Prepare for a PSPS
Get ready for a PSPS
Losing power can be an unwelcome disruption to your life, family and work, so we’ve created preparation tips to keep you safe and your life as normal as possible during a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). We also offer support including free Wi-Fi, device charging, bagged ice, ADA-accessible restrooms and hand-washing stations in affected communities, once the power has been turned off.
A PSPS means you could be without power for several days. We know it will be a hardship and want to help you prepare in advance. Use the following tips to get ready for, and stay safe during, a PSPS.
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.
- Use coolers to keep food cold while power is off.
- Limit opening refrigerator and freezer doors. When power is off, food can be kept cold for up to four hours in refrigerators and up to 48 hours in freezers.
- Buy shelf stable foods.
Technology
- Have a backup key to replace electronic keys and locks (which need power to operate).
- Turn off/unplug electrical appliances or equipment, like T.V.s and computers, that 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.
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.
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.
Health
- Stock up on first aid supplies.
- Stock prescription and non-prescription medications.
- Plan for medications that require refrigeration.
- Charge medical devices fully.
- For more information, customers with medical needs can visit our Medical Baseline page.
- Learn more about PG&E resources for those with accessibility, financial, language and aging needs.
Additional resources:
- To find information on PSPS alerts for both account and non-account holders, visit PSPS updates and alerts.
- To find resources available in your area during a PSPS, visit our Community Resource Centers page.
- For more ways to prepare, visit the Safety Action Center.
Use the following resources to get ready for the wildfire season.
- To create an emergency plan, visit the emergency plan page..
- To create an emergency preparedness kit, visit our emergency preparedness kit page.
- To learn about back-up power and if it’s right for your needs, visit our back-up power page.
- To learn more about wildfire safety and join a webinar, visit our wildfire safety webinars and events page.
- To learn where to safely plant vegetation to avoid power lines, visit our plant the right tree in the right place page.
- For more ways to prepare, visit the Safety Action Center.
High-threat wildfire area preparation resources
Your safety is our top priority. Your home may be in an extreme or elevated risk-area for wildfire.
The following resources can help you prepare and practice your evacuation plan, evaluate your home and create an emergency supply kit.
Discover your home's wildfire riskPrepare for an evacuation
Related links
PSPS support
Find resources including device charging, bagged ice and Wi-Fi to support you during a PSPS.
Why PSPS events occur
Discover what factors go into the decision to announce a PSPS event and find the weather tools that show if a PSPS will occur in your area.