As part of PG&E’s Community Wildfire Safety Program, PG&E is implementing additional precautionary measures to help reduce the risk of wildfires. If extreme fire danger conditions threaten a portion of the electric system serving the community, PG&E may turn off electricity in the interest of public safety. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
Your energy company makes the decision to turn off power by monitoring local fire danger conditions across California and taking into consideration a combination of weather and environmental factors.
For more information on the factors used to determine PSPS events please visit www.prepareforpowerdown.com.
In the event of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), PG&E will provide notifications to their customers. Power outages could last multiple days depending on the severity of the weather and other factors. It is important that you and your family have an emergency preparedness plan in place. Point Arena residents should prepare now for a PSPS event.
Preparedness Tips
- Update your contact information with PG&E. Visit pge.com/mywildfirealerts or call 1-866-6589.
- Sign up for MendoAlert to receive updates about power outages and other emergency notifications.
- Review PG&E’s website to learn more about preparing you and your family for these events.
- Learn more about preparing for a PSPS event at www.prepareforpowerdown.com.
- Plan for power outages with resources from www.ready.gov.
- Review the Department of Energy’s generator safety and usage guidelines and PG&E’s backup generator guide and resources.
- Extended power outages associated with PSPS events may impact the whole county. Take an inventory now of the items you need that rely on electricity.
- Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
- Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
- Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
- Review your supplies that are available in case of no power. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water. Prepare an emergency supply kit.
- Install Carbon Monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Use coolers with ice during a prolonged power outage.
Additional Resources
- Power Outage Information Sheet (PDF)
- Red Cross Power Outage Checklist (PDF)
- Emergency Supply Kit Checklist (PDF)
- Individuals with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs (link)
- Extreme Heat Safety (link)
- Centers for Disease Control (link)
- Food Safety (link)
- Homeowner Guide to Choosing the Right Backup Generator (link)
- PG&E Backup Generator Guide and Resources (link)
- Community Guidelines for Energy Emergencies (link)
- Wildfire Preparedness (link)
- Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (link)
- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (link)
