A Guide And Tips To Help You Prepare For The PG&E Power Outage
Starting today, nearly 250,000 Bay Area residents could be without power. And as many as 800,000 customers in Northern and Central California will also have their power shut off.
PG&E is saying that these power outages could last as long as a few days, maybe even a week so they’re urging people to be prepared.
Here are a few tips to help you through the potential power outage:
- Sign up for PG&E alerts so you can be quickly informed if a power outage is about to begin in your neighborhood. It is also a good idea to sign up for alerts with your county.
- Fill up your gas tank on your way home from work — most gas pumps are electronic and will not work in an outage.
- Prepare yourself for slow driving — traffic lights will not be functioning in the neighborhood impacted by the power outage.
- Stop by the ATM and withdraw cash — grocery store cash registers are electrically powered.
- Stock up on seven days of food, water, and flashlights and batteries. If you are still using old incandescent bulbs, this might be a good time to upgrade. LED bulbs last much longer.
- A few things to pick up from grocery store:
- A manual can opener
- Bottled water — although water service may not be impacted it may be wise to have at least a two-day supply
- Non perishable and food that is easy to prepare without an electric stove for you, your children and your pets
- Two large bags of ice — these can be used to keep your refrigerated cool several hours
- Flashlight lights and plenty of batteries. Safety experts say to avoid using candles.
And if and when the power goes off in your area:
- Unplug or turn off appliances, equipment and electronics to avoid damage caused by surges when the power is restored.
- Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns. Then, turn your appliances on, one at a time.
- Your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours–as long as the freezer and refrigerator doors are kept closed.
- Be sure to use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills outdoors only. Do not use a gas stove for heat.
- For food safety tips, the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services has a detailed list at their site: Food Safety During A Power Outage.
PG&E will open Community Resource Centers in several locations beginning at 8 a.m. The centers will remain open during daylight hours only. Restrooms, bottled water, electronic-device charging and air-conditioned seating for up to 100 will be available at these facilities.
- Santa Clara — San Jose — Avaya Stadium 1123 Coleman Avenue, San Jose 95110
- San Mateo — Half Moon Bay — Pasta Moon Restaurant, 845 Main St Half Moon Bay 94019
- Santa Cruz — Aptos — Twin Lakes Church 2701 Cabrillo College Dr, Aptos 95003
- Alameda — Oakland Merritt College LOT B – Leona St., Oakland 94508
In Santa Clara County, officials are saying they don’t expect power to be cut off until noon.
Click here for a map outages in your area –> PG&E Outage Maps
PG&E is also reporting delays on their website due to heavy traffic, so customers are encouraged to check the company’s Twitter page.