Be prepared for National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month and peak wildfire season is off to an early start in Sonoma County. In addition, COVID-19 has altered the dynamics of evacuations.

PG&E is suggesting that all residents have an emergency plan and review it with family and friends. Its online Safety Action Center contains links to sign up for wildfire safety alerts and printable emergency checklists.

The Safety Action Center also includes a video demonstration of how to manually open an electric garage door, should you experience a power outage during an evacuation. Other tip sheets cover how to prepare for a power shutoff and how to keep your home safe from hazardous air.

“We are in the heart of wildfire season, in the midst of a pandemic and in earthquake country. We don’t need to be afraid, but we do need to be prepared,” said Rod Robinson, PG&E’s senior director of Emergency Preparedness & Response, in a press release..

“At PG&E, we plan for emergencies by regularly training, working closely with first responders, and tracking the weather 24/7/365. We encourage customers to also have a plan for emergencies and, above all else, stay safe.”

How residents can prepare

– Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash. Keep face masks and hand sanitizer in your emergency kit.

– Identify backup charging methods for phones and keep hard copies of emergency numbers.

– Plan for medical needs like medications that require refrigeration or devices that need power.

– Keep in mind family members who are elderly, younger children and pets.

– Update contact information online or by calling PG&E at 866-743-6589 during normal business hours so you can receive Public Safety Power Shutoff alerts.

PG&E’s Safety Action Center is online at safetyactioncenter.pge.com.