San Bernardino Libraries Partner With SCE to Host Resource Centers During Power Shutoffs
The San Bernardino County Library in California has announced a partnership with Southern California Edison (SCE) under which select county library branches will open as community resource centers during Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, giving residents without power a place to get information and support.
"Ensuring our residents have access to reliable information and community resources during emergencies is an important part of strengthening public safety across San Bernardino County," said Dawn Rowe, chair of the Board of Supervisors and Third District Supervisor. "By bringing together the County Library, Southern California Edison and our emergency management partners, we are expanding opportunities for residents to find support close to home when unexpected power disruptions occur."
A PSPS is a precautionary measure in which a utility intentionally shuts off power during periods of elevated wildfire risk to reduce the chance that electrical equipment sparks a wildfire. Outages can hit hard at residents who rely on electricity to communicate, get information and meet daily needs. "During an emergency, having a safe and trusted place in the community can make a tremendous difference," said County Librarian Melanie Orosco.
Crisanta Gonzalez, the county's director of emergency management, said libraries are already recognized and trusted gathering places, making them a natural resource for residents during power disruptions. The partnership sits within the county's broader emergency response coordination overseen by the Office of Emergency Services (OES).
The library stressed that participating locations will not automatically activate during every shutoff; activation depends on the circumstances of each event and coordination with SCE, and locations, hours and available resources will be announced when a center is activated. Residents can visit library.sbcounty.gov or call 909-387-2220 for information about the county library system, and are encouraged to prepare a household emergency plan and supplies in advance.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 圣贝纳迪诺县政府中心。 The San Bernardino County Government Center. CC BY-SA 4.0，摄影：Xnatedawgx。图片来源 Source image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:San_Bernardino_County_Government_Center,_San_Bernardino,_CA,_west_side_2025-12-22.jpg
