay informed about current conditions with an airnow.gov interactive map, which is updated hourly.
When air quality is poor, everyone can protect their health by reducing physical activity and staying indoors with doors and windows closed. You should also:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
- Set air conditioning units to re-circulate so you don't bring outside air in.
- Don't smoke, burn candles, or use incense.
- Don't use gas, propane or wood burning stoves. Avoid frying or broiling meat.
- Avoid vacuuming.
The City's air quality webpage has recommendations about specific precautions to take at different Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
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