Energy Conservation Policy
Extended Electrical Power Outage
Contingency Plan

During times of natural disaster, winter storms, electrical system malfunctions or when electrical use exceeds supply, the power grid serving the City of Sebastopol may be accidentally or purposefully turned off.

The following are actions that can be taken to insure basic city services are maintained and to assist the public with coping from the discontinuation of electrical power.

City Operations

• City staff shall periodically test and maintain all emergency electrical generators to insure their proper use in an emergency.
• Department heads shall insure that buildings are set up such that critical equipment will be powered by generator in those buildings equipped with emergency power.
• When power is off to electric traffic signals, traffic will follow standard vehicle code requirements by stopping at all non-functioning signals. City staff will not place temporary stop signs at these intersections, per recommendations from R.E.M.I.F.
• Public Works staff shall monitor water reservoir levels and make plans to obtain additional emergency generators as needed to insure adequate water levels.
• Public works staff shall monitor sewer-pumping facilities to insure proper generator operation and have contingency plans in place for generator failure.
• Police department staff will provide traffic control where needed as problem areas arise.

Business and Residential Assistance

• Fire Department staff shall meet with local school officials to determine school safety and assist in determining whether school should remain in session.
• Fire department staff shall maintain a supply of portable oxygen cylinders to assist those with home oxygen systems that can fail during power outages.
• During prolonged outages when the city is experiencing cold weather, the following public buildings will be opened to the public for temporary relief. Buildings will be opened as needed in the following order:
  • Sebastopol Veterans Building
  • Sebastopol Fire Department
  • Sebastopol Police Department
• During prolonged outages when the city is experiencing hot weather; the following public buildings will be opened to the public for temporary relief. Buildings will be opened as needed in the following order: If power is still available to these buildings:
  • Sebastopol Fire Department
  • Sebastopol Police Department
  • Public Library
  • School Facilities
  • Palm Drive Hospital
  • Apple Valley Convalescent Hospital
• During major electrical system failure, city staff will coordinate with the American Red Cross for operation of emergency shelters.
• Prior to an event, the Fire Department staff will contact local hospitals and care homes to determine patient status as a result of an extended power outage. Staff will assist these care facilities with their internal disaster plan implementation.
• Public works shall maintain a list of emergency generator vendors and provide that information to local business upon request.