Wildfire Season: What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Stay informed:
- Sign up for utility alerts (text, email, phone).
- Enroll in local emergency notifications.
- Check your utility’s outage map and restoration updates when available.
Before an outage:
- Create a household safety plan, including for pets.
- Plan for medical needs that rely on electricity. Talk with your medical provider about backup options and ask your utility about medical needs programs. [Editor’s note: insert program information here if applicable.]
- Prepare an emergency kit with food, water (one gallon per person per day), flashlights and batteries, a radio, first-aid supplies, chargers and power banks, cash and copies of essential documents.
- Ensure backup generators are ready and can operate safely.
- Charge devices and keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full.
- Identify community resources, such as cooling centers, charging stations or assistance sites.
During an outage:
- Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent the risk of damage when power returns.
- Leave one light on to signal when the electricity is back.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Use generators safely; never operate them indoors, in garages, or near doors or windows.
- Stay away from damaged or downed power lines and anything they may be touching. Assume they are energized and report them to your utility or 911.
