Power outages

Preparing your home for an extended electric outage helps prepare you for many kinds of emergencies.

Before a power outage

Gather useful supplies and store them in easy to access places. Keep non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and other necessities on hand.
Prepare to have no lights. Keep a flashlight with extra, fresh batteries in a convenient place. Avoid using candles because of fire risks.
Leave water bottles or ice packs in your freezer to help keep food cold if the power goes out. A full freezer stays cold longer.
Charge your phone and other critical devices, especially when stormy weather is on the horizon. Consider a backup battery or portable charger. Also, keep important phone numbers written down and handy (e.g., doctor, family, friends, or anyone you may need to call, but do not have their phone numbers memorized).
Have cash in small bills on hand, a physical Clipper Card, and a full tank of gas, in the event ATMs, digital cards, and gas stations are unavailable.
Prepare for garage and gate access. Learn how to manually open automatic garage doors or security gates.
Use generators safely. If using a generator, follow safety guidelines and notify PG&E. Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Learn more at pge.com/generator.

Visit SFPUC’s Power Outage page for even more tips.

Call, text or visit neighbors. Older adults, especially those who live alone, and those with disabilities or medical conditions are most at risk during emergencies and disasters.
Know where to check outage updates. Visit PG&E’s Outage Center or call 1-800-743-5002 for real-time outage maps, updates, and estimated restoration times. You can also sign up to receive outage alerts directly from PG&E.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for about 4 hours; a full freezer for up to 48 hours.
Turn off major appliances. Prevent power surges by switching off air conditioners, heaters, and electronics.
Be careful with alternative heating and cooking sources. Never use gas stoves, grills, or generators indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.
Notify your alarm company if you have an alarm system as equipment can be affected by power outages.
If you are experiencing a medical, police, or fire emergency call 911.

Reset clocks, thermostats and other programmed equipment after power is restored.
Throw away all discolored or foul-smelling food, especially meat, poultry, and fish, in the refrigerator. Freezer foods may last from 48 to 72 hours if the freezer is full and the door remains closed. If in doubt, throw it out.
Check your fuse box. A power outage could be limited to your home and can be fixed by resetting your circuit breaker. Instructions from PG&E on resetting your circuit breaker.

Text your ZIP Code to 888-777 or sign up at AlertSF.org.

Brought to you by the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management (DEM). DEM manages San Francisco's everyday and not-so-everyday emergencies.

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