When the lights go out unexpectedly, it can feel unsettling. The Public Safety Department wants to provide you with helpful advice to stay safe and informed during a power outage.
What Happens During a Power Outage
Power outages occur for various reasons, including severe weather, equipment failure, or accidents involving power lines. While these events are usually temporary, they can impact daily routines and, in some cases, personal safety.
When the power goes out, your first instinct may be to contact Public Safety. However, for immediate information about the outage, contacting PG&E directly with your address is the best course of action. PG&E’s system allows them to track and report on the number of units affected and provide estimated restoration times. This information is crucial for planning and ensuring your safety during the outage.
How Public Safety Responds
During a power outage, the Public Safety Department prioritizes calls for service with safety as the guiding principle. Emergencies such as traffic accidents or calls involving medical needs will take precedence. This prioritization may result in delayed response times for non-critical incidents. Rest assured, every effort will be made to address community concerns as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Helpful Tips for Staying Safe During a Power Outage
- Stay Put if Possible
If you don’t need to leave your home, stay indoors. Staying put minimizes risks like navigating dark streets or encountering downed power lines. - Prepare an Emergency Kit
Keep a kit on hand that includes flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, non-perishable food, bottled water, and a first aid kit. - Stay Connected
Use your phone sparingly to preserve battery life. Consider investing in a portable charger or power bank to keep devices charged. Stay updated through PG&E’s outage center or local emergency alerts. - Keep Refrigerators Closed
Limit opening your refrigerator and freezer to retain cold air. Food typically stays safe for up to 4 hours in a refrigerator and 48 hours in a full freezer. - Turn Off Appliances
Turn off or unplug appliances and electronics to prevent power surges when electricity is restored. Leave one light on to indicate when power is back.
Contact Information
For outage details, contact PG&E directly. They can provide real-time updates on the status of the outage and estimated restoration times. You can reach PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 or visit their online outage map for updates.
If you face an emergency or need assistance from Public Safety, don’t hesitate to call. Remember that response times may be impacted during outages, but your safety is our top priority.
By staying prepared and informed, we can navigate power outages together as a resilient community. Stay safe!
