• If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and stay away. Call 9-1-1 immediately to report its location, and then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5002.
• Do not touch anyone or anything in contact with a downed power line.
• Keep children and pets away from fallen electric wires.
• Do not drive over a fallen power line.
• Stay away from flooded areas and downed trees during and after a storm. These areas could be hiding an energized power line.

If a power line touches your car

• If you are in a car when a power line falls on it, STAY INSIDE. The safest place is in your car. The ground around your car may be energized.

• Honk the horn, roll down your window and yell for help.

• Warn others to stay away. Anyone who touches the equipment or ground around the vehicle may be injured.

• Use your cell phone to call 9-1-1.

• Fire department, police and PG&E workers will tell you when it is safe to get out of the vehicle.

• If there is a fire and you must exit a vehicle that has contacted power lines:

  • Remove loose items of clothing.
  • Keep your hands at your sides and jump clear of the vehicle so you are not touching the car when your feet hit the ground.
  • Keep both feet close together and shuffle away from the vehicle without picking up your feet.

• Use a cell phone or hard-wired phone. Cordless phones do not work without electricity.
• Use battery-operated flashlights, not candles, which pose a fire hazard.
• Unplug or turn off all electric and heat-producing appliances (e.g. air conditioners, washers and dryers, ovens, stoves, irons) to avoid overloading circuits. Overloaded circuits can be a fire hazard once power is restored.
• Unplug televisions and computers that were in use when the power went out.
• Leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and place extra containers of ice inside to preserve food. A full freezer will remain colder longer.
• Notify your alarm company if you have an alarm system. Equipment can be affected by outages.
• Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.
• Reset clocks, thermostats and other programmed equipment after power is restored.

• Before starting your generator, carefully read and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid serious harm to yourself and others.
• Make sure the total electric load on your generator will not exceed the manufacturer’s rating.
• Make sure your generator’s exhaust will vent safely.
• Use the lowest wattage light bulbs that provide a safe level of light. The greater the load on your generator, the more fuel it will use.
• Keep cords away so they don’t present a tripping hazard, especially in dimly lit doorways or halls. Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat might build up or damaged cords may go unnoticed.
• Extension cords must be properly sized to carry the electric load. Overloaded cords can overheat and cause fires or damage to equipment.

NOTE: You are responsible for any injuries or property damage from an improperly installed or operated generator.

Permanent standby generators

• When a generator is permanently connected to a customer’s electric system, it energizes the building’s wiring. This type of installation requires a device that prevents the generator from being connected to PG&E’s power lines.

NOTE: Only a qualified professional, such as a licensed electric contractor, should install a permanent standby generator.

Portable generators

• Portable generators are designed to connect only to select appliances or lamps. Portable generators should never be connected directly to a building’s wiring system.

NOTE: The law prohibits customers with a permanent or portable generator from connecting it to another power source, such as PG&E’s power lines. If you own and operate a generator, you are responsible for making sure that electricity from your unit cannot “back feed” or flow into PG&E’s power lines. If you do not use your generator correctly, you risk damaging your property and endangering your life and the lives of PG&E line workers who may be working on power lines in your area.