Power Outages

Power outages are relatively common and can occur at anytime. Power outages can pose serious problems, particularly for those using life-sustaining equipment (LSE), or during extreme temperatures.

Power Outage Tips

• Is this a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)? If so, read specific PSPS information.
• Keep a flashlight and other emergency supplies handy in case of power outages
• Check the fuse box to see if there is a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker
• If you determine that a fuse or circuit breaker needs to be replaced, turn off all large appliances or unplug them before replacing a fuse or a breaker to avoid damage to the electrical system
• Check your neighborhood to see if others are without power
• Call to report the power outage. Call only once to keep the line open for other customers
• If you use a home generator, follow these safety guidelines to avoid the potential hazards of generator misuse.
• If you rely on electric medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, ventilators and oxygen compressors, plan ahead by talking to your medical supply company about getting batteries or a generator as a back up power source. Learn more about managing health conditions during a power outage.
• After an outage, discard any food that does not meet the food safety standard (retail and residential facilities should use this guide to help determine how food should be handled after a power outage)

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)

• Public Safety Power Shutoff
• View or report an outage
• Safety Action Center

Food and Medication Safety During Power Outages

In a prolonged power outage, your food may become unsafe to eat and increase your risk of illness. Medications that need to refrigeration may also become less effective or stop working. It's important to plan and protect your health during a power outage. For valuable information visit our web page on food and medication safety during power outages.