Power Outage in Apple Valley Disrupts Over 2,100 SCE Customers on Labor Day

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A power outage in the Town of Apple Valley has affected over 2,100 Southern California Edison (SCE) customers on Labor Day.

The outage was reported on Monday, September 2, 2024, at approximately 2:22 am, in the area of Dale Evans Parkway and Zuni Road.

According to the SCE outage map, the cause of the outage has been attributed to equipment problems, with full restoration of power expected by 4:00 pm.

A field investigator has been dispatched to the area to determine the cause of the outage, and a repair crew is currently en route to perform the necessary repairs.

Tips on Keeping Food Safe After a Power Outage

Once the power is back on, it’s important to assess whether your food is still safe to consume. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Check the Thermometers

• Refrigerator Thermometer: If the thermometer reads 40°F (4°C) or below, the food is safe.
• Freezer Thermometer: If the thermometer reads 0°F (-18°C) or below, the food is safe.

2. Evaluate Each Item

Refrigerated Foods:

• Discard perishable foods such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and leftovers that have been above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours.
• Check for signs of spoilage in any food items, such as unusual odors, colors, or textures.

Frozen Foods:

• Refreeze foods that still contain ice crystals or are at 40°F (4°C) or below.
• If in doubt, throw it out: Discard any items in the freezer that have thawed and been above 40°F (4°C) for more than 2 hours.

3. Follow the “When in Doubt, Throw it Out” Rule

If you are unsure whether a food item is safe, it is better to discard it than to risk foodborne illness.

4. Inspect Canned Goods

• Check the cans for signs of damage or swelling, which can indicate contamination.
• Discard any damaged cans.

5. Keep a Food Log

• Take notes on the time the power went out and when it was restored.
• Track the temperatures of the refrigerator and freezer.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your food remains safe to eat after a power outage and minimize the risk of foodborne illness.