Plan Ahead: Prepare for Power Outages, Stay Safe and Reduce Stress

Power outages in our service area can happen without notice or be planned events. While it’s easier for residents and businesses to prepare for a scheduled outage that occurs with adequate advance notice, some power outages happen suddenly due to storms, vehicle accidents, fires or other causes.

By taking steps now to prepare for future outages, you can keep your family, employees, and customers safe, reduce stress and minimize potential challenges.

STOP! Is Your Power Off?

To report a power outage or get current information on outages in your area, visit  pge.com/outagealerts or call (800) 743-5000.

Prepare Now: Be Ready and Stay Safe

A little proactive planning now can make life much easier when the power goes out. Consider these items as you prepare to help ensure you’re ready for the next outage.

• Basic needs: These include water, nonperishable food, medication, and first aid for your family, pets, and livestock. Keep enough water on hand to provide for them and household needs, such as cooking. If your home is on a well system with an electric pump, you will need extra water for hand washing, flushing toilets, etc.
• Communication: Plan how you will stay informed and in touch. A radio with extra batteries is essential, along with batteries or battery-powered chargers for phones and other communication devices.
• Safety: You will need flashlights, lanterns, lights and plenty of extra batteries. Fire extinguishers are also critically important to have on hand at all times.
• Transportation: Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas or is completely charged. If you need to evacuate quickly, this can make a big difference.
• Cash: Power outages can affect ATMs and credit card equipment, so keep some extra cash on hand just in case.
• Emergency/evacuation plan: It’s smart to have an emergency/evacuation plan ready. Your family members should have an agreed-upon plan in place; in an emergency, you may be in various locations and unable to coordinate. Having a prearranged plan ensures that your loved ones know where to go and what to do.

Be Smart About Backup Power Options

Many businesses and some homes make use of backup power equipment during power outages. If you are adding or using battery or generator backup, be sure to:

• Use a licensed, qualified professional to install stand-by and permanent generation to ensure safety and code compliance.
• Choose a system that matches your critical electrical needs.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for operation and installation.

Stay Informed and Sign Up for Alerts

For a complete list of emergency preparedness tips and to sign up for the “CodeRed” alert notification system, visit the El Dorado County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) page.

For more helpful information from Pioneer, visit our Understanding Outages page.