Stay Informed About Power Outages
For the most up-to-date information on Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) or Public Safety Outage Management (PSOM) events, please visit your utility provider’s website:
- Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) – Outages and Safety
- Liberty Utilities– Outage Center
Impact of Extended Power Outages
Power outages can significantly disrupt daily life and the community. Extended outages may affect:
- Communications: Loss of phone and internet service, making it difficult to stay connected.
- Essential Services: Closure of businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and more.
- Food and Water Safety: Risk of food spoilage and water contamination.
- Medical Equipment: Interruptions to the use of life-sustaining medical devices.
Power outages may occur unexpectedly, and their impact can be widespread, affecting both individuals and the local economy. It’s important to stay prepared and informed.
How to Stay Safe During a Power Outage
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to maintain food safety for as long as possible.
- Use generators only outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use a gas stove to heat your home—this can be dangerous and ineffective.
- Unplug appliances and electronics to protect them from potential damage caused by power surges when service is restored.
- Have backup plans for refrigerating medications or powering medical devices that depend on electricity.
- If safe to do so, seek an alternate location for heating or cooling needs.
- Check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or may need assistance.
- If your home uses a Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) system, limit water use to prevent backups or sewage spills during a power outage.