Powerful Santa Ana winds will tear across much of San Diego County, but there are steps residents can take to prepare — including securing any freshly installed outdoor Christmas decorations.
A red flag warning was issued for areas east of Interstate 15, and San Diego Gas & Electric preemptively shut off power to tens of thousands of customers.
Here’s how you can prepare — for the wind storm and for any potential power outages.
Secure your home
Before the winds pick up, make sure outdoor patio furniture and lightweight yard accessories are tied down or brought indoors.
Philip Gonsalves, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego, especially warns about outdoor umbrellas, which he says can “become projectiles” with strong gusts of wind.
Gonsalves also advises residents to safely fasten outdoor Christmas decorations. Lights that are securely attached to the roof should be fine, he said — but East County residents with lights and ornaments in trees and bushes may consider taking them down until the winds calm later this week.
And inflatable Christmas decorations are a definite no. You’ll risk seeing Santa Claus go “airborne with no sleigh,” as Gonsalves put it.
“You’re gonna have to put those away,” he said. “Otherwise, you’ll have a miniature Macy’s (Thanksgiving) Day Parade scenario in your backyard or your neighbor’s backyard.”
Keep an eye on the trees
The National Weather Service recommends trimming tree branches away from your house and away from power lines.
Gonsalves says that should also be a regular part of residents’ yard maintenance year-round, along with checking for dead or weak branches.
Residents with eucalyptus trees in or near their yard should also be on alert, since the trees are highly flammable and have shallow root structures.
“They burn like candles,” he said, “and they fall over in your average Santa Ana breeze.”
Prepare for potential power outages
Keep electronic devices charged in the case of a power outage, which SDG&E officials say could last for multiple days. The company suggests staying prepared with flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated radio and a phone that doesn’t need electricity. Consider putting together an emergency preparedness kit as well.
For customers affected by public safety power shutoffs, SDG&E also has community resource centers that offer water, Wi-Fi, phone and medical device charging stations, snacks and more. Find a location near you here.
Residents should report any downed power lines to SDG&E — but be careful never to touch a power line, as it could still be energized.
Take care of your health
This week’s Santa Ana winds are coupled with low humidity, so stay hydrated to combat the dryness. The dry air, coupled with an increase in particles and pollen flying around, may especially impact residents with allergies and respiratory issues.
Gonsalves also suggests residents avoid driving in a strong wind event. If you do drive, he advises steering clear of high-profile vehicles like semi trucks, which he says can be knocked over by strong gusts.
In general, stay indoors if possible.
“If you don’t have to expose yourself to dust in your eyes or other other flying objects, you’re probably better off not wandering outside when it’s windy,” Gonsalves said.
