How to prepare for power outages
Keeping our grid strong to deliver safe, reliable power is our top priority, but power outages can still occur.
Whether they’re caused by storms, accidents, or as a safety measure, we know outages impact you—which is why we work to restore power quickly and safely.
It's important to be prepared in case of an outage and to know how to stay safe. Because you can't tell if a power line is energized by looking at it, take caution and NEVER touch or go near downed power lines.
Ways to stay safe and informed
- Prepare
- During an Outage
- After a storm
Keep contact information up to date
If you or someone in your home has electricity-dependent medical needs, call us at 1-888-221-7070 or use our contact form to let us know.
Review contact info
Make sure your contact information is up to date so we can reach you.
Sign up for alerts
Receive alerts by text, email or phone in the event of an outage.
Use our mobile app
Text us
Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.
Assemble or restock your emergency kit
- Water – 1 gallon per person per day
- Non-perishable food (for family members and pets)
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Blankets
- First aid kit with essential medications
- Manual can opener
- Solar-powered cell phone charger
- Copies of important family documents
- Cash
- Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
Prepare your family and business
If you or someone you care for relies on electric or battery-dependent medical equipment such as breathing machines, a power wheelchair or scooter, home oxygen or dialysis, it is critical that you have a plan in place for an extended power outage. Make a backup power plan with your medical provider and call us at 1-888-221-7070 or use our contact form to let us know about your situation.
Set a point of contact
Make a family emergency plan in which each family member notifies the same friend or relative in the event of an emergency.
Unplug appliances
Protect electronics like TVs and computers with surge protectors, unplug them when the power goes out, and learn how to override your garage door opener.
Prepare your business
Develop a readiness plan that outlines how to respond if a disaster occurs during work hours.
Backup electric power rebates & generator safety
Find out more about generators and how to use them safely. California customers may be eligible for rebates.
Stay away from downed lines
- NEVER touch or go near a fallen power line, and do not touch anything on which the wire is resting.
- Always assume a downed line is energized. Call us at 1-877-508-5088 or call 911 for help.
- Do not touch or go near a person in contact with a downed power line. Call 911.
- If a power line falls across your car while you are inside, stay put until help arrives. If you attempt to leave the vehicle you could be electrocuted. If the car is on fire and you must exit, position yourself, without touching the ground, so that you can JUMP clear of the vehicle. As you jump, fold your arms in front of you so you are not touching the vehicle and jump landing with both feet on the ground at the same time. After landing on the ground, shuffle further away. As you shuffle, keep both feet touching the ground at all times, until you are at least 35 feet away.
You can reach us 24/7
Before you report an outage, check your breakers or fuse box to eliminate blown fuses or tripped breakers as the cause. Look for lights on at your neighbors’ houses.
You can track and report outages in several ways:
- Check outage maps and report interruptions
- By text at 722797 (text OUT to report an outage, text STAT to check outage status)
- Through our free mobile app
- By phone 24/7 at 1-877-508-5088
How we restore power
During outages, our crews first work to clear downed power lines and ensure electricity is restored where it is needed most. See our 9-step outage restoration process.
More tips to help you during an outage
Stay safe when using generators
Ways to make your cell phone last longer during a power outage
Sometimes during a storm, the service mast (see diagram) can be pulled away from a house.
If the power goes out, the service mast will need to be repaired before we can safely switch power on. Our crews can only work on company-owned equipment, so if you ever need to replace a mast, please contact a licensed electrician to make the repairs.
Our restoration process
Ensuring dependable service is our priority, but if the lights go out, we do everything possible to get them back on as fast as possible.
Public Safety Power Shutoff
Some areas are at an increased risk of catastrophic wildfires. As a safety precaution, electricity could be turned off in wildfire high risk areas.
Learn how to reset your circuit breakers
Report your outage online
Sign up for outage alerts
Generator rebates
