Be prepared for power shutoffs
Power outages may last several hours or longer depending on weather conditions and the time required to inspect electrical equipment before safely restoring service.
Preparing now can help reduce disruptions and keep you, your family, and our community safe.
What you can do today
Taking a few simple steps now can make a significant difference if a power outage occurs.
Charge essential devices
* Cell phones
* Tablets and laptops
* Flashlights and headlamps
* Portable battery packs
* Backup batteries for medical devices
Prepare your home
* Set refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings.
* Freeze containers of water to help keep food cold longer.
* Gather flashlights and extra batteries.
* Unplug sensitive electronics before the outage.
* Locate your emergency supplies.
Helpful Tip: Once the power goes out, limit opening refrigerator and freezer doors as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator will generally keep food cold for about 4 hours before internal temperatures begin to rise. A full, unopened freezer can generally keep food frozen for about 48 hours. If you’re unsure whether food is safe after power has been restored, remember: When in doubt, throw it out.
Prepare Your Vehicle
* Fill your fuel tank.
* Charge electric vehicles.
* Keep charging cables available.
* Consider maintaining at least one-half tank of fuel throughout fire season.
Gather Essential Supplies
Have enough supplies for everyone in your household, including pets.
Recommended items include:
* Drinking water (Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day)
* Shelf-stable foods
* Prescription medications
* Pet food and medications
* Manual can opener
* First aid kit
* Battery-powered radio
* Cash for purchases if electronic payment systems are unavailable
?If the power goes out
Stay safe
* Use flashlights instead of candles whenever possible.
* Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
* Conserve battery power on electronic devices.
* Continue monitoring official updates.
* Check on neighbors who may need assistance.
Food and cooking
If your home relies on an electric stove or oven, plan ahead before the outage begins.
The safest option is to prepare meals before power is interrupted and keep foods available that requires little or no cooking.
Examples include:
* Peanut butter
* Crackers
* Trail mix
* Energy bars
* Canned foods
* Fresh fruit
* Shelf-stable milk
* Ready-to-eat meals
Outdoor cooking
Power shutoffs typically occur during periods of strong winds, dry conditions, or elevated wildfire danger. Even if certain cooking appliances are permitted under current fire restrictions, weather conditions may make outdoor cooking unsafe.
Before cooking outdoors:
* Consider whether wind conditions make outdoor cooking unsafe.
* Never leave cooking equipment unattended.
* Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Never use propane camp stoves, charcoal grills, gas grills, or other outdoor cooking appliances inside a home, garage, camper, tent, or other enclosed space. These appliances produce carbon monoxide and can quickly become deadly indoors.
Generator safety
If using a portable generator:
* Operate it outdoors only.
* Keep it well away from doors, windows, and air intakes.
* Never operate a generator inside a building or enclosed space.
* Follow all manufacturer safety recommendations.
* Use only generators that are equipped with spark arresters
Medical needs
If someone in your household depends on electrically powered medical equipment:
* Fully charge backup batteries before the outage.
* Review your emergency plan.
* Keep medications readily available.
* Seek assistance before backup batteries become depleted.
Call 911 immediately for any medical emergency.
Community support
Resources in your immediate area may include
* Bottled water distribution
* Ice distribution
* Cooling and charging stations
Specific locations, operating hours, distribution schedules, and pickup procedures will usually be shared through all news media outlets.
Preparing now is the best way to reduce the impacts of a power shutoff.
