Power outages

Image shows a power outage and tools such as flashlights and battery generator.

Prepare for power outages

Earthquakes, storms, high energy demand, equipment failures and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events can interrupt electricity. Plan ahead to protect your household's health, safety and comfort.

Report an outage: Call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002. For a medical emergency or immediate danger, call 911.

Do you rely on electricity for medical needs?

Make an outage plan with your health care provider and equipment supplier. Confirm which backup power sources are compatible with your equipment, how long they will last and where you can go for continued care or reliable power.

If your backup power will not last

  1. Act before the battery runs out. Contact your health care provider or equipment supplier for device-specific instructions and activate your backup plan.
  2. Arrange transportation to a location confirmed to have suitable power and support for your needs. Bring your equipment, chargers, medications and emergency contacts.
  3. Call 211 for help finding local support. Confirm a resource center's hours and ability to support your equipment before traveling there.
  4. Call 911 if loss of power to essential medical equipment creates an immediate health threat. Do not wait for a utility assistance application or an estimated restoration time.

Before an outage

  • Sign up for SMC Alert and keep your PG&E outage notification information current.
  • Keep flashlights, spare batteries, a battery-powered radio, drinking water and nonperishable food accessible.
  • Charge phones, portable chargers and compatible backup batteries.
  • Keep appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer. Set the refrigerator to 40°F or below and the freezer to 0°F or below.
  • Freeze water containers or gel packs and have a cooler ready.
  • Ask your pharmacist how to store refrigerated medications during an outage and how to check whether they remain usable.
  • Plan check-ins with household members and neighbors who would like assistance.

During an outage

  • Report the outage to PG&E at 1-800-743-5002 and monitor official updates.
  • Unplug sensitive electronics to help protect against power surges.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
  • Conserve cellphone battery power.
  • If indoor temperatures become unsafe, go to a location with safe heating or cooling. Never use a gas oven to heat your home.
  • Stay away from downed power lines and anything touching them. Report them to 911.

After power returns

  • Reconnect appliances gradually.
  • Check food temperatures before deciding what to keep.
  • Contact your pharmacist about refrigerated medications exposed to temperatures outside their storage requirements.
  • Recharge backup batteries and replace used emergency supplies.
  • Review your outage plan and address any gaps.

Use portable generators safely

Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an invisible, odorless gas that can kill.

  • Operate fuel-powered portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents. Direct exhaust away from buildings.
  • Never operate a generator in a home, garage, basement, carport or other enclosed or partly enclosed space, even with doors open.
  • Use working carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup.
  • Keep the generator dry and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Use properly rated outdoor extension cords.
  • Never plug a generator into a wall outlet to power your home. Have a qualified electrician install appropriate transfer equipment for a connection to household wiring.
  • Turn the generator off and let it cool before refueling.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect poisoning, move everyone outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.

Read CDC power outage safety guidance and portable generator precautions from the Consumer Product Safety Commission .

Keep food safe

With the doors kept closed, a refrigerator generally keeps food safe for up to 4 hours. A full freezer maintains a safe temperature for about 48 hours, or 24 hours if half full.

  • For a longer outage, move refrigerated perishables to a cooler with enough ice or frozen gel packs to keep them at 40°F or below.
  • After 4 hours without power or another cold source, discard refrigerated perishables such as meat, fish, milk, eggs and leftovers.
  • Frozen food may be safely refrozen or cooked if it still contains ice crystals or is 40°F or below.
  • Never taste food to determine whether it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.

Review CDC food-safety guidance for power outages .

Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)

During dangerous fire weather, PG&E may intentionally shut off electricity to reduce wildfire risk. Outages can last several days. Prepare food, water, medications and backup-power plans for an extended interruption.

Check PG&E's current PSPS information for affected areas and restoration updates. Find available PSPS support and Community Resource Centers . Confirm opening hours and available services before visiting.

Together we are MenloPrepared.

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