Immediate danger? Call 911.
List what truly needs power: a medical device, a refrigerator, communications, lighting, or one room’s safe temperature. For each, write the required watts, operating hours and compatible backup. A large number on a power station is not enough: watts describe output capability, while watt-hours describe stored energy.
As an illustration, a 20-watt load running ten hours uses 200 watt-hours before conversion losses. A unit rated at 200 watt-hours therefore cannot be assumed to deliver that full run. Startup surges, temperature, battery age, settings and inverter losses matter. Measure or obtain the actual device demand and test the intended combination. For medical equipment, use the device supplier’s compatibility and runtime instructions. [P3]
Choose practical layers: charged USB power banks for phones and lights; a suitable battery backup for selected equipment; and a professionally designed system for larger loads. A router backup keeps your local equipment powered but cannot guarantee the provider’s network. Rooftop solar alone usually does not provide outage power; backup operation needs a compatible system designed to isolate safely from the grid. Solar recharge varies with conditions, and smoke or shade can reduce it. [P7]
If a phone supports satellite emergency messaging, practice its nonemergency demo and check its current eligibility before relying on it. For example, Apple supports Emergency SOS via satellite on eligible iPhone 14 and later models; a clear outdoor view is needed. Never move into danger just to obtain a signal. [T1]
Ask the medical provider when to move, who will provide transport, where essential care or power will be available and what reserve must remain. Leave while there is enough capacity for the trip and delay. SDG&E cannot guarantee uninterrupted supply. Check eligibility for Medical Baseline and available support, but keep an independent household plan. [P3, P8]
For refrigerated medicine, use the pharmacist’s product-specific storage plan and a thermometer where appropriate. Do not assume food-storage rules apply to medicine. If temperature limits are exceeded, contact the pharmacist or clinician; do not abruptly stop a life-sustaining drug because of a generic chart. [P4]
Note the time. Check for an accompanying fire, earthquake or evacuation notice. Use flashlights or battery lanterns. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors shut. Turn off major appliances and unplug sensitive electronics where safe, leaving one light on to signal restoration. Check SDG&E’s outage information rather than calling 911 for outage updates. [P5]
Treat fallen wires as energized and stay away. Call 911. Keep an exit usable without electric garage-door or gate operation. Monitor indoor heat and vulnerable household members; relocate before conditions become unsafe. Never use an oven to heat the home. [P1, P5]
Operate a fuel-burning portable generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, with exhaust directed away from buildings and people. Never run it in a garage, even with the door open. Keep working CO alarms with backup power. If a CO alarm sounds or anyone develops symptoms such as headache, dizziness or nausea, move to fresh air and seek emergency help. [P1]
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. A home connection requires proper transfer equipment and qualified installation. Follow the generator instructions for cables, load, weather protection and safe refueling; stop and allow it to cool before adding fuel. Do not connect an improvised EV-to-home arrangement. [P2]
A closed refrigerator generally protects food for up to four hours. A full closed freezer holds temperature for about 48 hours, or 24 hours if half full. After four hours without refrigeration or another cold source, discard perishable refrigerated food unless you can establish that it stayed safely cold. Use a thermometer and the official food-specific chart. Frozen food may be refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below. Never taste food to judge safety. [P6]
Bring appliances back gradually. Recharge batteries, replace used supplies and record actual runtime while the experience is fresh. If a test showed only six hours of dependable operation, plan around that measured result with a reserve rather than the advertised maximum.
Community gates, radios and security systems may have backup equipment, but residents should not assume uninterrupted operation. Consult the current, dated community capability notice. Its owner should state what was tested, which functions are supported, what runtime was demonstrated and how residents receive changes.