700 DWP Customers in Encino Still Without Power After Storm

Hundreds of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers in Encino were still without power Thursday afternoon, according to Machelle Yee, a LADWP spokeswoman.

Yee told Patch that 700 DWP customers were currently without power in Encino. She added that the problem was much smaller nearby; just 200 were without power in Sherman Oaks.

Yee declined to comment on what specific streets were affected, citing security concerns for buildings with non-functioning burglar alarms.

There is no estimated time for the restoration of power, but Yee did say that the DWP was "working as quickly and safely" as it could.

Yee directed Patch to the following directive on what to do in the event of a power outage:

• Stay calm.
• Have a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Don’t use candles in a power outage.
• Turn off lights but leave one light turned on so you will know when your service is restored.
• Turn off and unplug appliances and other electrical equipment. Unplug heat-producing items like irons and space heaters. This helps prevent circuit overloading, which could delay restoration of service.
• Call the DWP and report your outage at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397).

If you encounter a downed power line, the DWP suggests the following:

• Report any downed power lines immediately by calling the LADWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397). If you or someone else is in danger, call 911.
• Do not touch a downed or dangling wire or anyone or anything in contact with it. Always assume a downed line is still energized.
• If a power line falls on your car, stay in the car and wait for help. If you must get out, make sure you do not touch the metal parts of the car and the ground at the same time. The safest exit method is to open the door, stand on the door sill and jump free without touching the car.
• Stay away from metal fences, such as chain link fence, as there may be a power line down and touching the fence somewhere beyond your sight.
• If there is damage to the connection from the power pole to your house, you should go to the electrical box and turn off the main switch or shut off the fuse switch. Again, always assume electric lines are live.
• In case of an electrical emergency, stay calm and think before you act. Don't become a victim while trying to help others. Call 911.
• If someone is shocked or not breathing, apply cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR.) Then cover the victim with a blanket, keep his head low and get medical attention.

For more information, check the department’s news site at ladwpnews.com, and Twitter page, @LADWP, for updates.