If extreme fire danger conditions threaten a portion of the electric system serving our community, it may be necessary for PG&E to turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). During a PSPS all customers serviced by an affected power line will have their power shut off. Power outages could last multiple days depending on the severity of the weather and other factors. It is important that you and your family have an emergency preparedness plan in place.
Be prepared to take action if/when PG&E notifies you regarding a possible shutoff.
Sign up for emergency alerts.
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Nixle (text alerts from local public safety departments): Text your zip code to 888777 or sign up online.
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SocoAlert (emergency notifications from the County of Sonoma): Sign up here.
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PG&E Alerts: sign up here or call 1(866) 743-6589.
PG&E Safety Checklist
Update your contact information with PG&E: Visit pge.com/wildfirealerts or call 1 (866) 743-6589
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Plan for any medical needs.
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Keep a hard copy of emergency phone numbers on hand.
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Build or restock your emergency kit.
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Designate an emergency meeting location.
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Practice manually opening your garage door.
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Consider staying with a friend or relative during an outrage.
- Ensure any backup generators are ready to safely operate. Find generator safety tips at pge.com/backupgeneration
To learn more, please contact PG&E at 1-866-743-6589 and wildfiresafety@pge.com.
Before Shutoff
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Identify backup charging methods for phones and keep hard copies of emergency contacts, such as numbers of hospitals, fire departments, police, friends and relatives.
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Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, and first aid supplies.
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Keep in mind the needs of the elderly and young children and pets.
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Know how to manually open garage doors - park outside if you do not know how to do this.
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Make sure smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are ready.
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Keep emergency water (1 gallon per person per day is recommended) and food supplies that do not require refrigeration on hand.
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Ensure your vehicles are fueled or charged.
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Ensure you have cash on hand as banks may not be open.
During Shutoff
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Unplug or turn off appliances, equipment and electronics to avoid damage caused by surges when the power is restored.
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Use battery-operated flashlights, and not candles, due to the risk of fire.
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Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns. Then, turn your appliances on, one at a time.
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Typically, your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours--as long as the freezer and refrigerator doors are kept closed. Consider using coolers with ice to keep food cold and safe.
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Be sure to use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills outdoors only. Do not use a gas stove for heat.
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If you must leave your home, use extreme caution when driving as traffic signals may not be operational.
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Check on your neighbors.
When Power Returns
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When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
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If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.
Preparedness Resources
In the event of life-threatening emergency, call 911.