There are steps we can all take to help prepare and protect our homes and families from wildfires. If you are affected by wildfires, know that there are partners in all levels of government ready to help. Provided within this webpage is information about preparing for wildfires, as well as resources from organizations in the community.
Please feel free to contact our district office at (760) 434-7605 with any questions.
For more information on how to prepare for a disaster, download our brochure:
Sign up for emergency and fire-related alerts to your cell phone from county emergency alert systems:
- Sign up with AlertSanDiego (readysandiego.org/alertsandiego) to receive emergency and disaster notifications.
- Download the SD Emergency App for disaster preparedness information, emergency updates, interactive emergency maps, and shelter locations. (readysandiego.org/content/oesready/en-us/SDEmergencyApp)
- Follow @SDSheriff and @CALFIRESANDIEGO on Twitter.
Additional Preparedness Resources
CAL FIRE: www.readyforwildfire.org/
2-1-1: 211sandiego.org
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services: www.caloes.ca.gov
California Fire Safe Council: cafiresafecouncil.org/
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: www.noaa.gov
Emergency Preparedness
- Develop an emergency plan and gather supplies for yourself and your family. See the Family Disaster Plan and Personal Survival Guide from the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services.
- Prepare your home. State law requires that residents treat 100 feet of defensible space around their homes. This includes steps, such as mowing and properly maintaining lawn and weeds, pruning or removing ignitable trees and shrubs, stacking firewood away from the home and making sure the home's address is visible to emergency vehicles. Learn how to create defensible space around your home. Also, check out the Fire Action Guide for additional tips to harden your home against fire.
- Develop an emergency plan and gather supplies for your pets and livestock. Read more information about how to prepare your pets and livestock in the event of an emergency.
SDG&E Information and Resources
General Wildfire Safety Program Information
Call: 1-800-411-7343
Visit: www.sdge.com/our-commitment-wildfire-safety
Public Safety Power Shutoffs
Sign up for updates related to public safety power shutoffs here, and learn more about if where you live might experience a shutoff:
www.sdge.com/notifications
Customers can use the map of affected areas at sdge.com/outage-map to determine if they will be impacted by the shutoff. SDG&E also may provide outage updates through social media, local news, radio and on their websites at sdge.com and sdgenews.com. Direct notifications may also be sent for customers who have registered their information with SDG&E.
Medical Baseline Program
If you or someone you know relies on medical equipment that uses electricity, consider signing up for the SDG&E Medical Baseline program and make preparations for a power outage. Signing up for the Medical Baseline program allows you to receive extra notifications in advance of power shutoffs. See more preparedness tips for those who rely on electric medical technologies in case of an extended power outage:
- Emergency Power Planning for People Who Use Electricity and Battery Dependent Assistive Technology and Medical Devices
- Emergency Preparedness Tips for Customers Who Depend on Electric Medical Devices
Community Resource Centers
Community Resource Centers may be opened near the affected area if conditions require extending the estimated outage duration. Residents will be able to get water, light snacks and charge their phones, as well as receive the most up to date information about the power shutoff.
www.sdge.com/wildfire-safety/community-resource-centers
School Districts
Find status updates about San Diego County school districts from the San Diego County Office of Education at SDCOE.net.
In the Event of Power Shutoff
- Be aware of traffic safety. Most traffic lights will go out once battery backup is exhausted. Treat all depowered traffic signals as a four way stop. Drive slow and be cautious when using depowered intersections.
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
- Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home!
- Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
- Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
- Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.