Get prepared for a PSPS

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.

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Prepare for a shutoff
Prepare for wildfire season

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 shutoff alerts for both account and non-account holders, visit Public Safety Power Shutoff updates and alerts.
To find resources available in your area during a Public Safety Power Shutoff, visit our Community Resource Centers page.
For more ways to prepare, visit the Safety Action Center or download our preparedness guides: Residential (PDF, 895 KB), Non-Residential/Master-Meter Landlords (PDF, 894 KB).
Use our interactive online map to learn where a Public Safety Power Shutoff may be more likely to happen and view past events in your area. Visit the Public Safety Power Shutoff Planning Map.

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

To create an emergency plan, visit our emergency plan page.
To create an emergency preparedness kit, visit our emergency preparedness kit page.
To learn about backup power and if it’s right for your needs, visit our backup power page.
To learn more about wildfire safety and how to join a wildfire safety webinar, visit our wildfire safety webinars and events page.
To learn how to safely plant vegetation to avoid powerlines, visit our plant the right tree in the right place page.
For more ways to prepare, visit the Safety Action Center.
To learn ways to protect your home, watch our video series, 7 Saturdays to a More Fire-Resistant Home.

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