Most outage injuries are preventable. These are the basics we wish every household knew before the next storm or Public Safety Power Shutoff.
How far should a generator be from the house?
Run portable generators outdoors only, never in a garage, basement, porch or crawlspace, even with doors open. Keep them well away from windows, doors and vents; federal safety guidance commonly says at least 20 feet. Carbon monoxide from generators can kill within minutes. Install battery-backed CO alarms inside the home.
What should I do about downed power lines?
Treat every downed line as live. Stay far away, keep others and pets away, and call 911 and your utility (for example PG&E, SCE or SMUD). Never touch anything in contact with a line, including a fence, car or puddle.
How do I use extension cords from a generator safely?
- Use outdoor-rated, heavy-gauge cords sized for the load, with no cuts or missing ground pins.
- Do not run cords under rugs or through closed doors where they can be pinched.
- Keep connections off wet ground.
What should I do when the power comes back?
- Turn off or unplug sensitive electronics and large appliances during the outage, leaving one light on so you know when power returns.
- If you used a generator interlock or transfer switch, follow its switching steps in order.
- If part of the house has power and part does not, or lights are unusually dim or bright, call your utility and an electrician. That can mean a damaged service or a lost neutral. See lights flickering or dimming.
Medical devices and outages
If someone in your home depends on powered medical equipment, ask your utility about medical baseline and outage notification programs, and plan backup power ahead of time.
Prepare for a power outage safely
- Test alarms. Test your smoke and CO alarms and replace batteries as needed.
- Place the generator. Choose an outdoor spot for the generator well away from windows, doors and vents.
- Check cords. Check that extension cords are outdoor-rated and undamaged.
- Plan essentials. List the essential appliances you want to run and check their wattage against the generator rating.
- Know who to call. Save your utility outage line and know where your main breaker is, but only operate it if you can reach it safely and dry.
Common questions
Can I run a generator in my garage with the door open?
No. Carbon monoxide can build up to deadly levels in a garage even with the door open. Run generators outdoors, far from windows, doors and vents.
General information for California homes under the California Electrical Code (based on the NEC). Local rules and inspectors can vary. Not a substitute for an on-site inspection. Never work inside a panel, at the meter or on live circuits.