National Forest Fire Restrictions
Friends of Buck Rock Docent Program
Low-Intensity fires Can Improve Forest Landscapes
Prescribed Fires Use Traditional Methods
PG&E Power shutoff Information
Help to Hire for Vegetation Removal
The Power of Being Prepared
Public Power shutoff
The threats of wildfire and extreme weather in California are real. As a result, California's three largest energy companies, at the direction of the California Public Utilities commission, are coordinating to prepare all Californians for the threat of wildfires and power outages during times of extreme weather. To help protect customers and communities during extreme weather events, electric power may be shut off for public safety in an effort to prevent a wildfire. They will monitor local fire danger and extreme weather conditions across California and evaluate whether to turn off electric power. The decision and action to turn off power is made by each individual energy company and is based on a combination of factors. These factors include but are not limited to:
High winds (including red flag warnings)
Low humidity
Dry vegetation that could serve as fuel
Fire threat to electric infrastructure
On-the-ground observations
Public safety risk
If a Public Safety Power shutoff is needed due to extreme conditions, you can expect:
Early warning notification - Your energy company will aim to send customer alerts before shutting
off power
Ongoing Updates - Your energy company will provide ongoing updates through social media,
local news outlets, and their website (prepareforpowerdown.com)
Safety Inspections - After extreme weather has passed your energy company will inspect the lines
in affected areas before power is safely restored.
Power Restoration - Power outages could last multiple days depending on the severity of the
weather and other factors. It is important that you and your family have an emergency
preparedness plan in place.
Prepareforpowerdown.com provides a variety of resources, including tips for preparing for extreme weather, wildfires and Public Safety Power Shutoffs. An emergency preparedness plan is recommended.
The following are things to consider:
Update your contact information with your local energy company.
Identify backup charging methods for phones and keep hard copies of emergency numbers.
Plan for any medical needs like medications that need to be refrigerated or devices that require
power.
Plan for the needs of pets and livestock.
Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies, and cash.
Designate an emergency meeting location.
Know how to manually open your gate or garage door.
Ensure any backup generators are ready to safely operate.
Identify the unique needs of your family and loved ones in the area for your emergency plan.
Additional Preparedness Resources:
ready.gov - Disaster preparedness information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
readyforwildfire.org - Cal Fire's wildfire preparedness website
cpuc.ca.gov/wildfiresinfo - information on the CPUC's wildfire safety efforts
caloes.ca.gov - California governor's Office of Emergency Services website
firesafecouncil.org - California fire Safe Council website
noaa.gov - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website