Power outages can occur at any time, especially during the fire season across California.
For public safety, electricity may need to be temporarily shut off during gusty winds, dry conditions, and heightened fire risk. This safety measure is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
To help customers prepare and stay safe during an outage, Pacific Gas & Electric offers the following guidance.
Keep important phone numbers — hospitals, fire departments, police, family, and friends — in an accessible location for emergencies.
Plan ahead for medical needs — ensure you have a backup plan to maintain life support equipment.
Stay connected — keep a charged cellphone or hardwired single-line telephone. Remember: cordless phones don’t work without electricity.
Use flashlights instead of candles — keep extra batteries on hand. If candles are necessary, use extreme caution.
Prevent fire hazards — turn off heat-producing appliances such as ovens, stovetops, and irons during an outage.
Protect electronics — use surge suppressors or unplug sensitive devices like TVs and computers.
Keep food safe — avoid opening refrigerators and freezers. Use ice in plastic containers to help maintain cold temperatures. A full freezer stays colder, longer.
Stock up on nonperishable food — and keep a manual can opener ready.
Generator safety matters — only use generators that have been installed correctly and safely. Improper installation can endanger lives and damage property.
PG&E makes every effort to notify customers before a PSPS occurs, providing time to prepare. Customers should update their contact information — including email, phone numbers, language preference, and mailing address — in their online account to ensure timely alerts. Business customers are encouraged to confirm all phone numbers and emails on file are current.
For more outage preparedness information and resources, visit PG&E’s Outage and Safety webpage. Customers can also review detailed guidelines on Electric Generator Safety to ensure safe use during outages.
