Prepare for a Power Outage including Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

Power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out. A power outage may:

  • Disrupt communications, water, and transportation;
  • Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services;
  • Cause food spoilage; and
  • Prevent use of medical devices.

It's important to be prepared for a power outage and to know where to find information. Below are resources and important information to help you and your family prepare for before a power outage, during an outage, and after an outage.

Public Safety Power Shutoff

What is PG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoff Program?

If extreme fire danger conditions threaten a portion of the electric system serving Santa Rosa, PG&E may proactively turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff. 

  • PG&E will only proactively turn off the power to help reduce the likelihood of an ignition when extreme fire danger conditions are forecasted. 
  • Customers in high fire-threat areas are more likely to be affected, but any of PG&E’s electric customers, including residents who live in the City of Santa Rosa, could have their power shut off if their community relies upon a line that passes through a high fire-threat area. 

PSPS INFORMATIONAL FLYER - ENGLISH   |   PSPS INFORMATIONAL FLYER - SPANISH

How will I be notified in the event of a PSPS?

PG&E's goal, dependent on weather, is to send outage alerts to customers at 48 hours, 24 hours and just prior to shutting off power. They will notify people through:

  • Automated Calls
  • Texts
  • Emails

It's important to make sure you'll receive notifications from PG&E if a PSPS occurs. Update your contact information with PG&E at power shutoff alerts or call 1-866-743-6589.

When will power be restored?

After the extreme weather has passed and it is safe to do so, PG&E crews will work to inspect the lines and safely restore power. PG&E aiming to restore power to a majority of customers within 12 daylight hours after severe weather has passed. However, depending on weather conditions or if any repairs are needed, outages (weather event plus restoration time) could last longer. For planning purposes, PG&E suggests preparing for multiple-day outages.

What weather conditions warrant a Public Safety Power Shutoff?

  • A Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service
  • Low Humidity Levels generally 20 percent and below
  • Forecasted sustained winds generally above 25 MPH and wind gusts in excess of approximately 45 MPH, depending on location and site-specific conditions such as temperature, terrain and local climate
  • Condition of dry fuel on the ground and live vegetation (moisture content)
  • On-the-ground, real-time observations from PG&E crews

How can I prepare NOW for a multiple-day PSPS power outage?

Stock up on supplies to last a week and refresh them at least once a year. Put them in waterproof containers, and store them in an easy to reach place. Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need:

  • Basic first aid kit (from antibiotic ointments and bandages to cold packs and more)
  • Blankets and clothing
  • Activities for children
  • Important documents 
  • Medication and eyeglasses
  • Toiletries
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Other useful items
  • Drinking water (1 gallon of water per person, per day)
  • Tools and utensils (Non-electric can opener and forks, spoons and knives)
  • Food (non-perishable and easy to prepare without power)
  • Baby/ pet food
  • Flashlights (do not use candles)
  • Radio (battery-powered or a hand-crank weather radio)
  • Extra batteries (include two extra sets)
  • Mobile phone (include a portable charger)

Learn more about PG&E’s PSPS program:

PREPARE FOR OUTAGES

PG&E WILDFIRE SAFETY WEBSITE

PG&E PSPS FAQs

PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF FACT SHEET

PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

General Power Outages

  1. Preparing for a Power Outage
  2. What to Do Once the Power Goes Out