For any needs during these weather events, please call the Business Operations Service Center at 415-476-2021. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Excessive Heat
Excessive Heat
Flex Alert
Flex Alerts are calls for consumers to conserve electricity issued by the California Independent System Operator, or Cal ISO. They generally occur during heatwaves when electrical demand is high. There are three stages of Flex Alerts:
- Stage 1 is declared when energy shortfalls exist or are forecasted to occur. Strong need for conservation.
- Stage 2 is declared when all mitigating actions have been taken and the ISO is no longer able to provide for its expected energy requirements.
- Stage 3 is declared when unable to meet minimum contingency reserve requirements, and load interruption is imminent or in progress. Notice issued to utilities of potential electricity interruptions through firm load shedding.
What To Do during a Flex Alert
- Conserve power.
- Turn off unnecessary lights
- Use major appliances before 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m
- Set air conditioner thermostats to 78 degrees or higher.
- Use fans and keep drapes drawn.
Read the following article for more energy-saving measures in the event of a flex alert.
Power Outages
Heatwaves and other extreme weather conditions can strain the state energy grid, increasing the likelihood of power outages. In the event of a power outage, our emergency response teams will be mobilized to address any immediate concerns and ensure the safety of our employees. Additionally, we will work closely with local energy providers and authorities to restore power as quickly and efficiently as possible. Look out for Facilities Services Communications notification emails in case of a power outage emergency affecting your campus building.
What To Do in a Power Outage
- When leaving the upper floors of a building remember the elevators will not be operating. Anyone trapped inside an elevator should use the emergency phone to contact the UCSF Police Department for assistance.
- All operations using hazardous materials will be safely and promptly terminated upon power outage.
- Turn off the lights, computer equipment, copiers, printers, and as much other equipment as possible. If working on a computer, make it a practice to save frequently.
- If in a room with no natural light source, ensure that you have access to a flashlight or lantern; designate someone close to an outside door to open the door if the lights go out.
- Familiarize yourself with the path of exit from your building. Help those who need assistance.
- Turn off all lights and unplug equipment and computers. Leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
- Do not use candles for illumination due to fire risk. Use battery-powered flashlights instead.
- Employees who leave their offices during an outage should take their personal items and secure their workspaces.
- Do not use a gas stove for heating or operate generators indoors (including the garage.) Both could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Do not open refrigerators, freezers, or other environmentally controlled rooms, during the outage. An unopened refrigerator can keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours. A half full freezer will stay cold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage.
- If a traffic signal is not working, treat it as a stop sign.
- If you are stuck in an elevator, push the alarm, or help button and wait for someone to respond.
Building access during a power outage
When power goes down all wired card readers will operate as normal on battery backup. When battery backup ends, building doors will immediately lock and require a key for access. Facilities, security, and first responders have access to override keys to give escorted access. Call the Business Operations Service Center at 415-476-2021 if you are in this situation. Wireless locks function on battery at all times and will function as usual during a power outage.
