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Prepare for Power Shutoffs

For the most up to date information on emerging emergency situations, visit the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services. 

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are tactical decisions made by Pacific Gas & Electric in response to inclement weather and involve turning off electricity to help prevent the spread of wildfire. 

HPSM members and providers alike depend on electricity. Use these resources to prepare for unexpected or planned power outages.

Get your site ready

Make sure your facility or site are ready for a planned or unplanned electrical blackout.

Readiness checklists

Refrigerated medicines 

Here are resources to help you with medicines that require refrigerator or freezer storage: 

Preparing your patients

There are a wide range of HPSM members who should have a backup plan for a PSPS emergency. Patients who should have a PSPS emergency plan include but are not limited to: 

Patients who rely on: Recommendation 

C-PAP machines

Backup generator

Electric wheelchairs or other mobility assist equipment

Extra charged battery, non-electric alternate

Dialysis

Backup generator

Infusion/IV or feeding/nutrition supplement equipment

Backup generator

Oxygen-related or cardiopulmonary assist devices

Backup generator

Authorizations

Services requiring review during a PSPS will be classified as urgent. At HPSM, urgent requests signify a delay in care could seriously jeopardize the life or health of the patient and receive response within 72 hours.

HPSM Pharmacy Services will allow members to receive medicine replacements if their medicine has spoiled during outages from non-refrigeration For emergency situations. HPSM’s Pharmacy Services will authorize at least a 72-hour supply of most medicines without restriction.

Programs

There are programs to help prepare your patients who depend on electricity for their well-being. 

  1. Have them sign up for PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program
  2. Members may also be eligible for PG&E’s CARE and FERA programs to help cover their energy bills

More Resources