How to stay safe during a power outage
We do our best to keep power on around the clock. Sometimes, emergencies can cause an outage. There are also planned outages when we turn off power for safety or maintenance.
If the power goes out, here are some tips:
Food
- Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed. Before a planned outage, set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings.
- Keep a supply of foods that can safely sit on the pantry shelf for at least one year.
Home
- Turn off or disconnect your appliances. Overloaded circuits can be a fire hazard once power is restored.
- Keep important phone numbers in an easily accessible location.
- Store a flashlight with extra batteries in a convenient place.
- Leave a single lamp on to let you know when power returns.
- Practice opening garage doors manually.
Safety
- Use your generator outside only. For more on generator safety, visit backup power safety.
- Do not use your oven to heat your home. This can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If you see a downed power line, stay away. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report its location, and then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002. Check on neighbors.
Health
- Have a backup plan if you rely on power for medical needs or medications.
- Plan for medications that require refrigeration.
Technology
- Invest in portable mobile and laptop chargers.
- Locate free Wi-Fi locations nearby.
- Buy a battery powered crank radio.
- Charge cell phones and backup batteries when you receive a PSPS alert.
