Be prepared should the power go out

Pacific Gas and Electric and other utilities are warning that they may have to shut off power for days in some communities. Utility officials have promised a 24-to-48-hour notice of a planned outage, or a Public Safety Power Shutoff, but Californians should prepare now.

Here are resources:

• PG&E's Public Safety Power Shutoff webpage provides more information about the possible power outages.
• PG&E customers can sign up for alerts and find suggestions for people dependent on electricity for medical services at PG&E's website for preparing for a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
• PG&E also provides general emergency preparedness information, or visit Ready.gov.
• Visit Foodsafety.gov for guidelines on how long it takes for food to spoil once the power is out.

Customers of other power utilities should contact their provider to learn how they might be affected.

University of the Pacific is developing a plan for what students, faculty and staff should do in the event normal business operations are disrupted if power utilities shut off electricity in an effort to prevent wildfires this summer.

PG&E and local government agencies are holding informational meetings about the Public Safety Power Shutoff. The Stockton Record recently published a story that included dates for future public information meetings. A Stockton community meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 1, 6:30–9:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 3535 N. El Dorado St. For more information, contact Emily Ballus, University Renaissance Neighborhood Committee.