Power Outages & Cooling Centers

Power Outages

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. A power outage may:

  • Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
  • Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
  • Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
  • Prevent use of medical devices.

PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:

  • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.  Check with the FDAfor food safety handling.
  • Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
  • Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
  • Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
  • Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
  • If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
  • Check on neighbors.

Please visit SCE-PSPS for more information.

What is a Red Flag Warning?

A Red Flag Warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when humidity is very low, temperatures elevated, and strong winds are present. This warning is intended to heighten public awareness about elevated conditions that may ignite a fire.

What happens when a Red Flag Advisory or Warning is issued? 

  • The local National Weather Service advises public safety officials, and the local media that a Red Flag Advisory or Warning has been issued.
  • Burn permits may be cancelled, and all burning countywide may be banned.
  • The Ventura County Fire Departmentmay increase patrols and personnel in high fire hazard areas throughout the County.
  • The City Public Works Department, Conejo Recreation and Park District, Conejo Valley School Districtand Thousand Oaks Police Department are notified and may initiate additional protection measures.
  • Under extreme heat and/or wind conditions public events may be closed and fire closures issued on public property.

What should I do if a Red Flag Advisory or Warning is issued in Thousand Oaks?

  • Review your Family Emergency Response Plan with your family. Refer to the Ready, Set, Go Brochurefor details and review contingency plans for power outages at your home or work.
  • Identify two evacuation routes in your neighborhood and make sure all family members are aware of them.
  • Confirm you have an out of state emergency contact in case local phone service is interrupted.
  • Make sure your Family Emergency Go Bag is up to date and ready in case you need to evacuate. Be prepared for a power outage. To learn more, please visit Family Emergency Tips.
  • Register yourself and family on VC Alert, so that you are notified of a local emergency. Stay informed through local media outlets, social media and com. Please do not call 911.
  • If you have an automatic garage door, consider parking your vehicles in the driveway.
  • Be sure to have at least ½ a tank of fuel in your vehicles as gas stations may be closed since most do not have back-up generators.
  • Have cash in hand and be sure to purchase essential items in advance of a scheduled power outage. Confirm you have a battery-powered radio.
  • Residents that are reliant on Oxygen should make sure they have a back-up cylinder
  • Stop any activities that have the potential to start a fire (camp fires, mowing, chain-sawing).
  • Comfort pets and pack their supplies so that you can load them into your vehicle if you need to evacuate quickly.
  • Make sure your vehicle is fueled and have your driver’s license for proof of residence available for possible road closures
  • Move vehicles parked on narrow roads off the street to improve access and use of public safety vehicles and to facilitate a possible evacuation.
  • Park in your driveway facing out to keep roads accessible to emergency equipment.
  • Communicate with your neighbors to make sure they are aware of the Red Flag Alert Advisory or Warning and the increased fire threat.
  • Be aware of suspicious vehicles or people. Write down information, but please do not call 911.Remember A RED FLAG ADVISORY OR WARNING MEANS TO BE PREPARED, NOT TO PANIC.

Get ready for the Heat!

With summer in full swing and hot weather on the way, we wanted to remind you, heat is the #1 weather-related killer in the United States. On average, 130 people die each year, and countless more are hospitalized as a result of it. Please see the links below for more extreme heat information.

Extreme Heat Information
Heat Safety Tips & Resources

Thousand Oaks Area Cooling Centers

If it’s hot and you need a local area to cool off, consider going to a local cooling center:

Thousand Oaks Alex Fiore Teen Center
1375 E. Janss Road (located off the 23 Freeway Janss exit, just east of the freeway). (Ages 12-17 Only)

Hours of Operation:
School Holiday & Summer Hours
Mon-Thu: 11:00AM – 9:00PM
Fri-Sat: 11:00AM – 10:00PM
Sun: 1:00PM – 5:00PM

Thousand Oaks Goebel Adult Community Center
1385 E. Janss Road (located off the 23 Freeway Janss exit, just east of the freeway).

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Thu: 8:30AM – 9:00PM
Fri: 8:30 am – 5:00PM
Sat: 12 pm – 4:00PM
Sun: closed

Thousand Oaks Grant R. Brimhall Library
1401 E. Janss Road (located off the 23 Freeway Janss exit, just east of the freeway).

Hours of Operation:
Mon – Thursday 11AM to 8PM
Friday 10AM to 6PM
Sat 10AM to 5PM
Sun 12PM to 5PM

Newbury Park Branch Library
2331 Borchard Road (located off the 101 Freeway at the Borchard exit, south of the Freeway)

Hours of Operation:
Monday- Wednesday: Noon – 8PM
Thursday-Friday: 10AM – 6PM
Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
Sunday: Closed

Oaks Mall
344 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (located off the 101 Freeway between Lynn Road and Moorpark Road).

Hours of Operation:
Mon-Thu: 10AM – 9PM
Sat: 10 am – 8PM
Sun: 11 am – 7PM