Blackouts

Cognitive and physical decline are more prominent in the older adult population. Physical impairments, declining cognitive abilities, and barriers in the home all make older adults susceptible to falls and/or injuries. During an unplanned disaster, older adults must be fully equipped with the adequate tools and steps to ensure a safe evacuation and survival.

A blackout is a loss of power to an area. Blackouts may result from damage to equipment, nearby fires, high winds and storms, extreme heat waves etc. Power outages may last hours to weeks. We often do not realize how dependent we are on power until we are without it. Power outages can affect an entire community and older adults with cognitive or physical impairments are especially vulnerable.

Planning in advance to be without electricity

Build an emergency preparedness kit that will include a flashlight, batteries, medicine, and all the necessary supplies
Register for local power outage information. Resources for how to access local power outage information is provided below
Always keep your cell phone charged and have an emergency supply of batteries available
Optional: Purchase ice or freeze water and use it to fill plastic containers/ice chests. Food can be placed inside container/ice chest for preservation during a power outage
Modify home environments by removing fall hazards such as rugs, plants, etc.
Purchase glow in the dark contrast tape, power outages may occur at night unexpectedly.
Glow in the dark contrast tape can be used to label walls and exits for easy identification during a blackout
Glow in the dark contrast can also be used to label an emergency go bag and other items that one would need during a blackout
Consider adding surge protectors to prevent a power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices during a power outage

Items to Keep Near the Bed

Have a light source near by that is battery run. This can be a flashlight, camp lamp, battery-operated flameless candle, headband lamp, or a cellphone.
- Headband lamps are useful for those who want to free up their hands to use a cane or a walker
If you wear a glasses, place the glasses somewhere you can easily reach
Keep a phone near by in case of an emergency
If you use a cane or walker, make sure it is placed somewhere you can reach. NEVER use the cane or walker in the dark without any light source

During Blackout

Leave one light switch in the on position a for a quick visual notification when the power comes back on
Use battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting
- Candles and kerosene lanterns can cause fires
Avoid opening the refrigerator. If a refrigerator remains closed, food can be kept safely for several hours.
Turn off or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices.
Only use generators away from your home and NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system.
Avoid unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be congested.
If electrical power lines are down, don’t touch them and keep your family and pets away from them too. Report downed lines to your utility company.

After a Blackout

Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures above 40° F (4° C) for more than 2 hours or if it has an unusual odor, color, or texture. When in doubt, throw it out!
If food in the freezer is colder than 40° F and has visible ice crystals, you can refreeze it.
Contact your doctor if you’re concerned about expired medications.
Restock your emergency kit with new batteries, canned foods, and other supplies you used.

Don'ts during a blackout

Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.
Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power will be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (the home of a relative or friend, or a public facility) that has heat to keep warm.
NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage, or connect it to your home's electrical system
Avoid using kerosene lanterns, they can cause fires

Stay Connected, Get Notified

With the increased wildfire threat that our state faces, it is important to be know when power outages will occur.

Update your contact information, PG&E must have your most recent contact information so you can be notified when a power outage will impact your home.
PG&E will send emails, texts and may also use phone calls to notify you about power outages.

Not a PG&E account holder?

For individuals who are interested in IP code notifications , they can sign up for voice or text message alerts by calling 1-877-900-PGE or texting " ENROLL" to 97633.

You can find more information about staying connected during an outage at pge.com/pspszipcodealerts.

Glow in the dark Contrast Tape

Due to physical, cognitive decline, or low vision, some older adults might have a difficult time locating their emergency bag, battery-operated flashlight/ lanterns, or simply navigating their home environment during a blackout.

Purchasing glow in the dark contrast tape can help. It can be used to label walk ways and exits in the home. Tape can also be placed on the emergency bag handles to make it easier to locate during an unexpected power outage.

Page updated

Report abuse