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PG&E Power Shutoffs & Our Schools

PG&E Power Shutoffs & Our Schools

Most current information: We will update www.srcs.org/PSPS as we receive information from PG&E about PSPS events that affect our district.

Fire season is upon us, and it is important that schools and families prepare for potential wildfires and power outages and their impact. Anticipating these occurrences, we are sharing a series of updates to keep you informed about our school safety protocols and to help you and your family prepare.

PG&E has shared that for public safety, it may be necessary for them to turn off electricity when gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with a heightened fire risk, are forecasted to help reduce the risk of wildfires. Please see the information below.

SRCS REOPENS ON THURS, OCT. 31

Dear SRCS Community,

We are happy to share that all San Rafael City Schools will reopen on Thursday, Oct. 31 following closure due to the impact of PG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). 

We are performing site inspections today to ensure that school operations for our students and staff can resume safely on Thursday. We do anticipate some residual impact to our technology and food services programs, but rest assured that meals for students will be available tomorrow and normal operations will resume shortly.

I will share some thoughts for the Marin County Superintendent Mary Jane Burke, and know that I echo her sentiments wholeheartedly: "We know that this unprecedented situation has been challenging for families and we are grateful for their flexibility and patience."

Sincerely,

Jim

Jim Hogeboom
Superintendent

PREPARING FOR POWER SHUTOFF IN OUR SCHOOLS

The Marin County Office of Education in coordination with school districts, PG&E, the Marin County Fire Department, and the Marin County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services, is providing this information to help prepare our school community for the possibility of a Public Safety Power Shutoff that may result in a multi-day power outage. PG&E will make every effort to provide 48-Hour notification to impacted areas, followed by 24-hour updates, a final update just before the power is shut down. Outages may be isolated to specific geographic areas and schools, or may be widespread with impacts to many schools. Communications will be challenging during the duration of the outage.

Based on the information and guidance we have at this time, the following are the steps we anticipate taking in the event of a power shut down:

  • In the event that the power is shut down during the normal school day, school operations will continue through the remainder of the school day.
  • In the event that the power is shut down outside of the normal school day, school will be closed until power is restored. Based on estimates from PG&E, Public Safety Power Shutoffs may result in extended power outages of 3-5 days.
  • Communication during the power outage - Districts and schools will make every effort to provide updated information regarding status of the outage, using whatever information channels they have available (cell phone, landline, email, texting, social media, local news media) with the understanding that communication systems will be limited.
  • When power is restored, schools will be back in session. If power is restored during the normal school day, school will be back in session the following day.

In order to stay as up to date as possible on the most current information, our public safety officials are recommending that you register your contact information at the following sites:

Here are some additional links with important resources to assist you in being prepared at home.