PSPS Preparation: Ready Your Home for a Public Safety Power Shutoff
Difficulty
beginner
Est. Time
1-2 weekends (setup), ongoing (maintenance)
Est. Cost
$0-$2,500
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What has changed in this article
October 18, 2026
After the October 14 to 17 shutoff reached Contra Costa County: added where to look up your address during an event, PG&E's 211 support line, and why underground lines don't rule out a shutoff. Also added the 'door fully closed' safety condition to the garage door item in the During the Shutoff checklist.
- New section: Where to Check, and Where to Get Help, During an Event.
- During the Shutoff checklist: the manual release should only be pulled with the garage door fully closed.
- Community Resource Centers: noted the Moraga location used during the October 2026 event.
- Garage doors: what to do if the power goes out with the door open, and a reminder to check the opener's backup battery.
October 11, 2026
Corrected the county alert system: Contra Costa residents register with the Community Warning System (CWS), not AC Alert, which is Alameda County's system.
- The alert registration checklist item now names the Community Warning System (a new item, so earlier ticks do not carry over).