Get Ready: How to prepare for PG&E power shutoff

A few helpful ways to prepare for a potential PG&E power shutoff.

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) - With a severe power outage looming, residents should prepare to be without electricity for days.

PG&E announced Tuesday that it plans to turn off power to nearly 800,000 customers across Northern and Central California— including 250,000 Bay Area residents, to reduce wildfire risks with gusty winds and dry conditions in the forecast.

Here are some tips to help you get ready

Sign up to receive PG&E voice and text alerts for information on current outages or what is to come. Customers can enroll in zip code alerts by calling 1-877-9000-PGE. Notifications will be delivered via automated call. You can also sign up for text alerts by just texting "ENROLL" to 97633.

Have medical supplies in order and emergency kits on standby.

Ensure you have enough prescription meds to last up to seven days. If you have major medical needs that depend upon electricity, it may be safer to relocate to a friend or family member's home out of the area.

Emergency kits should include: a gallon of water per day for each person and pet. Nonperishable or canned food for up to seven days and a can opener. A solar-powered, hand crank, or battery-powered radio with extra batteries. You should also have a flashlight in your kit.

Officials also advise keeping mobile devices charged and to identify backup charging methods. If you have a generator, make sure you have extra fuel. Keep vehicle fuel tanks full. Remember that gas stations, stores, ATMs in the immediate area will also be without power.

Know how to use the manual release on your garage door and talk to neighbors and friends and share your emergency plans.

Parts of Bay Area prepare for unprecedented PG&E emergency power shutoffs

With a severe power outage looming, residents should prepare to be without electricity for days. 

During the outage:

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.

Monitor freezer and refrigerator temperatures with a thermometer.

Use perishable food supplies first.

Use generators, stoves and grills outdoors away from windows.

Disconnect electronics and appliances to avoid damage from electrical surges.

Check on neighbors, animals and family.

Drive safely and slowly as traffic signals may not be functioning properly.

Several resource centers have been activated to support customers in affected areas. PG&E has opened community resources centers in the following locations beginning Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 8.m:

Napa County

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Parking Lot - 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo 94589

Calistoga Fairgrounds – 1601 N. Oak Calistoga 94515

Santa Clara County

Avaya Stadium 1123 Coleman Avenue, San Jose 95110

Contra Costa County

Bishop Ranch Parking Lot – 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon 94583

San Mateo County

Pasta Moon Restaurant, 845 Main St., Half Moon Bay 94019

Solano County

Mission Church 6391 Leisure Town Road, Vacaville 95687

Sonoma County