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Preparing for a Power Outage: What You Need to Know
Power outages can happen during wildfires, severe weather and other emergencies. PG&E may also turn off electricity during dangerous fire-weather conditions to reduce the risk of power lines starting a wildfire. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
Preparing ahead can help you stay informed, communicate and safely evacuate when the power is out.
During a Power Outage
- Use AlertMarin and Marin’s Public Emergency Portal for official emergency instructions.
- Check PG&E for outage and PSPS updates.
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Conserve battery power for essential devices.
- Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them when power returns.
- Check on neighbors who may need assistance.
- Only call 9-1-1 during a medical or life-threatening emergency.
PG&E may open Community Resource Centers during a PSPS or extended outage. Services may include device and medical-equipment charging, Wi-Fi, water, snacks and accessibility assistance. Check with PG&E on possible Community Resource Centers.
Medical and Accessibility Needs
Anyone who depends on electricity for medical equipment or assistive technology should develop a backup plan before an outage. Please consider the following:
- How long your equipment can operate without household power
- More than one backup power source
- A safe location you can go if backup power runs low
- Transportation assistance
- Emergency contact information for your healthcare and equipment providers
Seniors and vulnerable populations who may be adversely affected by an extended outage can contact Marin County Department of Health and Human Services’ resource line at 415-473-INFO to access available resources.
PG&E offers programs for qualifying customers, including additional outage notifications, portable batteries and other support for people with medical or independent-living needs.
Start with the Basics
Fire Safe Marin strongly recommends that all Marin residents prepare for power outages before and during wildfires and other emergencies. Before purchasing a large backup power system, make sure your household has the essentials:
- Battery-powered lanterns, flashlights, and backup lighting
- Battery-powered cell phone chargers or portable power banks
- A battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio
- Spare batteries
- A written list of emergency contacts
- A plan for refrigerating medication or powering medical equipment
- A way to manually open your garage door
- A Go-Kit for your household, preparations for pets, and your evacuation plan
Use flashlights or lanterns instead of candles, which can create a fire risk.
Sign up for AlertMarin and update your PG&E contact information so you can receive emergency and outage notifications.
Backup Power Preparations
Choosing the right backup power option starts by identifying what you need to keep running and for how long. Prioritize essential equipment rather than trying to power your entire home.
Examples of optional purchases:
- Battery powered cell phone chargers
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for electronic devices
- Portable power stations
- Permanent Home Batteries
- Battery backups for garage doors
- Permanently (professionally) installed home generators
Battery Powered Radios
All Marin residents should purchase and learn how to use a battery powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather radio. Some models can be charged via built-in solar panels or hand cranks for continued operations during long power outages.
NOAA Weather Radio is an automated 24-hour network of weather radio stations in the United States that broadcast weather information directly from a nearby National Weather Service office. The National Weather Service sends out Red Flag Warnings and other extreme weather warnings by NOAA Weather Radio.
Monitor local radio stations like KCBS, KGO, KQED, and KWMR for fire and emergency information, especially when other communication sources are unavailable due to power outages or infrastructure damage.
Battery Powered Backup Lighting
When the power goes out, you will likely need to rely on battery powered backup lighting. Battery powered lanterns provide better source of lighting than flashlights, and typically have longer battery life. Another good option are battery powered lights that can quickly and temporarily be mounted to the wall, sometimes referred to as “closet lights.”
Whatever option you choose, be sure to have a supply D, C, AA, AAA and 9-volt batteries.
“UPS” Uninterruptible Power Supply
An uninterruptible power supply, commonly called a UPS, provides temporary battery power to equipment such as:
- Internet modems and routers
- Cordless phone bases
- Computers
- Small medical devices
A UPS is generally intended for short-term use. Runtime depends on the battery’s capacity and the amount of power being used. Please consult with the manufacturer for specifics and installation instructions. Test regularly to confirm function.
Plan for Your Garage Door
You need to be able to get out of your garage, even without power.
- Learn how to use your garage door’s manual release.
- Practice opening the door without electricity.
- Keep a flashlight near the release mechanism.
- Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do.
Consider a compatible battery backup for your garage door opener:
A battery backup can be installed on most garage doors. Check with your garage door opener manufacturer to see if they make a battery specific to your opener model, although universal models are available. Test the backup battery regularly to ensure functionality.
Portable Power Stations
Portable power stations store electrical power in an internal battery for later use. Battery capacity of a portable power station is roughly equal to the value of their power in watt-hours (Wh). For example, a 1000 watt generator can provide their maximum output of 1000 watts for up to one hour. While power needs will vary greatly from home to home, typically these large batteries are used to back up lights in high-use rooms, internet modems, fridges, and medical devices, all without producing exhaust (as you may experience with a generator).
Runtimes of portable power stations are limited by their battery’s capacity. Once the battery is depleted, they must be recharged by a conventional power source or an alternative such as solar panels and therefore they cannot operate off the grid for longer than a single afternoon.
Large Capacity Batteries (Permanent Home Batteries)
Permanent Home Batteries (sometimes called Power Walls) are integrated battery systems that store solar energy for backup protection. So when the grid goes down, your power stays on.
A professionally installed battery can power selected household circuits during an outage. A battery paired with properly configured solar panels may be able to recharge during daylight and extend backup power. Standard solar panels generally will not power a home during an outage unless the system is specifically designed and equipped to do so. Ask your solar or battery provider how your system will operate when the electrical grid is down.
Generators
Backup electric generators operate as a stand-alone power source and are not connected to PG&E’s power grid. Generators are typically powered by natural gas, gasoline, propane, or diesel fuel.
Portable or permanently installed generators can power larger appliances and equipment. However, fuel-powered generators create carbon monoxide, and can be fire and electrical hazards. They must be operated carefully.
Permanent generators and any equipment connected to a home’s electrical system should be installed by qualified professionals.
Generator Safety
Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, carport, covered porch or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even when doors and windows are open.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness or death.
When using a portable generator:
- Place it outdoors, more than 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.
- Direct the exhaust away from buildings and neighboring homes.
- Use working battery-powered or battery-backup carbon monoxide alarms inside your home.
- Keep the generator dry without enclosing it or blocking ventilation.
- Turn it off and allow it to cool before adding fuel.
- Store fuel in approved containers, outside living areas and away from heat or ignition sources.
- Follow the manufacturer’s operating and maintenance instructions.
Prevent Electrical Hazards
Plug appliances directly into the generator.
If an extension cord is absolutely necessary:
- Use a heavy-duty cord rated for outdoor use.
- Make sure it can safely carry the total electrical load.
- Inspect it for cuts or other damage.
- Use only cords with intact three-prong plugs.
Never plug a generator into a household wall outlet. This practice, known as backfeeding, can cause a fire, damage equipment and electrocute utility workers or neighbors.
A transfer switch or other connection to a home electrical panel must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Fire Safe Marin does not recommend the operation of standalone, gas-powered generators during Red Flag Warnings or other fire weather events. A permanently (professionally) installed, propane or natural gas-powered generator is safer and less likely to spark a fire or expose residents to dangerous combustion gasses.
