- What Are Public Safety Power Shutoffs?
- How Can You Get a Jump on the Next Public Safety Power Shutoff?
- What Should You Stock Prior to a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
- How Do You Remain Connected and Safe Throughout a PSPS Event?
- What Should You Do When a Public Safety Power Shutoff Ends?
- FAQs Regarding Public Safety Power Shutoffs
- Conclusion
How To Prepare For Public Safety Power Shutoffs
- What Are Public Safety Power Shutoffs?
- How Can You Get a Jump on the Next Public Safety Power Shutoff?
- What Should You Stock Prior to a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
- How Do You Remain Connected and Safe Throughout a PSPS Event?
- What Should You Do When a Public Safety Power Shutoff Ends?
- FAQs Regarding Public Safety Power Shutoffs
- Conclusion
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are more than an inconvenience—they can be life-changing for those who are unprepared. Utility providers, especially in regions such as California, have the ability to shut off power preemptively to prevent wildfires in extreme weather conditions. The resulting power outages can persist for hours or even days, impacting residences, businesses, schools, and essential services. To prepare for a Public Safety Power Shutoff, start by understanding the risk, planning in advance, and making smart choices about your power requirements, safety, and communication.
What Are Public Safety Power Shutoffs?
PSPS outages are proactive power shutdowns initiated by the utility companies in response to severe weather with high winds, dry conditions, and low humidity. The primary aim is to stop power lines from igniting wildfires, especially where there are overhead power lines passing through forests, grasslands, or in proximity to residential areas.
Not all areas are at equal risk. Utility providers determine areas of high risk through the use of fire danger maps and weather modeling. Although rural and mountainous communities tend to be the first affected, suburban communities that are densely populated can also be subject to PSPS events. The lesson? If you're in a fire-vulnerable zone, it's crucial to plan as if power disruptions are a certainty.
How Can You Get a Jump on the Next Public Safety Power Shutoff?
Sign Up for All Alerts
Preparation starts with being informed. The utility companies generally give 24 to 48 hours' warning of a PSPS event. Make sure you enroll in outage notifications on your utility company's website. Additionally, enroll in alerts from your local emergency services and monitor websites such as Cal Fire, Ready.gov, and the National Weather Service.
To remain informed even when your internet or phone fails, maintain a battery-powered radio as part of your emergency supplies. AM/FM broadcasts could be your sole means of obtaining real-time information during an outage.
Develop a Backup Power Plan
You don't require a full-house generator to stay operational during a PSPS event. The only thing you need is a clear idea of your priorities. For some households, it's keeping the fridge and freezer operational, while for others, it may be running medical equipment or work-from-home gear.
Here are some power options to consider:
Portable power stations (lithium-based): Indoor-safe, these can be used to charge devices such as laptops, phones, fans, and certain CPAP machines.
Dual-fuel or gas generators: Strong but only for outside use, at a distance from windows.
Solar generators: Quiet and clean, perfect in combination with battery storage for nighttime use.
Test all of your backup power options before the power fails so that you know they're in good working condition. Store additional extension cords, surge protectors, and any fuel you need safely.
EcoFlow delivers portable, modular emergency power solutions, such as compact battery backups and solar-capable systems. These eco-friendly, indoor-safe products provide power to essentials such as refrigerators, HVAC systems, medical equipment, and Wi-Fi during outages. With over 5 million users trusting EcoFlow, users can enjoy reliable, quiet power with a simple setup and no maintenance.
Safeguard Essential Household Operations
There are numerous items in your house that depend on electricity—items we tend to take for granted. Here is how to keep them going:
- Garage doors: Know how to open them by hand.
- Security systems: Ensure they have manual overrides or battery backup.
- Lighting: Battery-operated lanterns, headlamps, or LED lights can offer secure lighting.
- Cooking: Try utilizing propane camping stoves or BBQs (outdoors only) as a replacement.
Conduct a practice drill with your household to determine how ready you actually are. Shut off the main breaker for an hour and observe what no longer functions. Utilize this list to make any adjustments.
What Should You Stock Prior to a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
Water and Non-Perishables
During a power outage, your refrigerator or well pump may not be functioning. You need to have at least one gallon of water per person per day for a period of 7 days. Don't forget to include water for your pets and for sanitation.
For food, concentrate on shelf-stable foods, like:
- Canned goods (don’t forget a manual can opener)
- High-calorie bars
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Protein shakes or powdered milk
Utilize coolers and pre-frozen ice packs to prolong the shelf life of refrigerated foods, and think about a thermometer to keep track of your fridge and freezer temperatures during an outage.
Basic Emergency Supplies
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the basics:
- First aid kit
- Flashlights with additional batteries
- N95 masks (especially if wildfires or smoke are nearby)
- Cash (ATMs and card readers may be down)
- ID copies, insurance papers, and utility contacts
Keep these necessities in a water-tight container that is readily available and can be easily relocated if necessary.
How Do You Remain Connected and Safe Throughout a PSPS Event?
Maintain Communication Lines
Texting requires less bandwidth and power compared to voice calls, so conserve your phone's battery and use text messages to communicate. A battery-powered hotspot or a basic phone can be a lifesaver in an outage. For local communication, two-way radios also work well.
The other essentials to keep in stock are:
A solar-powered or hand-cranked radio
Solar chargers or power banks for your phones
Car chargers for necessary devices
Organize with neighbors—particularly the disabled or elderly—so that you can look in on one another during an outage.
Prepare for Medical and Special Needs
If you use electricity-powered medical equipment, register with your utility company's medical baseline program. This provides priority restoration of service and prior notice of scheduled outages.
For drugs that require refrigeration, place them in a small, well-insulated cooler. Discuss backup treatment options with your doctor in the event of prolonged power outages.
What Should You Do When a Public Safety Power Shutoff Ends?
Once the power is back, here’s what you need to do:
Check fridge and freezer temperatures: If your food has been above 40°F for over two hours, it should be discarded.
Unplug high-wattage appliances: Do this prior to the power returning to prevent your equipment from being damaged by a power surge.
Reset clocks and alarms: Do not forget to reset your alarms, clocks, and internet routers.
Document any damage: In case you incurred damage to appliances or property, ensure that you document it for insurance purposes.
Lastly, review your emergency plan. What worked? What didn’t? Use your experience to improve your preparations for future events.
FAQs Regarding Public Safety Power Shutoffs
Q1: How do I determine if my location is at risk of a Public Safety Power Shutoff?
The utility companies offer fire risk maps showing the areas most likely to be affected by a PSPS event. If you reside in proximity to hills, canyons, or forests—particularly in California's Tier 2 and Tier 3 fire zones—you are at higher risk. You may also compare your zip code with your utility company's published PSPS zones. Registering for alerts and tracking local fire weather warnings are proactive steps to stay aware.
Q2: How much notice do utilities provide prior to a shutoff?
You will generally get 24 to 48 hours of warning prior to a PSPS event. But since weather conditions can change quickly, this timeframe may be reduced. Utilities give updates every 12 hours during the event and inform you when they anticipate restoring power. It's important to keep an eye on communication sources such as email, SMS, radio, and neighborhood alerts.
Q3: Will solar panels provide electricity to my house during a PSPS?
Most rooftop solar systems power down during outages to avoid backfeed, which can harm utility workers. Yet, residences that have solar-plus-storage systems and a transfer switch or hybrid inverter can island during a PSPS. If you are solar-dependent, discuss "islanding" your system with a licensed installer so you can keep using stored energy even if the grid is down.
Q4: What are the best power backup solutions for apartment residents?
Apartments usually lack room for gas generators, and ventilation is an issue. The most suitable choice for apartment residents is portable power stations that feature USB, AC, and DC sockets. These units will run critical devices such as CPAPs, routers, or laptops. Keep your power stations charged and in an easily reachable location. For those in multi-family structures, talk to neighbors about combining resources and setting up mutual aid networks.
Q5: Is Public Safety Power Shutoff covered by homeowner's insurance?
A majority of homeowners' policies do not cover food spoilage or hotel stays unless the outage results in damage to your property (such as electrical surge damage). A few insurers provide add-ons for food spoilage or living expenses due to outages. It's wise to call your insurance company to explain your coverage and see if extended outage expenses are covered under your loss-of-use clause.
Conclusion
Be Proactive, Not Reactive Public Safety Power Shutoffs are increasingly frequent in high fire-risk areas. The key to keeping your household and family safe is to treat PSPS events like any natural disaster: prepare in advance, stay informed, and take required precautions. Taking action now will minimize stress, keep you safer, and make recovery faster once the power is restored. Begin creating your emergency plan now to be one step ahead.