Finding Calm During Power Outages With PG&E

Our daughter Lu is five and minimally speaking, so we've built our routines and added tools that support her learning and foster an environment that doesn't overwhelm her. Visuals, social stories, and soft lights all help when the world around her is too loud. My husband and I do most of those things in two languages: English and Spanish. We ensure learning environments are low-pressure and she stays regulated, which allows each day to continue smoothly.

We also live in a part of California where Public Safety Power Shutoffs are part of our schedule, not a plot twist. Wildfires and their risks are an inherent part of living in this community. So, when it came time to help Lu understand that the lights might go out, we made a social story in the same way we do for everything else. These helpful, often homemade books illustrate concepts in a relaxing, clear manner for neurodiverse children. Inside our outage story, we included pictures of us staying together, our lights, her tablet, and her blanky. We write these social stories in English and Spanish and practice them just like any other routine, so the whole house is working from the same page: my husband, Luis, me, and Lu's grandmother, Maria.

For us, this was the first step towards preparing our family. But once we began these conversations, we realized there are even more resources available for families like ours. Even with this solid emergency prep system we made at home, we can still benefit from some extra support.

I started researching emergency resources and found more than I expected through PG&E. PG&E connects people with community partners, and 211 is one of the simplest ways to get help. You can call this free, 24/7 number to talk to someone and get local support. When the power is out and Lu has questions, 211 is a great starting point that can help me figure out the next steps.

The Medical Baseline Program gives qualified households extra notice before a shutoff. For us, that extra time means we can go over the outage story with Lu before anything changes, instead of rushing in a panic once it's already dark. If your home relies on power for medical needs or certain devices, look into this program. PG&E also has a Self-Identified Vulnerable Program for people whose health or safety could be at risk during an outage. These resources are available no matter your income.

Another helpful resource is Disability Disaster Access and Resources, or DDAR. It canprovide backup power for devices and connect you with people who can help with rides, food, or a place to stay during a shutoff. Knowing there's a backup for Lu's tablet before the power goes out is something I wish I'd known about earlier.

We still make social stories and follow our routines, but now I know there are more options if we need them. I want other caregivers with PG&E service to know these tools are out there and easy to use. If you already have emergency plans, that's great! There might still be something helpful for your family, and you don't have to wait for a shutoff to use these resources. Call 211, ask about Medical Baseline, and check out DDAR. We still keep Lu's social story on her bookshelf, but now we know there are even more ways to stay prepared.

About the author

Monica Van Houten is a wife and mother who shares her family’s life raising her autistic daughter, Lu, offering a warm, honest perspective on sensory needs, everyday routines and the planning that helps families with unique needs stay prepared.