A newsletter for the Community Emergency Response Team community
June 2021
Volume 5| Number 3
Critical Care Backup Battery Program
Our previous issue included an article on a rebate program from Southern CA Edison (SCE) for a solar-powered generator at a reduced cost. We‘re now calling attention to the Critical Care Backup Battery (CCBB) program. CCBB is available to a limited number of residents in Camarillo, though households in areas just outside the City can also participate. Through CCBB, persons with special medical needs may obtain a free solar generator to run their equipment in power outages. See the: Critical Care Backup Battery Program Flyer for more info.

Solar-powered is actually not a complete description, since these generators can be recharged with solar panels, or by plugging into a standard outlet. Unlike gas or diesel-powered generators, solar units can be used indoors comfortably since they are quiet and do not release exhaust fumes.

There are three eligibility requirements for the CCBB program, the most significant being that a residence be located in a high-risk fire zone. A household must be within the Tier 2 (orange) or Tier 3 (red) region to be eligible for CCBB. The tiers are partially shown in the fire zones image below. Visit the CPUC High Fire-Risk Map at https://ia.cpuc.ca.gov/firemap/ for the full interactive map view.

CCBB also requires enrollment in SCE’s Medical Baseline program at https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/medical-baseline

Additionally, applicants need to participate in either the CA Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), or Family Energy Rate Assistance (FERA) program. Information for both programs is on the CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) website.

For more information about the SCE Critical Care Backup Battery program, please call 800-736-4777.
COVID-19 | Is the U.S. Turning a Corner?
A recent Wall Street Journal article discussed potential signs of progress in the battle with COVID-19. The article noted that COVID-19 cases have declined nationally for three weeks in a row, and that over 40% of U.S. residents have now been vaccinated. Additionally, several research groups have projected a sharp decrease in COVID cases by the end of July.

At the start of 2021, it was estimated that 3,000 people a day in the United States were dying from COVID-19, and that 125,000 persons were hospitalized for the virus. While COVID-related deaths are still substantial, the number deaths have declined to 677 per day.

Ventura County’s daily COVID-19 report for May 10 was the first since March 2020 to indicate no new deaths from the virus. Though this news was very encouraging, we cannot let our guard down with the pandemic. Please continue to adhere to COVID-19 precautions. Information about COVID is available at https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/. 
The City is committed to keeping our community informed!

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