Power Outages

Be Ready for Power Outages with Practical Advice

People in San Mateo County usually have one or two long power outages each year. These can last a few hours or several days, especially during bad storms or fire season.

In 2024, big outages hit thousands of homes:

• February 7: Storms knocked out power for 4,906 people in Half Moon Bay, Daly City, and Pescadero.
• June 21: Equipment problems left 3,468 people without power in Menlo Park and East Palo Alto.
• July 5: Heat damaged equipment near Pescadero, affecting about 1,700 people.

10 Ways to Prepare for Power Outages

1. Keep flashlights and batteries ready. Don’t use candles—they can start fires.
2. Charge your phone and power banks before a storm.
3. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed. A full freezer stays cold for 48 hours.
4. Store enough food and water for 3 days.
5. Unplug TVs and computers to protect them from power surges.
6. Leave one light on so you know when power comes back.
7. If you need medical equipment, have a backup power plan.
8. Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup.
9. Never use a gas stove or grill to heat your home.
10. Sign up for SMC Alert and PG&E outage notices.

Use These Links to Find Help During Power Outages

Explore these resources to help you stay informed and supported during power outages. From local county services to state and national guidance, these links provide quick access to assistance and preparedness tools.