What is a public safety power shutoff?
During a disaster or extreme weather, the utility company might temporarily shut the power off. This can help prevent the risk of wildfires from damaged electrical equipment. The utility company makes this decision based on the current or predicted weather conditions.
Staying safe during a power shutoff
During a power outage, you can practice these safety measures:
- Avoid driving during a power outage, especially during extreme weather. Be aware of hazards like fallen trees that could be in the road. If a traffic light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
- Check on your neighbors. Older adults, young children, and people with medical conditions or other access and functional needs are especially vulnerable during a power outage.
- Go to a designated charging station or community resource center if needed during extreme heat or cold.
- Turn off or disconnect electronics, including appliances and other equipment. Power can return with a sudden surge or spike that can damage electronics.
- Use extreme caution when operating a gas-powered generator. Always read an owner’s manual before operating a generator and never operate a generator indoors. Avoid overloading your generator by following the manufacturer's directions for load capacity. Generators need to cool before refueling or could spark a fire.
- Always use your generator outside. The exhaust must be directed away from openings to your home or nearby buildings. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows.
- Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. During an outage, auto-ignitors on gas stoves will not work. Use extreme caution if lighting a burner with a match.
- Prevent food spoilage. Perishable food must stay at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to be safe to eat. Unless perishable food is kept on ice during a power outage, most of it will need to be disposed of. Remove foods from packaging before tossing spoiled food into your green organics cart for composting. To keep your food from spoiling, you can:
- Keep your freezer and refrigerator closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep food cold for about 48 hours.
- Use a cooler with ice as needed.
- Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.