Power Outage Information
Plan for Power Outages
Power outages may occur before and during the threat of a wildfire. It’s important to be prepared and know what actions to take when leaving your home. Along with the pre-evacuation preparation steps, these are a few ways to be ready in case of a power outage during these critical times.
- Learn how to manually open your automatic garage doors or gates—this is extremely important!
- Be familiar with your home’s utility boxes (electricity, water and gas).
- Keep shoes near your bed in case you need to evacuate during the night.
- Build a supply kit
—and more than just a First Aid Kit. Include prescription medications and check the expiration dates. Include water, a battery-operated radio, flashlights and batteries (or a rechargeable flashlight), coolers or ice chests, and external rechargeable battery packs for your cellphones and include an extra charging cable. Also keep non-perishable food and a manual can-opener in your kit. - Always keep the gas tank at least half full in your vehicles.
- Make your safety preparedness plan now and make sure your family knows each step and role they will play during this time.
- Don’t forget your pets! Have an action plan ready for them, too, and know how they will be cared for.
- If you have a power generator, be sure you know the safety guidelines of your model, including where to connect it, which electrical cords to use, and what the electrical load rating is. An improperly installed generator can electrocute you or an electric utility worker.
- Keep your cellphone charged.
- Keep a supply of bottled water.
During a Power Outage
If the power goes out, follow these steps:
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Shut off the gas and other combustibles such as propane tanks.
- Stay at least 10 feet away from both overhead power lines and electrical facilities, and never approach or touch overhead power lines or any person or object in contact with the lines.
- If wildfire is within your area, keep informed with a battery-powered radio or your cellphone.
Visit these websites for more information about what to do in a power outage, and how you can ensure the safety of your family during the threat of wildfire:
