San Francisco: PG&E Reminds Residents of Gas, Electric Safety at National Night Out Event

SAN FRANCISCO — PG&E employees joined customers and other first responders during San Francisco’s National Night Out this week to talk about the importance of gas and electric safety.

Families snap pics and engage with many of the city and county First Responders.

“Any large fire or any large incident, PG&E sends out their First Responders to assist Police and Fire —  whether it’s shutting off a gas mains or managing electricity,” said Frank Fraone, public safety specialist for PG&E.

North Beach resident, Jane Marie speaks with Public Safety Specialist for San Francisco and Peninsula Divisions, Frank Fraone about Emergency Preparedness.

“The takeaway we want to leave people with is simple: If you smell gas, leave the house and call 911.  If there’s a downed electrical line, stay away from it,” he added. “Don’t try to move it don’t even go near it. Call PG&E and we’ll respond.”

Held on Filbert Street in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, the event on Tuesday (Aug. 4) drew some 1,000 residents.

“I’m older and I love that they come to the neighborhood and bring this information to us,” said June Marie, a 58-year resident of the neighborhood. “It gives me the opportunity to meet my neighbors and talk about what we would do in the event of an emergency.”

Crowds estimated near 1000 attend National Night Out on Filbert Street in San Francisco.

Employees provided an electric safety demonstration and reminded residents about the importance of calling 811 before starting any digging project.

They discussed emergency preparedness and giveaways from PG&E, firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders.

Information on PG&E Smart Meters and intelligent switches were on display to show how in the event of a power outage, this self-healing technology can isolate a trouble spot such as a downed power line or utility pole, then reroute power to restore a majority of customers, all within a few minutes.

PG&E Customer Relationship Manager, Matt Kanter, Electrical Lineman Retiree, Ron Delucci & Public Safety Specialist for San Francisco and Peninsula Divisions, Frank Fraone.

National Night Out is an annual event for residents to meet neighbors, prevent crime and learn what to do if there’s a disaster or natural emergency. Barbecues and other neighborhood get-togethers are encouraged.

GSR Retiree, Rudy Herras talks Gas Safety and Emergency Preparedness with a group of students.