PG&E seeks to keep customers and communities safe.

PG&E is partnering with customers in high fire-threat areas to create safe space between distribution lines and trees and brush that can act as fuel for wildfires. Customers can use the tools on the PG&E website to find out if they are in a high fire-threat area and if they are in an area where the power may be shut off for safety.

During or After a Wildfire

Contact PG&E to:

• Ask about bill payment assistance
• Immediately stop service
• Learn more about power restoration, financial support and the rebuilding process

Call Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) at 1-800-743-5000 or visit PG&E’s Wildfire Recovery Support webpage for more information.

Web pages

• Wildfire Preparedness & Support - https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/safety/wildfire-preparedness-support.html
• Outage Preparedness & Support - https://www.pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/outage-preparedness-and-support.html
• Wildfire Rec…

[read more]

What is a Clean Room?
A clean room is a room that is set up to keep levels of smoke and other particles as low as possible during wildfire smoke events. A clean room should be free from activities that create particles such as cooking or smoking, and the doors and windows should be kept closed to prevent smoke from getting in. A clean room can also contain a portable air cleaner that makes the air in the room cleaner than the rest of the home.  

Why Create a Clean Room?
If there is an active fire in your area, or if the Air Quality Index indicates smoke levels are unhealthy and forecasted to remain there, local authorities may advise you to stay indoors or create a clean room. Spending time in a clean room at home can help reduce your exposure to smoke while staying indoors.
Conditions can change quickly, so you should always be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Follow your local news, the AirNow website, https://www.airnow.gov/, or your state air quality website for … [read more]

Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. It can make you cough and wheeze and can make it hard to breathe. If you have asthma or another lung disease, or heart disease, inhaling wildfire smoke can be especially harmful. Staying indoors and reducing physical activity are the best ways to protect your lungs from wildfire smoke. Wearing a special mask called a “particulate respirator” can also help protect your lungs from wildfire smoke.

How to Choose the Correct Mask to Protect Your Lungs
• Choose a mask called a “particulate respirator” that has the word “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100” printed on it. These are sold at many hardware and home repair stores and pharmacies.
• Choose a mask that has two straps that go around your head. DO NOT choose a mask with only one strap or with straps that just hook over the ears.
• Choose a size that will fit over your nose and under your chin. It should seal tightly to your face. These masks do not come in sizes that fit young … [read more]

Weather watch/warning/advisory definitions: https://www.weather.gov/lwx/WarningsDefined. This information can help with emergency preparedness. In addition to web links below, the National Weather Service Sacramento office can be reached 24/7 at 916-979-3051.

SOME KEY ONES IN NEVADA COUNTY (fire, heat, flooding):

FIRE
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. 

• A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours.
• A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours.

 
A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a Red Fla… [read more]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• Provides educational information on how to get through a disaster
• Helps with local and state emergency preparedness
• Coordinates federal response to a disaster

California is in FEMA Region 9.

Web pages

• FEMA home - https://www.fema.gov/
• FEMA California - https://www.fema.gov/locations/contact/california#contact-and-about
• Contact - all regions - https://www.fema.gov/about/contact

Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower people in the United States to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies, including natural and human-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.
 
Ready and its Spanish language version Listo ask individuals to do four key things: 

• Stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses - https://www.ready.gov/be-informed
• Make a family emergency plan - https://www.ready.gov/plan
• Build an emergency supply kit - https://www.ready.gov/kit
• Get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies - https://www.ready.gov/get-involved

English - Ready https://www.ready.gov/
Español - Listo https://www.ready.gov/es
Ready in your language - https://www.ready.gov/ready-your-language
People with disabilities - https://www.ready.gov/… [read more]

Submit form to request an assessment of fire safety hazards around homes and advice on the best way to create defensible space and harden your home against fire.