Article Source:  PG&E


Dear PG&E Customer:

How can you prepare for potential power outages?

Every day we’re working hard to respond to our state’s changing climate, reduce wildfire risk and make our system safer. Our crews and emergency response teams do everything they can to keep the lights on, but outages can happen at any time. For public safety, it may be necessary for us to temporarily turn off electricity when gusty winds and dry conditions, combined with a heightened fire risk, threaten a portion of the electric system.

To help stay safe during a power outage, consider these tips:

Keep important phone numbers, such as numbers of hospitals, fire departments, police, friends and relatives in a convenient location in case you need emergency help or other assistance.

Have a backup plan to maintain any life support equipment.

Keep a charged cellphone or hardwired, single-line telephone on hand. Cordless phones don’t work without electricity.

Keep a flashlight with extra, fresh batteries in a convenient place. Avoid using candles because of the fire risk. If you must light candles, use extreme caution.

Turn off heat-producing appliances such as ovens, stovetops and irons during an outage. This practice helps eliminate fire hazards that can occur when power is restored.

Protect sensitive electronic equipment such as televisions and computers with surge suppressors. Unplug any such equipment that is in use when the power goes out.

Ensure that food stays cold by keeping your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. You can keep the refrigerator cold by placing ice in plastic containers inside it. A full freezer stays colder, longer.

Keep nonperishable food that doesn't require cooking on hand. Ensure that you have a manual can opener.

Inform us if you have a generator and avoid using it unless you’re sure that it was installed safely and correctly. An incorrectly installed generator can damage your property. It can endanger you and potentially harm our line workers who may be working on nearby power lines. Read about the safe installation of generators. Visit Electric Generator Safety.
For public safety, it may be necessary for us to temporarily turn off electricity when severe weather may put you at risk of wildfires. This safety outage is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). Get prepared with more PSPS tips and resources.

We will attempt to contact customers in advance of a PSPS to ensure there’s enough time to prepare. Make sure your email, phone number, language preference and mailing address are current in your online account. For business customers, we'll contact all phone numbers and email addresses on file. Update your contact information.

For more power outage preparedness tips and resources, visit our Outage and Safety.

Stay safe,
PG&E Customer Care Team