Get ready for a Public Safety Power Shutoff


We understand that losing power disrupts lives, so we’ve created preparedness tips to help provide support.

For the safety of our customers and communities, Public Safety Power Shutoffs continue to be a necessary tool as a last resort to prevent wildfires. Use the following tips to help you prepare and stay safe during a shutoff.

Canned food

Food


  • Make your own ice ahead of time. Freeze containers of water to keep food cold while power is off.
  • Before the outage begins, set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings until power is restored.
  • Limit opening refrigerator and freezer doors. When power is off, food can be kept cold for up to 4 hours in refrigerators and up to 48 hours in freezers.
  • Use coolers to keep food cold while power is off.
  • Keep foods that can safely sit on the pantry shelf for at least one year and do not have to be cooked or refrigerated to eat safely.
Solar Charger

Technology


  • Have a backup key to replace electronic keys and locks that need power to operate.
  • Turn off or unplug electrical appliances or equipment, like TVs and computers, which may spark or surge when power returns.
  • Buy a battery-powered or crank radio.
  • Download or print documents you may need.
  • Locate free Wi-Fi locations in nearby areas.
  • Invest in portable mobile and laptop battery chargers.
  • Charge cell phones and backup chargers in advance.
  • Stock up on batteries for items you rely on.
Flashlight

Home


  • Consider purchasing battery-powered LED lights or solar lanterns.
  • Consider any needs for pets.
  • Keep cash on hand and fill up gas tanks. Local ATMs and gas stations may close during an outage.
  • Leave a light on to alert you when power returns.
  • Keep flashlights in reach.
  • Practice opening garage doors manually.
  • Make sure your electric vehicle’s battery is fully charged. Find energized charging stations.
Emergency Plan Checklist

Safety


  • Find space outside to use generators, camp stoves and charcoal grills.
  • Write emergency numbers down somewhere accessible.
  • Check on neighbors.
  • Make sure backup power and generators are ready to safely operate. For more information, visit our backup power page.
Medical Equipment

Health

 

Additional resources:

Use the following resources to get ready for the wildfire season.

Garage Door
Backup Generator

High fire-threat area resources


Your safety is our most important responsibility. If your home is in a high fire-threat area, the following resources can help you prepare for an unexpected situation.


Discover your home's wildfire risk

Prepare for an evacuation


Related links

Public Safety Power Shutoff support

Find resources before, during and after a Public Safety Power Shutoff.

Improving Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Find out how we’re improving the shutoffs for our customers and communities.

Why Public Safety Power Shutoffs occur

Find out the factors that go into our decision to call a shutoff.