Power outages

Power outages can occur for a variety of reasons including earthquakes, severe storms, increased demand or public safety power shutoff. Putting together a power outage plan now can help protect your health and safety in the event of a power failure.

10 essential steps to take during a power outage

Whether caused by severe weather, equipment failure or planned maintenance, it's crucial to be prepared for those moments when the lights go out. Follow these 10 essential steps to help keep you and your family safe and comfortable.

1. Remain calm and assess the situation:
   When a power outage occurs, first assess whether it's just your home or the entire neighborhood. Check your circuit breaker to make sure it hasn't been tripped. If your neighbors are also without power, it's likely a neighborhood outage.
2. Report the outage:
   If you've confirmed that it's a power outage, contact PG&E using its Outage Center map website or call 1-800-743-5002 to report the issue. They can provide information on the estimated restoration time.
3. Unplug sensitive electronics:
   To prevent potential damage from power surges when the electricity is restored, unplug any sensitive electronics like computers, televisions and gaming systems.
4. Gather emergency supplies:
   Locate your emergency preparedness kit, which should contain flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, a first-aid kit and essential documents. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to find these items.
5. Use alternative light sources:
   Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns to illuminate your home. Avoid using candles due to the risk of fire.
6. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed:
   Minimize opening refrigerator and freezer doors to preserve the cold air inside. Food in a closed refrigerator will stay cold for about four hours, while a full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours.
7. Conserve your cellphone battery:
   Turn off nonessential apps, lower screen brightness, and switch to airplane mode to conserve your phone's battery life. Save battery power for emergency calls and important updates.
8. Stay warm or cool, depending on the season:
   During winter, layer clothing, and use blankets to stay warm. Close doors to unused rooms to conserve heat. In summer, stay in the coolest parts of your home, drink plenty of water, and wear lightweight clothing.
9. Use a portable generator safely:
   If you choose to use a portable generator, make sure to use it according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Operate it outdoors and away from windows, doors, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
10. Stay informed and connected:
    Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive updates from local authorities. Check for updates from PG&E and stay in contact with friends, family and neighbors for additional support. Make sure you are subscribed to both emergency and non-emergency alerts from the City and follow the city social media channels.

Bonus tip: Consider visiting the local library. Often times our local libraries may be unaffected by the power outages and for those without power or needing a place to recharge, Menlo Park libraries are open and accessible every day of the week. They are climate-controlled, and offer seating, reading materials, laptop computers, places to charge mobile devices, and public access internet and Wi-Fi. For more information about regular library hours and services, visit menlopark.gov/library or call 650-330-2520.

Although power outages can be inconvenient and disruptive, being prepared and taking the necessary steps can help ensure the safety and comfort of you and your family. Remember to stay calm, assess the situation, and follow these steps during a power outage to minimize its impact.

Additional tips and ideas

• Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns
• For extended power outages, learn about PG&E's discounts on hotels (PDF)

Prepare in advance

• Sign up to receive emergency alerts through SMC Alert and non-emergency and preparedness messages via City news emails and texts at menlopark.gov/subscribe
• Follow the city social media channels
• Keep a battery-operated flashlight and radio within easy reach. Listen for updates on storm conditions and power outages
• Do not use wax candles – if you want to use candles, use only the safer, battery-powered LED candles
• Keep a standard handset or back-up/charged mobile phone available – don’t depend on a phone that requires electricity to work
• Store water-filled plastic containers or reusable ice packs in your freezer to use as needed to prevent food from spoiling

Rotating power outages

When we all conserve, rotating outages are preventable.

• The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) decides when rotating outages are necessary to reduce demand on the power grid.
• You may be notified by text, email and/or phone before PG&E enacts a rotating outage in your area. Outages typically last 1-2 hours.
• Find your block and possible rotating outage period
• Remember—all outage start times are estimates. They're meant as guidelines, not definitive schedules.
• You can help prevent outages. This summer, discover simple energy saving tips to save money and help ease the burden on the power grid.

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Public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events 

PG&E has developed plans to shutoff power during critical fire weather in order to reduce the risk of wildfire. A PSPS could lead to multiday outages in many areas during periods of extremely hot, dry and/or windy weather. A PSPS outage will last as long as the potentially dangerous weather conditions exist, plus the amount of times it takes for PG&E workers to inspect and repair their equipment in the affected area(s). Residents need to be prepared to endure a power outage lasting at least 3-5 days.

Learn more about PSPS and how to prepare.