SAN DIEGO, April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, in an effort to help enhance the region's emergency preparedness, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) unveiled its new mobile emergency command centers and new satellite communication systems in San Diego.

These new additions will provide SDG&E and San Diego County with the newest technology in field command communication, situational awareness, and crisis management, especially when traditional and cellular connections may not work. These state-of-the-art systems provide Wi-Fi connectivity and satellite communications so they can function during the most difficult conditions.

"Being prepared for a disaster is critical to the safety of our communities," said David L. Geier, vice president of electric operations. "Through collaboration with County, Fire and local officials, we can implement programs that promote emergency preparedness and encourage safety for all residents of the region."

The new mobile command centers will be equipped with the most updated technology including:

• Satellite with high-speed internet access for phone (various carriers), data and video;
• High-definition video camera for situational awareness;
• Mobile radio system;
• On-board propane generator;
• LED lighting on exterior and interior.

SDG&E is partnering with local officials to help bring new tools to San Diego to improve overall emergency preparedness.  These new facilities will not only be a new emergency resource for SDG&E, but will also be made available to the City, County, and other agencies, like the American Red Cross, should they be needed in the community.

Continuing with its preparedness efforts, SDG&E was also recognized today by the United States National Weather Service as a StormReady® organization for its extensive weather tracking capabilities.

"Safety is our number one priority and we take every step possible to continue to improve our emergency preparedness system," added Geier. "SDG&E has added our own meteorologists and is working closely with the National Weather Service and even developing one of the nation's most sophisticated weather networks."

To achieve the StormReady® distinction, SDG&E met the following criteria:

• Establishing a 24-hour warning system and emergency operations center;
• Deploying communications systems to receive severe weather forecasts and warnings and to alert the public and employees;
• Creating a system that monitors local weather conditions and locates possible adverse conditions in advance;
• Promotes the importance of public preparedness through community seminars; and
• Developing a formal hazardous weather plan, including training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

SDG&E continues to identify new ways to improve its emergency preparedness system, and through its collaboration, SDG&E and San Diego County continue to be on the forefront of emergency preparedness and keeping the local community safe.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 850,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties.  The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles.  SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help customers save energy and money every day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120118/LA37129LOGO)

SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric