Power Outage

A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly and may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage may:

  • Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
  • Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
  • Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
  • Prevent the use of medical devices.

During a power outage, the Community Center will serve as a heating or cooling shelter.

Prepare Before the Outage:

  • Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
  • Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
  • Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have enough non-perishable food and water.
  • Have a supply of battery-operated flashlights and radios.
  • Plan for extra batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
  • Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
  • Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
  • Have a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature reached 40 degrees or higher.
  • Try to keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks at least half-full.

Act During The Outage:

  • Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. Most refrigerator should keep food cold for about four hours. Most freezers should keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
  • Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
  • Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
  • Go to the Community Center if heat or cold is extreme at your home.
  • Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary "surges" or "spikes" that can cause damage.

Power Safety Power Shutoff:

In order to reduce the risk of wild fires, energy companies like PG&E will turn off power in certain areas during times of extreme fire danger. This type of power outage is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS. Scroll down for information about what to do before, during, and after a PSPS.

A Power Shutoff could occur with little notice and last for hours or even days. Because the electric system is so connected, Petaluma could experience a Power Shutoff even if there is not a high fire risk in our immediate area.

The Town of Yountville is working hard to make sure our systems and staff are prepared for a Power Shutoff. We ask that you do the same for yourself, your family, your business, and your neighborhood.

Don't wait for a power shutoff to happen and hope for the best. Get prepared NOW. Help your neighbors and friends-particularly those with medical needs that require electricity-get prepared, too.

Click the links below for online and printed resources with information about the Public Safety Power Shutoff program and emergency preparedness in general.

Manage Your Account Online: A key step for power outages, updates, and other information is to ensure customers update their preferred contact information. Visit your account online and update your information.

Visit the PG&E Wildfire Safety Page: The central page for all Wildfire related safety can be found in the link provided.

PG&E Outage Alerts page: PG&E will provide updates that include the cause of the outage as well as when you can expect power to be back on.

Community Wildfire Safety: PG&E provides safety information for:

  • Community Wildfire Safety Program
  • Shutting off power for safety
  • Tips for preparing for power outages

Guidelines to Prepare for Emergencies: Information to stay safe during a natural disaster

Power Outages Map: Page where residents can view, report, get updates (email, phone, or text) of power outages in the area

Stay safe around power lines: Power lines can be dangerous. Contact with power lines can cause fire or property damage, injury, and even death. It's important to be aware of any power lines that are close to you.

Be aware of ongoing telephone and email scams

From PG&E

PGE Press Release June 28 (PDF)

The information on this website is provided under the California Emergency Services Act (California Government Code section 8550 et seq.) and for informational purposes only. The information on this website: (1) is necessarily general and not intended to be a complete guide to all things that can or should be done in the event of an emergency, (2) is subject to change at any time including in the event of an emergency, and (3) may not apply to your specific needs and/or circumstances in the event of an emergency. Emergency preparedness is your responsibility. Relevant information regarding a particular emergency may be different than the information provided on this website. All persons should consult relevant authorities for information regarding a particular emergency. There are many sources of information for emergency preparedness and all persons should consult as many resources as possible.