Power Outage

• If encountering a downed power line, call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY to report its location and then PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
• Stay at least 35 feet away and wait for help to arrive.
• NEVER touch a downed power line or go near one.
• Keep others and pets away.
• You cannot tell whether a power line is energized just by looking at it, so consider all downed power lines live and dangerous.
• Do not drive over a fallen power line.
• Stay away from flooded areas and downed trees during and after a storm. These areas could be hiding an energized power line.

• Fully charge backup batteries and keep medical devices charged.
• If you use an electric wheelchair or scooter, have a manual wheelchair for back-up.
• Teach those who may need to assist you in an emergency how to operate necessary equipment. Also, label equipment and attach laminated instructions for equipment use. 
• Know how to connect and start a back-up power supply for your essential medical equipment.
• Have enough water and food that doesn’t need refrigeration for every member of your household for at least 2 weeks.
• Create a personal emergency plan with family and caregivers for how to meet your needs during a power outage.
• If you are a person who is vision impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, plan ahead for someone to convey essential emergency information to you if you are unable to use the TV or radio.

• A closed refrigerator will maintain a cool temperature for 2-3 hours.
• To prepare for longer periods without power, remove the refrigerated medications from the refrigerator as soon as possible and place medications into an ice chest or small cooler packed with ice, cooling bricks or cold packs.
• Use a thermometer to monitor medication temperatures to ensure they’re safe to use.
• Avoid freezing the medication by making sure it does not directly touch the ice.

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.
• Use a generator outside only, at least 20 feet from doors and windows. Generator exhaust is poisonous and can kill in minutes.

• Close off unneeded rooms to avoid wasting heat.
• Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
• Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat.
• Eat and drink. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Drink water and other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks to prevent dehydration.
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

• NEVER run generators indoors! 
• Place them at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and garages.
• Refuel only when the generator is cool. Fuel spilled on a hot engine can ignite.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas. Install CO detectors on every level of your home to keep your family and pets safe.
• Avoid electrical shock by keeping generators dry and out of the rain.
• Use only heavy-duty extension cords for connecting appliances.
• Follow all manufacturer instructions for safe use.

Learn more information about how to use a generator safely.

• 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.
• If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately for a new supply.