High fire danger days bring more than just the threat of flames. Utilities might cut power on purpose, hoping to stop wildfires before they start. These planned utility shutoffs—called Public Safety Power Shutoffs—can last a few hours or stretch over several days. That means you could lose electricity, water pumps, and sometimes even phone service. Honestly, the only way to deal with a shutoff is to prep early, have a plan, and stash some basic supplies and backup options.
Start by figuring out when and why these shutoffs happen. That way, you’ll know how they might mess with your daily routine. A power loss in extreme weather can spoil your food, knock out medical devices, and make everything harder. When you know the risks, you can make smarter choices before things go dark.
If you take the right steps, a shutoff doesn’t have to be a disaster. Stay in the loop, get backup power, and look out for anyone with special needs. You’ll keep your family safer and more comfortable until the power comes back. It’s a lot less stressful if you’re ready for whatever comes next.
Understanding Utility Shutoffs and Wildfire Risks
When fire danger spikes, electric utilities sometimes cut power to certain neighborhoods. They do this to lower the odds that power lines will spark a wildfire, especially when weather conditions get really bad.
Utilities don’t just pull the plug for no reason. They look at specific risk factors and don’t treat it like a routine outage or maintenance thing.
What Is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a planned outage that utilities use to lower wildfire risk.
During a PSPS, they turn off electricity for sections of the grid that face the highest fire danger. That can hit homes, businesses, and even critical facilities.
Utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE) pick high-risk circuits based on stuff like vegetation, terrain, and weather exposure.
They usually give customers a heads-up, often through text alerts, robocalls, and their websites.
A PSPS isn’t like a random blackout. Utilities use it as a safety step, not because something broke.
Why Utilities Shut Off Power During High Fire Danger
Power lines can spark if branches hit them, gear fails, or debris flies during heavy winds. In dry, windy weather, even a tiny spark can create a wildfire.
By shutting off power during these risky times, utilities remove one possible way a fire could start.
Utilities usually make the call for a PSPS when the National Weather Service sends out warnings like Red Flag Warnings. Those mean low humidity, high winds, and dry brush.
Yeah, a PSPS can throw a wrench in your plans, but it can also stop massive property damage and even save lives. The main goal is to cut down on wildfires caused by electrical stuff.
Key Factors That Trigger Shutoffs
Utilities check a bunch of things before they order a PSPS:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Wind speed and gusts | Strong winds can knock branches or debris into lines. |
| Humidity levels | Low humidity dries vegetation, making it more flammable. |
| Fuel moisture | Dry grasses, leaves, and brush ignite more easily. |
| Fire danger ratings | Based on forecasts and vegetation conditions. |
| Observed hazards | Tree limbs close to lines, damaged equipment, or active fire nearby. |
They watch these factors with weather stations, field crews, and even satellites.
If several high-risk signs line up, utilities will go ahead with a PSPS to lower the fire risk.
Staying Informed About Shutoffs and Fire Danger
Utility shutoffs during high fire danger can happen fast, sometimes with hardly any warning. If you track official alerts, keep an eye on outage maps, and pay attention to weather warnings, you’ll have a better shot at prepping in time. Good info makes safer decisions possible.
Signing Up for PSPS Notifications
Utilities send out Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) notifications when high fire risk could lead to a planned outage. You can sign up through your utility’s website or by calling customer service.
Notifications usually come by text, email, or robocall. Utilities like SCE and Xcel send alerts in waves—starting 48 to 72 hours before a possible shutoff.
If you need electricity for medical devices, definitely register for medical baseline or critical care programs. That way, you might get earlier alerts and info about help during an outage.
Keep your contact info current. Add extra phone numbers or emails if you can, since that boosts your odds of getting the message even if one method fails.
Using Address Alerts and Outage Maps
Address-based alerts let you check if a specific place is in a planned shutoff zone. Handy if you have a second property or want to check on family.
Most utilities have interactive outage maps online. These maps show which areas are affected, when power might come back, and updates as things change. Some even show PSPS boundaries before the outage starts.
When you use these tools:
- Bookmark the outage map for quick access.
- Look for time stamps to be sure you’re seeing the latest info.
- Double-check utility maps against local emergency updates for accuracy.
If your internet or phone goes out, a printed outage map or a written address list can be a lifesaver.
Monitoring Weather and Fire Warnings
High fire danger usually comes with certain weather—low humidity, strong winds, dry plants. The National Weather Service (NWS) issues Red Flag Warnings when things get risky.
You can follow NWS alerts on weather radios, the NWS website, or apps. Some local agencies push alerts through their own systems.
Watch for changes in wind and humidity forecasts. That can tip you off about possible shutoffs before they’re announced. If you pair weather updates with utility alerts, you’ll get a clearer sense of what’s coming and when.
It doesn’t hurt to follow your local fire department and emergency management on social media for real-time updates during fire weather.
Creating an Emergency Plan for Power Outages
When fire risk is high and a public safety power shutoff hits, homes might lose power for hours or even days. Planning ahead can lower your risk of injury, protect stuff you need, and help you act fast when the grid goes down.
Developing a Family Emergency Plan
A solid emergency plan gives everyone in the house a job. Figure out where to meet if you get separated, how to check in, and what to grab if you need to leave in a hurry.
List out critical needs like meds, medical devices, and pet care. Keep copies of insurance, IDs, and contact info in a waterproof folder.
Practice your plan at least twice a year. Try it during the day and at night, so you can spot problems like poor lighting or blocked exits.
Key items for your plan:
- Main and backup meeting spots
- Essential items to grab fast
- Contact info for relatives and neighbors
- How to shut off utilities if you need to
Identifying Evacuation Routes
Wildfires move fast, and roads can close with little warning. Make sure you know at least two evacuation routes in different directions.
Map and print your routes in case GPS or cell service disappears. Try to avoid back roads with heavy brush or spots that always jam up with traffic.
Local emergency agencies often have maps of official evacuation routes. Keep a copy in your car and your emergency kit.
A simple table helps you keep track:
| Route | Direction | Distance to Safety | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route A | North | 8 miles | Passes fire station |
| Route B | West | 12 miles | Avoids canyon roads |
Communicating With Household Members
Cell networks can get slammed during outages. Pick a main communication method and a backup.
Texts usually go through when calls don’t, so start there. If you can, set up an out-of-area contact who can help relay messages.
Two-way radios work for short distances when cell service is down. Keep a written contact list in every emergency kit, so you have numbers even if your phone dies.
Clear communication cuts confusion and helps everyone act faster when things change.
Building and Maintaining Your Emergency Kit
When it’s a high fire danger day, power shutoffs might last hours or days. A good emergency kit gives you what you need for safety, communication, and daily life when the power’s out. Keep supplies in portable bins and check them now and then for expired stuff.
Essential Emergency Supplies to Include
Your emergency kit should cover you for at least three days. Use waterproof bags inside a tough, easy-to-carry box.
Must-haves:
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and cleaning
- Non-perishable food: Cans, dried fruit, protein bars
- Flashlight with extra batteries or a hand-crank one
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates
- First aid kit with basics like bandages and meds
- Whistle to call for help
- Multi-tool or wrench for shutting off utilities
Don’t forget sanitation items like wipes, garbage bags, and zip ties. Toss in a manual can opener and local maps in case your phone’s GPS quits.
Special Considerations for Medical Devices
If you use powered medical devices, you face extra risks during outages. Even if you’re in a medical baseline program and get extra alerts, you still need backup plans.
Here’s what to do:
- List devices that need power, like oxygen, CPAPs, or refrigerated meds.
- Get portable battery packs or backup power that works with your equipment.
- Have manual alternatives if you can, like a hand-pump nebulizer.
- Store extra meds in a cool, insulated container with ice packs if they need to stay cold.
Keep a printed list of your medical gear, settings, and doctor contacts in a waterproof pouch.
Preparing Kits for Pets and Children
Pets and kids need their own stuff in the kit.
For pets:
- Food and water for a few days
- Leash, harness, or carrier
- Waste bags or litter box
- Up-to-date vaccination records
For children:
- Comfort items like blankets or favorite toys
- Snacks and formula for little ones
- Diapers, wipes, and rash cream for babies
- Spare clothes and sturdy shoes
Pack entertainment—books, crayons, puzzles—to help pass the time during long outages. Keep everything where you can grab it fast if you need to leave.
Ensuring Access to Backup Power
When fire danger is high, power shutoffs can leave your home dark for hours or days. Backup power keeps the lights on, medical devices working, and your phone charged. Plan ahead so you don’t lose access to critical stuff when you need it most.
Choosing Backup Power Solutions
Backup power options come in all shapes and prices. You’ll usually see portable generators, standby generators, and backup battery systems on the list.
Portable generators cost less, but you have to set them up by hand and keep fuel on hand. Standby generators hook right into your home’s electrical system and kick on by themselves if the power goes out, but they’re pricey and need a pro to install.
Some utilities, like SCE, offer backup battery systems. These batteries can store solar power or charge up from the grid. They run quietly, don’t make fumes, and you can put them inside. Still, they usually run out of juice faster than fuel-powered generators.
When you’re picking a backup power setup, think about a few things:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Power capacity | Needs to cover the wattage for your must-have devices. |
| Runtime | Tells you how long your stuff will run before you need to refuel or recharge. |
| Noise & emissions | Really matters if you’re using it indoors or care about air quality. |
| Maintenance | Impacts how reliable and costly things get over time. |
Using Backup Batteries and Generators Safely
If you use generators the wrong way, you can start a fire, get carbon monoxide poisoning, or even cause electrical shocks. Always set up generators outside, far from windows or vents, so exhaust can’t get inside.
Keep fuel in approved containers, somewhere cool and dry. Don’t ever refuel a generator while it’s running or still hot.
Backup battery systems don’t need as much safety fuss, but you should still have a pro install them. Make sure batteries stay in a spot with good airflow and away from too much heat.
Test your equipment every so often to make sure it’ll work when you need it. Try running the generator or checking the battery’s charge every few months, just in case.
Powering Critical Devices During Outages
Some devices matter way more than others if the power goes out. Medical devices—like oxygen concentrators, CPAPs, or power wheelchairs—should always come first.
Know exactly how much power and time each device needs. A small battery might keep a CPAP going for a few nights, but an oxygen concentrator could need a bigger generator or a stack of batteries.
For staying in touch, keep your cell phone and radio charged so you can get updates or emergency alerts. Grab a low-wattage LED lamp or a flashlight for light, since they won’t burn through your backup power as fast.
If you have several things to run, make a plan to manage the load. Maybe take turns running devices, or only use them when really needed to make your backup power last.
Protecting Vulnerable Individuals and Medical Needs
During a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), people who rely on electricity for health and safety can face real danger. If you need powered medical devices or have temperature-sensitive meds, you have to plan ahead so you don’t lose access to care.
Registering for Medical Baseline Programs
Many utilities, like Southern California Edison (SCE), run Medical Baseline programs. These programs give you extra energy at the lowest rate and let you know sooner if a PSPS is coming.
To get in, someone in your home needs a medical condition that requires electricity-powered equipment or climate control. Think ventilators, dialysis machines, or motorized wheelchairs.
You’ll need:
- An application form from your utility
- A note from your doctor or another licensed medical pro
Once you’re approved, check that your contact info is up to date. That way, you’ll actually get calls, texts, and emails about planned shutoffs.
Being enrolled doesn’t stop a PSPS, but it gives you more warning so you can get backup power ready or find somewhere else to stay if you need to.
Planning for Electrically Dependent Medical Devices
If your household relies on life-support equipment or other crucial medical devices, you’ll want at least one solid backup power option. That might mean a portable generator, battery backup, or even an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Test your backup systems often, and make sure you’ve got enough fuel or charge to last several hours—or maybe even a few days, depending on what your devices need.
Write down every medical device you use, along with its power requirements and how to operate it. Keep this list handy with your emergency contacts and medical records.
If you just can’t set up backup power at home, look for safe locations like hospitals, care centers, or cooling facilities with emergency generators.
When a PSPS is coming, don’t wait until the last minute. Setting up equipment or moving a patient always takes more time than you think, so it’s better to act early and avoid unnecessary risk.