Lebanon Community School District has canceled school for Lacomb School for Friday, Sept. 9, following confirmation that power in the area will be shut off at 12:01 a.m. Friday morning (Thursday night), according to a letter sent out by the District.
Pacific Power announced that power will be turned off within Lacomb starting at midnight Friday as a precautionary measure due to forecasted high temperatures, low humidity levels and east winds.
“We are disappointed to cut short our first week back with our students, but we understand that our community’s safety and long-term access to services is the top priority,” the letter stated.
Pacific Power stated on social media that the outage could last “through Saturday evening” and would likely affect some 12,000 customers in the Sweet Home, Lebanon, Lincoln City, Glide and Stayton (through Santiam Canyon) areas.
“A Public Safety Power Shutoff is a proactive measure to reduce wildfire risk during hazardous fire weather by proactively turning off power,” the company said. “Temporary community resource centers are being set up in the affected communities. Locations and a full list of amenities will be shared when that information is available.”
For a map of affected areas, visit pacificpower.net/psps.
“Due to the dynamic nature of the wind event, certain areas could experience different start times and Public Safety Power Shutoff durations,” Pacific Power wrote in an update Thursday afternoon. “It is our goal to communicate estimated start times with customers Thursday evening.”
The School District confirmed the outage “could last through Saturday evening,” so their plan is for students to be able to safely return to school as normal on Monday morning, Sept. 12.
“Please stay tuned for a message from your child’s teacher today with tasks or activities they can engage in at home tomorrow,” the District told parents. “Those are optional, of course, and meant to engage kids who need or want it if their circumstances allow. Otherwise, please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next week.”