Supervisor Katrina Foley Calls for Energy Conservation in Response to Extended Heat Wave Advisory in Orange County

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange Supervisor Katrina Foley released a statement in response to high temperatures between 90-100 degrees expected to continue in Orange County and throughout California until Thursday, September 8, resulting in concerns surrounding power outages and the status of the state’s power grid. After the Governor issued an emergency declaration, residents are encouraged to help prevent power outages by conserving energy between the hours of 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.  

“As we continue to grapple with unprecedented heat, I urge Orange County residents to do their part in conserving electricity and preventing power outages,” said Supervisor Foley. “The state’s Flex Alert is in place so we can avoid serious strains on the state’s power grid. I hope our community joins me in taking action and ensuring we keep the lights on and avoid mass rotating black outs.” 

Ahead of anticipated energy shortages, the Flex Alert in place calls for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity. Before 4.p.m., residents should pre-cool homes, use major appliances, close window coverings, and charge devices then unplug. Between 4 – 9 p.m., residents should set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, avoid using major appliances, turn off all unnecessary lights, use fans for cooling, and unplug unused items. To learn more about the Flex Alert and tips for energy conservation, click here 

To see a list of cooling centers available in Orange County, click here 

The Orange County Healthcare Agency recommends the following precautions to stay healthy and prevent heat-related illnesses:  

  • Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty.  
  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. 
  • Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun wear a wide brim hat and use sunscreen. 
  • Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air-conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in shaded area.  
  • Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles. 
  • Check on those, like neighbors, who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children. 
  • Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool. 

For more information on heat-related illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat. 

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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2021 to represent Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor, and portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley. Following redistricting, the Board appointed her to additionally serve as caretaker for the future District 2, which includes the communities of Santa Ana and portions of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, Tustin, and unincorporated North Tustin.     

Supervisor Foley serves on the Airport Ad Hoc Committee & Fly Friendly working group, the Sober Living Home Ad Hoc Committee, and boards of the Orange County Transportation Authority, CalOptima, Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, Law Library, Newport Bay & South Orange County Watershed Management Area Executive Committees & the Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection.