10 Ways to Prepare for a Power Outage in California

Power outages can happen unexpectedly due to severe weather, grid failures, or scheduled maintenance. While some outages last only a few hours, others may extend for days. Preparing in advance ensures safety, comfort, and minimal disruption to your daily life. Here are practical ways to get ready for a power outage.

1. Assemble an Emergency Kit

By preparing an emergency kit in advance, you are equipped for a power outage and other emergencies. Include, but not limted to, the following:

• Flashlights and Extra Batteries: Use flashlights or portable lanterns that use batteries. Avoid using candles as they can be a risk fo fire.
• Portable Phone Chargers: Opt for fully charged power banks or solar-powered chargers. Make sue to charge your portable batteries in advance.
• First Aid Kit: Have a first aid kit ready that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications.
• Non-Perishable Food and Water: Stock at least a three-day supply of canned goods, dehydrated or freeze dried foods, snacks, and bottled water (one gallon per person per day).
• Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife: This tool as well as other multi-tool devices are useful for various tasks during emergencies.
• Radio: Use a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about weather updates and emergency instructions from legitmate news outlets and other officials.

2. Create a Backup Power Plan

Most of the time power outages are unpredictable. For extended outages, having a backup power solution is critical. Consider the following:

• Generators: Make sure they are properly maintained and have enough fuel as well as additional fuel as a back up. Always operate generators outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Battery Backup Systems: Used for running medical devices, smaller appliances, lights, and necessary equipment.
• Solar Chargers and Panels: Use eco-friendly options like solar and a hand-cranked radio that can keep small devices powered.
• Check with Local Utilities with Backup Batteries or Generators - Over the past year, we've installed hundreds of tankless water heaters. While they don't use gas, a backup battery from your utility can keep them running during emergencies at a low cost.

3. Protect Electronics

Power surges can damage electronics when power is restored. To safeguard your devices:

• Unplug Electronics: Unplug TVs, computers, and other sensitive devices during an outage.
• Surge Protectors: Use surge protectors to minimize damage.
• Backup Data: Back up important files to cloud storage or external drives.

4. Keep Your Home Comfortable

Power outages can affect heating, cooling, and lighting. Prepare by:

• Layering Clothing: Layer up with thick clothing and use blankets to stay warm during cold weather.
• Natural Ventilation: Open windows or use battery-operated fans to keep cool in hot weather.
• LED Lanterns: Get chargeable, safe and long-lasting light sources like lanterns and headlights in hand for your home.

5. Plan for Food Safety

Refrigerated food can spoil, so in order to prevent this:

• Keep Refrigerator and Freezer Doors Closed: An unopened refrigerator can keep food cold for about four hours, while a full freezer can maintain its temperature for up to 48 hours.
• Utilize Coolers: Have coolers ready to store perishable items if the outage is prolonged.
• Use Ice Packs: Prepare ice packs and ice blocks in advance, and use to cool food in the fridge.
• Check Food: Throw away any food with unusual odors, textures, or colors.
• Stock Food: Ensure you have a sufficient supply of shelf-stable food whether dehydrated, freeze-dried, or canned, for any emergency.

6. Stay Informed

During an outage, staying informed is very important. Monitor updates through:

• Local News and Weather Apps: Receive updates from legitimate news sources and other officials.
• NOAA Weather Radio: Another reliable source of information during any emergency.
• Community Alerts: Keep yourself informed with local emergency notification systems.
• Smart Phones: Smartphones can access satellite communication, with Androids supporting emergency services and iPhones connecting for help or contact.

7. Consider Medical Needs

For households with medical equipment or health conditions:

• Backup Power for Medical Devices: Check that life-saving equipment, like CPAP machines, has a reliable power source. Certain utility communities may offer backup batteries for those using medical devices. Synergy Companies partners with PG&E to install these backup batteries.
• Emergency Contact List: Keep a list of doctors, pharmacies, and emergency services in any case of an emergency.
• Medications: Store medications safely and have a small cooler with ice packs if refrigeration is required.

8. Prepare Your Vehicle

Your car can be a valuable resource during a power outage. Make sure it is:

• Fueled Up: Have extra fuel in safe fuel containers. Gas stations may not operate during outages.
• Equipped with Emergency Supplies: Include a phone charger, flashlight, first aid kit, blankets, water, and non-perishable food
• Provided with Extra Clothes: Include necessary clothing and jackets up to three days per person.

9. Build a Communication Plan

It can be overwhelming during any type of emergency. Make sure your family knows what to do during a power outage:

• Assign Roles: Decide who will either check on supplies, handle communications, or assist vulnerable family members and other loved ones.
• Meeting Spot: Establish a safe location to gather everyone if you must leave your home.
• Emergency Contacts: Share contact information and confirm with everyone to know how to reach each other.

10. Practice Energy Efficiency

Finally, reducing energy usage during regular times can relieve strain on the power grid, potentially preventing outages:

• Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: Rsearch for and have ENERGY STAR-rated devices in your home.
• Turn Off Unused Devices: Minimize energy waste by turning off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.
• Schedule High Energy Tasks: Run large appliances like washing machines and dishwashers during off-peak hours.
• Participate in Energy Efficiency Programs - We partner with local utilities to provide energy-efficient products and services at little to no cost for your home. Check out our no-cost programs page to see if you qualify!

By taking the time to prepare in advance, you not only reduce the impact of a power outage in your home, but you can also ensure the safety for you and your loved ones. Ensuring you have essential supplies, a clear plan, and backup systems ready in place will help you stay safe, comfortable, and resilient during unexpected disruptions and any emergency.

Remember, we partner with local utilities that can offer backup batteries for those using medical devices, generators, and other backup energy systems.

Southern California Edison Company

• Critical Care Backup Battery Program
• Rebates for Portable Generators

Pacific Gas & Electric Company

• Portable Battery Program
• Generator & Battery Rebate Program

Contact your local utility to see if they offer programs to help you prepare for power outages or emergencies. For more information, call Synergy Companies at 1-800-818-4298.