Preparing for a Multi-Day Power Outage
POWER OUTAGES CAN OCCUR FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS INCLUDING EARTHQUAKE, WINTER STORM, OR PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFF (PSPS). PUTTING TOGETHER A POWER OUTAGE PLAN NOW CAN HELP PROTECT YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY IN THE EVENT OF A POWER FAILURE.
Download the planning flyer, Preparing for Power Outage: Persons Dependent on Electricity, in English and Spanish.
Additional Resources:
- Preparing for Power Down
- California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) De-energization (PSPS)
- The CPUC has a de-energization page that contains information on the Public Safety Power Shutoffs such as: CPUC Actions, Schedule, Utility PSPS Programs, Consumer Protections, and Potential Impacts on Telephone Services during De-energization.
- Additionally, per Resolution ESRB-8, the electric utilities companies must submit a report within 10 days after each de-energization event, and after high-fire-threat events where the utility provided notifications to local government, agencies, and customers of possible de-energization though no de-energization occurred. These reports are made available to the public on the CPUC De-energization page.
- Southern California Edison (SCE)
- SCE customers can sign up to receive Outage Alerts direct from SCE via voice, email or text message by going to their Outage Alert Preferences page in the sce.com customers' profile. A sce.com User ID will be required to sign up – if you don't have one, you can register for an User ID through SCE.
What if you depend on electricity for a medical device?
During a PSPS all customers serviced by an affected power line will have their power shut off. If you rely on electric or battery dependent devices such as oxygen concentrator, ventilator, electric wheelchair, at home dialysis, refrigerated medications and many other devices; it is critical that you have a plan in place for a multi-day power outage. If you rely on electricity and battery dependent medical devices and assistive technology we encourage you to start preparing now by following these ten steps:
1. Take an inventory of items you need that rely on electricity +
This can include: oxygen concentrator, CPAP, electric wheelchairs, garage door, refrigerated medications, elevator, ventilator, at home dialysis machines, and many other devices.
2. Assemble a power outage kit +
3. Sign-up for alerts! +
Sign up for emergency notifications at www.readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert and Nixle alerts by texting your zip code to 888777.
4. Call your local power company +
If you are dependent on an assistive device, be sure to register with your power company. Ask about the medical baseline program.
5. Talk with you healthcare provider and medical device provider +
Talk to your healthcare provider about your power outage plan.
6. Plan for back-up power +
Remember: Hospitals should not be a source of electrical support or oxygen during a power outage.
7. Plan where you will go in the event on an outage and arrange transportation +
8. Establish your support team in advance (family, caregiver, friends) +
9. Consider owning a home generator and know how to use it +
10. Practice your plan with your support team +
Give it a run-through! Practice contacting your support team.