Pull out some non-electronic pastimes and a safe light source just in case the power goes out. [Image from Can Stock Photos]

According to Dorrie Lanni, Emergency Services Manager for Humboldt County, the whole of Humboldt County could be affected, “Worst case scenario is the transmission lines coming into the county are de-energized, taking out our power….PG&E is working to get sufficient power generated locally to compensate for the loss of the transmission lines.”

Some things you might want to do to prepare for a power outage:

• Make sure you have cash (credit cards machines and atms might not function)
• Make sure you have gas for your car and backup generator (gas stations might not be open)
• Fill plastic jugs with water and put them in your freezer to extend the amount of time it stays cold. (Also provides backup water in case that is affected.)
• Consider unplugging electronic devices as there may be power surges but leave one lamp on to let you know electricity has returned.
• Make sure you have batteries for your flashlights.
• Solar landscape lights can be brought inside for light at night and recharged again during the day.
• Consider getting nonperishable items to eat so you don’t have to open your fridge any more than necessary. (Remember you will need a source to heat some items so unless you have a camp stove with fuel, choose something that doesn’t need to be heated.)
• If the power does go off, cook food that will spoil first. (Do you have a non-electric cooker like a BBQ? It can be repurposed to cook just about anything if you are careful.)
• Dust off the board games.

More tips for surviving a power outage from here:

Power Outages

Extended power outages may impact the whole community and the economy. A power outage is when the electrical power goes out unexpectedly. 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 use of medical devices.

PROTECT YOURSELF DURING A POWER OUTAGE:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
• Check on neighbors.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A POWER OUTAGE THREATENS: 

Prepare NOW

• 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.
• Plan for 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.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Use 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 is 40 degrees or higher.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

Survive DURING

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will 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 a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.

Be Safe AFTER

• When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.

Associated Content

• Power Outage Information Sheet (PDF)
• Department of Energy (link)
• Individuals with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs (link)
• Heat (link)
• Winter Weather & Extreme Cold (link)
• Centers for Disease Control (link)
• Food Safety (link)
• Generator Safety (link)

UPDATE: King Salmon Power Plant Could Be Used to Offset Effects of PG&E’s Possible Humboldt County Power Shut Off