Planning for an Extended Power Outage

Are You In the Dark About How to Prepare for an Extended Power Outage?

PG&E has announced that Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are likely to continue in Marin if hazardous weather conditions cause a heightened risk of fire from power equipment. They will only turn off the power as a last resort, and communities will be notified in advance. But everyone should take steps now to prepare.

Important Information

It’s time to act now. We’re here to help.

We want to help spread the word and make it easy for you to find resources to manage a prolonged outage. All residents should prepare, but it’s particularly important for those who rely on electricity- and battery-dependent assistive technology and medical devices. We’ve compiled a quick checklist of things to do in preparation (below). You will also find additional information and recommendations via the links at the bottom of this page.

PREPARE NOW! The outages will happen. It’s not IF, it’s WHEN.

Step 1: Sign up for official alerts about power outages.

Step 2: Develop a shelter and evacuation plan

  • Stock up on water and food for 5 to 7 days
  • Plan for evacuation and/or shelter in place orders
  • Set up a communications plan with family, friends, out of area resources
  • Keep vehicles fueled up
  • Keep mobile devices charged (If cell towers also lose power, phones will not work in the area)

Step 3: Know where to go if you need medical care

  • MarinHealth Medical Center
    The hospital will operate on generator power for all inpatients and emergency surgeries. All elective surgeries will be postponed. The ER will be open, but may experience increased traffic.
  • Physician Offices
    Physician Offices may be closed in the event of a power shutoff. Talk to your provider if you have concerns or if you have ongoing/regular appointments.
    • A temporary clinic may be set up on the hospital campus for patients who would normally go to urgent care or who have appointments at MarinHealth Medical Network locations for care that cannot be postponed.
    • Cooling/charging centers may be set up for those who need respite from heat, or who need to charge. Durable Medical Equipment that is portable. For more information and resources to help you prepare, visit MyMarinHealth.org/PowerShutoff

PG&E Resources

Below, you will find tools from PG&E, designed to help you prepare your home, business and community for an extended power outage:

  • Alerts by Zip Code - Register for phone alerts or text alerts from PG&E, based on your zip code.
  • Safety Action Center - A new webpage featuring helpful information about wildfire risks and what you can do before, during and after an emergency to keep safe.
  • Weather Forecasting Website - A dedicated webpage with weather forecasting information and a daily 7-day PSPS lookahead. The site shows when and where PG&E is forecasting the type of conditions that may lead to a PSPS event.

Additional Resources

We have compiled the following digital resources for our patients and their families: