APS Introduces Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Published on May 02, 2024

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Recently, there has been growing concern about the possibility of wildfires and the associated risks they pose to our community. As a result, APS has implemented a new wildfire mitigation measure called the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that helps reduce the risk of wildfires and keeps our residents safe.

The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) is working closely with Arizona Public Service (APS) to prepare and ensure the safety of our community during a PSPS. The PSPS is a temporary power outage that may occur during periods of high wildfire danger. APS initiates the power shutoff when weather conditions, such as high winds or low humidity levels, may increase the risk of wildfires. This precautionary measure aims to protect lives, property, and preserve the overall well-being of our community. Ensuring the safety of our community is our main concern.

We encourage residents who have Functional Needs or may require assistance during a power outage, or other emergencies, to go to www.yavapaiready.gov/AFN to learn more about preparedness measures and the Functional Needs Registry. You will be able to sign up for the Functional Needs Registry via Rave Prepare; this information can be shared with public safety responders and emergency management during emergencies for planning purposes and to determine the needs of the community. This service is HIPAA-compliant, ensuring the privacy and security of your information.

YCOEM plays a critical role in the PSPS process. We will work closely with APS to ensure the public is kept informed and will have time to prepare for the possibility of a PSPS by sharing updates and information on our website, social media accounts (X, Facebook, Instagram), and local media outlets. YCOEM will also coordinate with different agencies to bring heat relief resources to affected areas. By being prepared, we can collectively minimize risks and confront any challenges that arise with confidence.

We encourage all citizens to stay informed and stay prepared. For more information about the Public Safety Power Shutoff visit https://www.aps.com/psps

https://www.abc15.com/news/state/aps-introduces-new-fire-tool-that-may-result-in-temporarily-shutting-down-power