FAQ Topic: Extended Power Outages

What is 2-1-1 Sonoma County? (also known as 211)

2-1-1 (or 211) is a free service that connects community members to information about a wide range of critical health and human services available in their community. 2-1-1 Sonoma County is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 utilizes both bilingual Call Specialists and a phone-based translation service to offer 2-1-1 information … Continued

How do I deal with the potential loss of phone or internet service in an emergency or extended power outage?

During an emergency, disruptions to electricity, internet service, or cell service can impact the ways we communicate and receive information. Some important reminders: During a prolonged power outage, the ability of public safety officials to reach you using traditional alert and warning tools may be limited. In the City of Sonoma and the rest of … Continued

What if I will need electricity and battery-dependent Assistive Technology or Medical Devices during a power shutoff?

It is important to plan ahead. Update your contact information with PG&E at pge.com/mywildfirealerts or call 1-866-743-6589. If you use a medical or life support device to treat ongoing medical conditions, apply for PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program. If you qualify, you’ll receive a lower rate on your monthly energy bill and receive extra notifications in advance … Continued

What should I do to prepare for a power outage?

Among the questions to consider in preparing for an extended power outage: How will I receive warnings and alerts about planned power outages? When possible, PG&E will notify customers in advance of a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff. Register for PG&E’s Wildfire Safety Shutoff Alerts. Links to PG&E “look-up” resources on possible/current outages can be … Continued

When and where will PG&E activate a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)? For how long?

A combination of criteria are used by PG&E in activating a Public Safety Power Shutoff, which may include a Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service, low humidity levels, forecasted sustained winds, conditions of dry fuel, and on-the-ground real-time information. The most likely electric lines to be considered for shutting off for safety will … Continued

What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is expanding its Community Wildfire Safety Program. This includes proactively turning off electric power for safety (Public Safety Power Shutoff) when extreme fire danger conditions are forecasted, to help reduce the likelihood of an ignition. Learn more about Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) at prepareforpowerdown.com.