Richmond Seniors Endure 48-Hour S.F. Blackout Nightmare
Residents of Richmond District experienced a challenging 48-hour power outage, significantly impacting the senior population. The blackout began on Saturday afternoon and was caused by a fire at a PG&E substation located at Eighth and Mission streets.
Power Outage Details
Approximately one-third of San Francisco residents lost power during this incident. Although power was mostly restored by Saturday night, many areas in the Richmond remained without electricity until late Sunday evening.
Impact on Seniors
During this outage, seniors faced severe difficulties. Many did not have fully charged mobile devices or flashlights, and without electricity, basic necessities were compromised. In particular, older residents located on higher floors struggled due to mobility issues. A senior resident, Nancy DeStefanis, 77, described feelings of abandonment by both the city and their landlord.
- Le’Troy Andrews, a 74-year-old veteran, experienced stroke-like symptoms during the blackout.
- He crawled to his front door for help, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
- Another senior, Christina Cordi, worried about her refrigerated medications that were at risk of spoiling.
Community Response
The community response was crucial during these trying times. A younger neighbor organized support by collecting phones for charging and made efforts to purchase power banks and ice to assist those in need. The lack of communication from city officials further exacerbated the residents’ stress. Social media outreach was ineffective for those without phone service.
Lessons Learned
This incident has prompted residents to prepare better for future outages. Many are now ordering backup supplies and ensuring they have non-perishable food on hand. The experience underscored the importance of community solidarity during emergencies.
Moving forward, Richmond District residents hope for improved communication systems and support during outages. They believe that city outreach should not solely rely on technology, as it does not accommodate everyone, particularly seniors and those with disabilities.
