Prepare for Power Outages

Public Safety Power Shutoff events

For public safety, PG&E may turn off electricity in certain areas when forecasted weather conditions (such as gusty winds or dryness), heighten wildfire risks. These planned Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events may disrupt your power supply, so it is important to be prepared.  

• Build or restock an emergency kit. Include food, water, flashlight, first aid kit, cash, a battery-operated radio and a phone charger that does not need an electrical outlet. Also include a supply of medications you take. If you use refrigerated medications, you’ll need to make special plans to ensure they don’t spoil when you don’t have power.
• Make sure you have enough medication, as shutoffs may affect your pharmacy's electricity and ability to fill prescriptions. Please contact your pharmacy before the planned shutoff to refill your medication if needed.
• If you use medical equipment that runs on power, contact your medical equipment provider. They may be able to help you get alternative devices.
  
• Sign up for PG&E alerts. Call 1-866-743-6589 or visit PG&E's website. PG&E will alert you in case of a planned power shutoff.
  
• Check the status of planned power outages at PG&E’s website. This site also has a list of Community Resource Centers where you may access restrooms, bottled water, electronic device charging stations and air-conditioned seating.
  
• Make an emergency contact list. Include your family, friends, primary care provider, pharmacy and the California Health Emergency Hotline: 1-833-284-3473.
  
• Keep an up-to-date list of all your prescription medications. Include name, dosage amounts and known allergies. 
  
• Keep electronic communication devices fully charged. If you lose power, minimize your use of these devices. Use your vehicle(s) to charge devices when necessary. Determine where the closest unaffected areas are where you charge devices. 
  

Power outage resources 

• PG&E’s power outage map shows the location of power outages and details about them.
• PG&E has a list of drop-in Community Resource Centers that they open during the day in communities impacted by PSPS events. These climate-controlled indoor centers provide ADA-accessible restrooms, device charging stations, Wi-Fi and other essential services.  
• The American Red Cross has information on what to do (and not do) during a power outage.
  
• The Prepare for Power Down website has comprehensive information on how to prepare for power outages.