Historically, California’s fire season lasted from May through October, but many experts suggest that the fire season in California is now year-round. Unfortunately, it has become a daily reality for Southern California residents to prepare and protect their homes and businesses in the event of a wildfire or other natural disaster.
The California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection reports that 12 of the 20 most destructive wildfires in California history occurred in September and October, which is just around the corner.
A top priority for Cox during a wildfire or other natural disaster is to keep customers connected so they can stay informed, check in with family and friends, and even access their shows and movies if they’re evacuated.
Cox also works hard to keep business customers, including hospitals and offices of Emergency Services, connected so they can continue to serve their customers and the public. They prepare all year long for natural disasters, including wildfires, by reviewing its business continuity plan and running through simulated events such as a wildfire or earthquake so that employees in all facets of its operations will be prepared and know their role and responsibilities during a natural disaster.
Here are some tips to help better prepare for an unexpected event or Public Safety Power Shutoff.
What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?
When strong winds and other weather conditions create an increased risk for wildfires, the local power company may notify their residential customers, and business customers like Cox, that they’ll be implementing a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). In the event of a PSPS, Cox services may be interrupted in a neighborhood where power will be shut off.
During a wildfire or PSPS, Cox works closely with your power company (SDGE & SCE) and public safety agencies to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of its network and facilities to keep customers connected.
Have a charged backup battery for your landline phone
They recommend that Cox Voice customers keep corded landline phones and a fully charged backup battery for phone modems in case of an emergency. You can purchase a backup battery by calling 855-324-7700 or visiting your local Cox store.
Follow Cox on Twitter for updates and info
During a Public Safety Power Shutoff or natural disaster, Cox will post service outage updates and other important information on Twitter. Follow Cox at @coxcalifornia.
Download Cox apps before a wildfire or PSPS occurs
- Cox app – Check on outages, stay up to date with text alerts and manage your account.
- Cox Contour app – Meet your portable TV. Cox TV customers can access the latest news and weather, and stream favorites to their mobile devices.
Portable Generators
If your power goes out, a generator may prolong your services, if your Cox service location still has power. Check your generator owner’s manual for details on power capacity and safe operation.
Have Cox Homelife Security? It will continue working with these limited functions.
Update Your Contact Info
In advance of wildfire season, update your preferred contact information to receive emergency and outage notices.
Disaster Relief Protections
You could be eligible for consumer disaster relief protections if your Cox Voice service goes out during a state of emergency declared by the California Governor’s Office or the President of the United States. Disaster relief protections include waiver of a one‑time activation fee for establishing remote call forwarding. Visit cox.com/CaliforniaAssist.
For more helpful information and tips, click here.
You should also be sure you have your own physical emergency and evacuation kit ready to go at a moment’s notice.
