Emergency Tips

Fire Restoration Companies are Warning about Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) – Here’s How to Prepare

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are enacted when there are high risks for potential wildfires. This could include but is not limited to high winds, dry conditions, or severe heat. Is your county under a PSPS warning? Here are 5 Tips on how to prepare your home for a break in electric services:

1. Make Sure Your Contact Information is Up to Date with the Electic Company: Outage watch and warnings will typically be sent through text messages and emails in advance so you have time to prepare. In addition to this, you may be able to sign up for alerts based on a zip code. This is especially useful for businesses or multi-family property owners with multiple zip codes.

2. Prepare an emergency supply kit:  Stock supplies for a week – include flashlights, first aid supplies, non-perishable foods that won’t require a microwave/oven etc., and plenty of water.

3. Fully charge your mobile phone: Charge all phones, laptops, or smart pads. If you own a portable charging device, be sure it is functioning and fully charged as well.

4. Make sure any backup power sources are ready to safely operate: Position your generators where its exhaust can vent safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat can be generated or where damage to a cord may go unnoticed.

5. Have flashlights and battery-powered/crank radios available for your household: Be sure to have every type of battery you will need and plenty of backups on hand.

In addition to this, it is always a good idea to have cash and a full tank of gas. ATMs may not be usable during the outages, so please do this in advance. Lastly, if there is anyone that requires refrigerated medications, freeze large containers of water to keep medications cold during the outage. Be sure to fully charge all medical devices.

Already facing an outage?

  • Leave a single lamp on to alert you when the power returns.
  • When power returns, turn your appliances on, one at a time.
  • Typically a refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours and a freezer will keep its temperature for about 48 hours. This only applies if the freezer and refrigerator doors remain closed. Avoid opening and ice everything you need prior to the first warned PSPS time that is given.
  • Make sure generators, camp stoves, charcoal grills are used outdoors only.
  • Do not use a gas stove for heat.
  • Check on your neighbors to see if they need help.

Remember fire restoration companies like Restoration Management Company are on call 24/7. If your area is affected by a fire please do not hesitate to call  1-800-400-5058

Since 1985, Restoration Management Company has provided 24-hour restoration service for customers when they experience a catastrophe in their home or workplace. With their headquarters in Hayward, California, RMC has 10 regional locations in Northern and Southern California, as well as locations in Seattle, Washington; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and the Denver, Colorado metro areas. When emergency services are required RMC delivers high-quality and rapid water damage restoration as well as smoke, fire, environmental and catastrophic restoration services. We stand ready with our highly-trained, experienced, and customer-focused restoration technicians.
Restoration Management Company www.RMC.com
1.800.400.5058

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