A couple of days of triple digit heat in the area this week have highlighted the potential for power issues this summer.

While Pacific Gas and Electric did not shut off power in San Joaquin County during a ‘red flag’ warning over the weekend, a couple of other nearby counties did have the shutoffs, relatively briefly, while the fire danger was at its highest.

Escalon Police Chief Mike Borges said there wasn’t a ‘cooling center’ opened in the city during this first major heat wave of the summer but city officials will remain in contact with the Office of Emergency Services in regards to whether the centers will be needed. Nearby Tracy did open a center there on Tuesday. Many communities enact the centers when there is a long stretch of triple digit days, providing a cool place for residents to get out of the oppressive heat, especially the elderly or those without the benefit of air conditioning.

Power shutoffs, while not likely here, are still being viewed as a valuable tool by PG&E for fire prevention and the new program being utilized this fire season will be outlined at the Monday, June 17 Escalon City Council meeting by a representative of the utility company.

All those interested in learning more about the initiative are encouraged to attend; the council meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at 2060 McHenry Avenue.