SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — With high fire danger in the forecast, PG&E is considering to shut off power to hundreds of thousands of people in the Bay Area.

If a power shutoff does occur, officials said it will happen as early as Wednesday morning.

>>Click here for list of areas impacted by PG&E power shutoffs

Bay Area residents are advised to be prepared for 48 to 72 hours without power.

Below are tips on how to prepare yourself and your home for a blackout.

Tips on How To Prepare For a Power Outage

• Update your contact information with PG&E so you stay informed
  • Visit PGE.com/mywildfirealerts
  • Or call 1-866-743-6589
• Talk to your doctor and plan for
  • medications that need refrigeration
  • medical devices that require power
  • mobility needs
• Develop and update a hard copy emergency contact list
• Create a safety plan for all members of your family, including pets
• Practice manually opening your garage door
• Build or restock your emergency supply kit
  • Battery-operated flashlights (not candles, they pose a fire hazard)
  • Fresh batteries
  • First aid supplies
  • Food. Gather non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking, as well as a manual can opener
  • Water
  • Cash (ATMs may be down during an outage)
  • Portable charger for your cell phone
  • Have a battery-powered or crank radio
  • Baby and pet food
  • Important documents
  • >>Click here for more items to include in an emergency kit
• Consider staying with a friend of relative during an outage
• Ensure any backup generators are ready to safely operate
• Refill your car’s gas tank. If your vehicle is electric, make sure it’s fully charged

PG&E is also reminding people who rely on electric or battery-dependent medical tech such as assistive technology, breathing machines, power wheelchairs or scooters and home oxygen or dialysis to have a plan in place for an extended power outage.

What to do during an outage

• Unplug or turn off appliances, equipment and electronics to avoid damage caused by surges when the power is restored.
• Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns. Then, turn your appliances on, one at a time.
• Typically, your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours–as long as the freezer and refrigerator doors are kept closed. Consider using coolers with ice to keep food cold and safe.
• Be sure to use generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills outdoors only. Do not use a gas stove for heat.
• Check on your neighbors.

Resources

• Sign up for PG&E Wildfire Alerts here
• MAP: PG&E Power Service Impact Map
• PG&E’s Prepare For Power Down Website
• Emergency Power Planning Fact Sheet for People Who Use Electricity and Battery Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical Devices
• Statewide Fact Sheet on Public Safety Power Shutoffs
• Checklist for your emergency supply kit
• CAL Fire’s tips for being ready for a wildfire