Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS): How to Prepare

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A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a planned outage. Utilities in wildfire-prone areas, including PG&E in California, may shut power off on purpose during dangerous weather to reduce the risk of their equipment starting a fire.

How the numbers work: wattages are typical ranges from manufacturer spec sheets and efficiency labels, so check the label on your own appliance. Runtimes are calculated, not lab-tested: usable energy = rated Wh × 0.85, divided by average watts.

⚡ Quick Answer

• PSPS is deliberate, triggered by high winds, dry conditions and fire risk, not a random failure.
• PG&E says its goal is 1 to 2 days of notice where possible, but notice can be shorter. Sign up for alerts and keep contact details current.
• Medical Baseline and Vulnerable Customer programs exist for people who rely on powered medical equipment. Ask your utility about eligibility.
• Dial 211 for local resources and information during an emergency.
• Plan your own backup power for medical devices, communications, lights and food.

📣 Step 1: Get Alerts

Register your phone and email with your utility, and keep the number up to date. Check your address on the utility’s PSPS map during fire season. Charge phones, power banks and your power station when a warning is issued.

🏥 Step 2: Tell Your Utility About Medical Needs

If someone in the home relies on electricity for medical equipment, ask your utility about its medical or vulnerable customer programs. These programs are designed to help with notification, and they do not replace your own backup power plan. See our guides on the best solar generator for medical equipment and CPAP machines.

🔋 Step 3: Build Your Backup Plan

Utility notices typically do not state how long the shutoff will last, so plan for a multi-day outage. A reasonable minimum kit:

1. Phone charging and a router or hotspot.
2. Lights (see candles vs flashlights).
3. Fridge and freezer plan (see can you refreeze food).
4. Medical device power, if needed.
5. Water and food for several days. See emergency water storage.

Smoke from nearby fires may affect air quality, so plan for a cleaner indoor air option if you can. If you use a gas generator, read our carbon monoxide guide first.

🔌 Charging in a Multi-Day Event

A power station can be recharged from solar panels during the day. See charging a solar generator without sun and the how long do outages last guide.

✅ Bottom Line

You usually get warning with a PSPS, so use it: alerts on, medical needs registered, everything charged, and a plan for several days without power. Check your own utility’s PSPS page for details specific to your area.

🔗 Related Guides

• How to prep your home for a power outage
• Best solar generator for medical equipment
• Best solar generator for CPAP
• Emergency water storage
• Charging without sun
• How long do power outages last?

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?

A planned outage by a utility in a wildfire-prone area during dangerous weather, done to reduce the risk of equipment starting a fire.

How much notice will I get?

PG&E says its goal is 1 to 2 days of notice where possible, but conditions can change and notice may be shorter.

How long does a PSPS last?

Utility notices do not guarantee a duration, so plan for multiple days and check your utility’s updates.

Can I register for medical needs?

Utilities such as PG&E offer Medical Baseline and Vulnerable Customer programs. Contact your utility for eligibility, and keep your own backup power.

What should I charge before a shutoff?

Phones, power banks, your power station, flashlights and any medical device batteries.