Power Outage Preparation Guide for Los Angeles Homeowners
Understanding Power Outages in Los Angeles: A Growing Reality
Power outages in Los Angeles have shifted from rare inconveniences to regular occurrences requiring serious preparation. Between 2020 and 2024, Los Angeles County experienced over 3,200 power outages affecting more than 15 million customer hours, according to LADWP reliability statistics. The causes are diverse and increasingly frequent: extreme heat waves pushing the electrical grid to capacity, Public Safety Power Shutoffs during wildfire season, aging infrastructure failures, equipment malfunctions, and accidents involving power lines. For homeowners across the Los Angeles basin, from the coastal communities to the inland valleys and foothill neighborhoods, understanding these risks and preparing accordingly has become essential for protecting families, properties, and peace of mind.
The changing climate has intensified the threat. Summer 2024 saw multiple grid emergencies as temperatures exceeded 110 degrees, forcing LADWP to implement Flex Alerts urging voluntary conservation to prevent rolling blackouts. Simultaneously, wildfire risk has expanded the threat of Public Safety Power Shutoffs beyond traditional high-fire areas into urban and suburban neighborhoods previously considered low-risk. When Edison implemented PSPS events affecting six Southern California counties in January 2025, communities from Malibu to Pasadena experienced multi-day outages designed to prevent electrical equipment from sparking catastrophic fires. For Los Angeles homeowners, power reliability can no longer be taken for granted, making comprehensive outage preparation as important as earthquake readiness or fire safety planning. Shaffer Construction, Inc. helps LA homeowners protect their properties with professional backup generator installations and electrical infrastructure improvements ensuring resilience during power disruptions.
What Are PSPS Events and When Do They Happen?
Public Safety Power Shutoffs represent a fundamental shift in how California manages wildfire risk, and understanding PSPS protocols is critical for Los Angeles area preparedness. PSPS events are proactive power shutdowns implemented by utilities including Southern California Edison when specific weather conditions create extreme fire danger. Unlike traditional outages caused by equipment failure, PSPS are planned disruptions announced in advance, though sometimes with limited warning. The California Public Utilities Commission authorizes utilities to shut off power when conditions meet specific criteria: sustained winds exceeding 25 miles per hour with gusts above 45 mph, humidity below 20 percent for extended periods, extremely dry vegetation creating high fuel loads, Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service, and real-time fire behavior observations indicating elevated risk.
During PSPS events, utilities de-energize specific circuit segments in high-risk areas, which can affect neighborhoods far from actual wildfire threats as circuits serve interconnected areas. Shutoffs typically last 24 to 72 hours, though restoration requires careful inspection of all equipment before re-energization, sometimes extending outages to four or five days. For Los Angeles County, PSPS risk is highest during Santa Ana wind events from October through March, when powerful offshore winds combine with low humidity and dry fuels. Foothill communities including La Canada Flintridge, Altadena, Pasadena foothills, Topanga, and Pacific Palisades face highest PSPS probability, but circuits serving these areas can affect adjacent neighborhoods in Glendale, Burbank, and western LA.
LADWP and Southern California Edison provide advance notification through multiple channels when PSPS events are possible, typically 48 hours before potential shutoffs, with updates every 12 hours as conditions evolve. However, rapidly changing weather can compress notification windows to just a few hours. Homeowners should register for utility emergency alerts providing text, email, and phone notifications, sign up at ladwp.com or sce.com for outage alerts, monitor local news during Red Flag Warnings, and understand that PSPS are now permanent features of wildfire season requiring preparation equivalent to other natural disaster planning. For homeowners concerned about multi-day outages affecting critical systems, Shaffer Construction provides comprehensive electrical infrastructure assessments and whole house generator installation services ensuring continuous power regardless of grid status.
Creating Your Emergency Power Plan
Effective power outage preparation starts with a comprehensive emergency power plan documenting critical needs, backup solutions, and response procedures. Begin by inventorying everything requiring electricity during outages, categorizing by priority: critical needs include refrigeration for food and medications, medical equipment, heating or air conditioning during extreme temperatures, lighting for safety and security, communication devices, and water pumps for homes with well systems. Secondary needs include cooking appliances, entertainment devices, WiFi routers for work-from-home capability, garage door openers, security systems, and EV chargers. Understanding priorities helps allocate limited backup power resources efficiently and guides decisions about generator sizing or battery capacity.
Calculate your power requirements by listing each critical device with its wattage, determining runtime needs for each item, calculating total watt-hours needed for your target outage duration, and adding 25 percent safety margin for inefficiencies and unexpected needs. For example, a refrigerator using 150 watts running 8 hours daily during a 3-day outage requires 3,600 watt-hours (150W × 8h × 3 days). LED lighting for two rooms at 20 watts each running 12 hours daily needs 1,440 watt-hours over three days. Medical equipment, phone charging, and other essentials add to total requirements. This calculation determines whether portable generators, whole-house standby systems, or battery backup solutions best meet your needs and budget.
Document your power plan including locations of electrical panels and shutoffs, generator connection points and operating procedures, contact information for electricians and utility emergency lines, inventory of emergency supplies and equipment, and special needs for family members including medical requirements or mobility limitations. Store physical copies in emergency kits as internet access may be unavailable during outages. Review and update plans annually, testing backup systems and replacing expired supplies. For homeowners with complex electrical needs or those considering permanent backup power solutions, Shaffer Construction provides professional electrical load studies analyzing your home's power consumption patterns and recommending optimal backup solutions. Our team can evaluate whether your home would benefit from electrical panel upgrades before installing backup power systems, ensuring safe, code-compliant integration with existing infrastructure.
Backup Power Solutions: Comparing Your Options
Los Angeles homeowners have multiple backup power options ranging from affordable portable generators to sophisticated whole-house systems, each with distinct capabilities, costs, and applications. Portable generators represent the most economical entry point, priced from $500 to $2,000 depending on capacity. These gasoline or propane-powered units produce 3,000 to 10,000 watts, sufficient for essential circuits including refrigerators, lighting, and small appliances. Portable generators require manual setup, outdoor placement at least 20 feet from structures to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, and connection via heavy-duty extension cords or manual transfer switches. While affordable and transportable, they have significant limitations: manual operation requiring homeowners to be present during outages, frequent refueling every 8-12 hours, inability to power 240-volt appliances like central air conditioning or electric dryers, loud operation at 70-90 decibels disturbing neighbors, and exposure to weather requiring covered storage.
Standby generators installed permanently outside homes offer comprehensive backup power with automatic operation. Ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 installed depending on capacity, these systems connect to natural gas lines or propane tanks, start automatically within 10 seconds when utility power fails, power entire homes including air conditioning through automatic transfer switches, and operate at quieter 50-65 decibel levels. For Los Angeles homeowners wanting true power independence without manual intervention, standby generators provide optimal solutions. Common residential sizes include 13-16kW for homes under 1,500 square feet with essential circuit backup, 17-22kW for medium homes wanting whole-house power including air conditioning, and 22-26kW for larger homes over 2,500 square feet with high electrical demands. Shaffer Construction specializes in professional standby generator installation with comprehensive load analysis, permitting, and integration with existing electrical systems.
Battery backup systems represent the newest category, led by products like Tesla Powerwall, LG Chem RESU, and Generac PWRcell. These lithium-ion battery systems store 10-20 kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power essential circuits for 8-24 hours depending on consumption. Priced from $10,000 to $15,000 installed for single-unit systems, batteries offer silent operation, zero emissions, instant automatic switching, and integration with solar panels for sustainable off-grid capability. However, capacity limitations restrict runtime compared to fuel-powered generators, and recharging requires either solar panels or grid power, limiting usefulness during multi-day outages without solar. For shorter outages common in urban LA areas, battery systems excel, while longer PSPS events favor generators. Some homeowners install hybrid systems combining batteries for immediate backup with generators for extended outages, though costs increase substantially. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems provide targeted protection for critical equipment including computers, medical devices, networking equipment, and home offices. Desktop UPS units cost $100-$300 and provide 30-90 minutes runtime for orderly shutdowns and data protection during brief outages.
What to Power During Outages: Strategic Prioritization
Strategic power prioritization maximizes limited backup capacity while maintaining safety and comfort during extended outages. Understanding which systems require continuous power versus intermittent operation helps stretch generator fuel or battery capacity significantly. Refrigerators and freezers represent highest-priority items, but they don't require continuous operation. Modern refrigerators maintain safe temperatures for 4-6 hours without power if doors remain closed, while freezers hold temperatures 24-48 hours when full. Running refrigerators on rotating schedules—one hour on, two hours off—dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining food safety. For a typical refrigerator using 150 watts, this schedule consumes just 1,200 watt-hours daily compared to 3,600 watt-hours continuous operation, tripling generator runtime on the same fuel.
Medical equipment requiring continuous power takes absolute priority over convenience items. CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, medication refrigerators, and mobility devices must have dedicated backup power with redundant solutions. For families dependent on medical equipment, investing in appropriately sized generators or battery systems with adequate capacity isn't optional—it's life-critical. Contact medical equipment providers about battery packs and backup power options specific to your devices. Many insurance plans cover backup power equipment for medical necessity with proper documentation. Heating and cooling systems consume substantial power but strategic use maintains comfort without overwhelming backup capacity. In summer heat, running air conditioning in one bedroom or central area during hottest afternoon hours rather than continuously cooling entire homes can reduce power consumption from 3,500-5,000 watts to 1,000-1,500 watts by using window units or mini-splits in designated rooms.
Lighting needs can be met efficiently with LED technology. A single 10-watt LED bulb provides illumination equivalent to 60-watt incandescent bulbs, meaning you can light an entire home with less than 100 watts total using modern fixtures. Battery-powered LED lanterns and flashlights further reduce electrical demands while providing portable illumination. Communication and information access justify dedicating power to charging phones, tablets, and powering WiFi routers and modems, though cellular networks may fail during widespread outages. Battery phone chargers and car USB adapters provide additional charging options. Security systems including cameras, door locks, and alarm panels warrant backup power in areas where crime increases during outages. Many systems include battery backup, but verify runtime and consider supplemental power for extended events. For homeowners planning backup power systems, Shaffer Construction provides detailed load analysis calculating actual consumption for all circuits and appliances, ensuring generator or battery systems are properly sized without wasteful oversizing. Our electrical expertise extends to residential electrical safety inspections verifying your home's electrical infrastructure can safely support backup power integration.
Generator Safety: Carbon Monoxide, Placement, and Fuel Storage
Generator safety requires strict adherence to placement, ventilation, and fuel handling protocols, as improper use causes preventable deaths annually from carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by all gasoline, propane, and diesel generators that can kill within minutes in enclosed spaces. Never operate portable generators inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or covered patios, even with doors and windows open. Carbon monoxide concentrations can reach lethal levels in minutes, and opening doors provides insufficient ventilation. The only safe placement is outdoors at least 20 feet from all structures, windows, doors, and air intake vents, with exhaust directed away from buildings. Even outdoor placement near open windows can draw CO indoors through airflow, creating danger for sleeping occupants who won't detect symptoms before losing consciousness.
Install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially in sleeping areas, testing monthly and replacing batteries annually. During generator operation, maintain heightened awareness for symptoms including headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. If anyone experiences these symptoms during generator use, immediately move to fresh air and seek emergency medical attention—carbon monoxide poisoning can cause permanent neurological damage or death even after symptoms subside. Weather protection for generators requires careful balance between protecting equipment from rain while maintaining adequate ventilation. Special generator canopies and covers designed with ventilation openings provide weather protection without creating carbon monoxide traps. Never cover generators with tarps or enclose them in structures attempting to reduce noise or protect from weather.
Fuel storage and handling pose serious fire hazards requiring proper containers, storage locations, and handling procedures. Store gasoline only in approved red containers clearly marked "gasoline" with maximum 5-gallon individual container capacity for portability and safety. Never store gasoline indoors, in living spaces, or near ignition sources including water heaters, furnaces, or electrical panels. Outdoor storage sheds away from structures provide optimal locations, with containers kept on ground level to prevent dangerous spills. Gasoline degrades significantly after 3-6 months, forming varnish deposits damaging generator carburetors and fuel systems. Add fuel stabilizer to extend shelf life to 12-24 months, but plan to rotate stocks before degradation. Allow generators to cool completely before refueling, as hot engines can ignite fuel vapors causing flash fires. Keep fire extinguishers rated for fuel fires near generator operating areas, and never attempt to refuel generators while running. For homeowners concerned about fuel storage, handling, and maintenance requirements of portable generators, professionally installed standby generators connected to natural gas lines eliminate these hazards entirely while providing superior reliability and automatic operation. Shaffer Construction specializes in professional generator installations meeting all safety codes and manufacturer specifications.
Surge Protection When Power Returns
Power restoration after outages can damage sensitive electronics through voltage surges and fluctuations as the grid stabilizes. Utility equipment automatically switching circuits back online can create momentary voltage spikes exceeding 1,000 volts, far beyond the 120/240 volts your appliances expect. Modern electronics including computers, televisions, smart home devices, kitchen appliances with digital controls, and HVAC systems contain sensitive circuitry vulnerable to surge damage. A comprehensive surge protection strategy protects thousands of dollars in equipment and prevents fire hazards from damaged components.
Whole-house surge protectors installed at your electrical panel represent the first line of defense, intercepting major surges before they enter your home's wiring. These devices install directly in or adjacent to electrical panels, clamping voltage spikes above safe thresholds and diverting excess energy to ground. Quality whole-house surge protectors cost $300-$800 installed and protect all circuits simultaneously, including hardwired appliances like air conditioners, water heaters, and pool equipment that can't use plug-in protectors. Shaffer Construction includes whole-house surge protection in our electrical panel upgrade services, ensuring comprehensive protection as part of electrical infrastructure improvements. However, whole-house protectors alone don't provide complete protection for sensitive electronics—a layered approach combining whole-house and point-of-use protection offers optimal security.
Point-of-use surge protectors installed at individual outlets provide secondary protection for valuable electronics. Not all power strips include surge protection, so verify devices are rated for surge suppression with joule ratings indicating protective capacity—higher joule ratings provide greater protection. Quality surge protectors include UL 1449 certification, minimum 600-1,000 joule rating for general use or 2,000+ joules for expensive electronics, indicator lights showing protection status and grounding verification, warranty coverage for connected equipment (often $25,000-$100,000), and automatic shutoff when protection capacity is exhausted. Replace surge protectors every 2-3 years or after major surge events, as protective components degrade with use. During extended outages, consider unplugging sensitive electronics entirely until power stabilizes. When power returns, wait 15-30 minutes before reconnecting expensive equipment to allow grid voltage to stabilize. If lights flicker or dim significantly when power returns, this indicates potential voltage fluctuations warranting caution. For homes with frequent power quality issues, voltage regulators or conditioners provide additional protection beyond surge suppressors, maintaining consistent voltage even during brownouts or overvoltage conditions.
Food Safety During Extended Outages
Power outages threaten hundreds of dollars in refrigerated and frozen food, but proper planning and quick action minimize losses. Understanding food safety timelines helps you make informed decisions about what to save, consume quickly, or discard. The USDA establishes clear guidelines: refrigerators maintain safe temperatures (below 40°F) for approximately 4 hours without power if doors remain closed, while freezers hold safe temperatures (below 0°F) for 24 hours when half-full or 48 hours when completely full, again with doors kept closed. The most critical rule is minimizing door openings, which release cold air and dramatically shorten safe storage time. Resist the temptation to check contents repeatedly—trust the timeline and plan accordingly.
Advance preparation significantly extends food safety. Freeze water in plastic containers or freezer bags creating ice blocks that maintain freezer temperatures longer and provide emergency drinking water as they melt. Group frozen foods tightly together creating a cold mass that holds temperature better than partially filled freezers. Consider freezing refrigerator items you can safely thaw and use during outages, creating additional cold mass while protecting food. Set refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings when outages are forecast, providing temperature buffer. Appliance thermometers placed in both compartments let you monitor actual temperatures, replacing guesswork with data. If temperatures rise above 40°F in refrigerators or 0°F in freezers for more than 2 hours, potentially hazardous foods must be discarded.
When evaluating food safety after outages, use these guidelines from the USDA: discard any food with unusual odor, color, or texture; discard all meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy that's been above 40°F for 2+ hours; discard soft cheeses, opened containers, and prepared foods including casseroles and leftovers; keep hard cheeses, butter, margarine, opened fruit juices, and most condiments; keep fresh fruits and vegetables unless showing spoilage; and when in doubt, throw it out—foodborne illness isn't worth the risk. Frozen foods that still contain ice crystals or feel refrigerator-cold (40°F or below) can be safely refrozen, though quality may suffer. Document losses with photographs for insurance claims if outages result from utility failures rather than PSPS events. Many homeowners insurance policies include food spoilage coverage, typically $500-$1,000, though deductibles may exceed losses for brief outages. For families with substantial frozen food investments or those frequently affected by PSPS events, backup generators or battery systems protecting refrigeration become cost-effective investments beyond convenience. A $500 food loss repeated annually over a generator's 20-year lifespan represents $10,000 in potential savings, substantially offsetting installation costs.
Essential Emergency Kit for Power Outages
A well-stocked emergency kit transforms power outages from crises into manageable inconveniences, providing tools and supplies for safety, communication, and basic comfort. Los Angeles homeowners should maintain kits supporting household members for minimum 72 hours, though week-long supplies provide better protection during extended PSPS events. Lighting represents the most immediate need when power fails. Stock multiple flashlights with extra batteries for each household member, LED lanterns providing hands-free area lighting for rooms, headlamps enabling hands-free work and movement, and battery-powered or hand-crank emergency lights requiring no battery replacements. Avoid candles when possible, as they pose fire hazards, but if used, place only on stable surfaces away from flammables with constant supervision, never in bedrooms or sleeping areas.
Communication and information access during outages requires multiple backup methods. Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radios receive emergency broadcasts and weather updates when internet and cellular services fail. Battery banks and portable chargers keep phones and tablets powered for communication and information access. Car phone chargers provide additional charging options using vehicle power. Battery-powered AM/FM radios access news and emergency information. Print copies of emergency contacts, utility phone numbers, and important information as internet access may be unavailable. Water and sanitation supplies warrant attention even though LA's municipal water typically continues during power outages. Store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, minimum 3-day supply though week-long stocks provide better security. Include water purification tablets or filters if outages might affect water treatment. Baby wipes and hand sanitizer maintain hygiene when water conservation is necessary.
Food and cooking supplies should include non-perishable foods requiring no refrigeration or cooking: canned goods with manual can opener, protein bars and energy foods, dried fruits and nuts, peanut butter and crackers, and ready-to-eat cereals. For cooking, have camp stoves or portable burners with fuel for outdoor use only, never indoors, disposable plates and utensils reducing water use for cleaning, and coolers with ice for temporary refrigeration if ice is available. Medical and personal needs include prescription medications with minimum week supply separate from daily containers, over-the-counter medications for pain, fever, and digestive issues, first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and basic supplies, any medical equipment batteries or backup power, eyeglasses and contact lens supplies, and personal hygiene items. Climate control items for Los Angeles conditions include battery-powered fans for summer outages during heat waves, blankets and warm clothing for winter outages, and sun protection for extended outdoor time if homes become uncomfortable. Important documents should be copied and stored in waterproof containers including insurance policies, identification documents, bank account information, and property records. Keep some cash as electronic payment systems and ATMs won't function during outages. Review and refresh emergency kits twice yearly, replacing expired items and updating supplies based on changing needs.
Medical Equipment and Special Needs Considerations
Power-dependent medical equipment transforms outages from inconveniences into life-threatening emergencies, requiring special planning and dedicated backup power solutions. Los Angeles homeowners with family members using CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, ventilators, home dialysis equipment, electric wheelchairs or mobility devices, medication refrigeration, or monitoring equipment must prioritize backup power with the same seriousness as the medical conditions themselves. Contact your medical equipment providers about battery backup options specific to your devices—many manufacturers offer battery packs providing several hours of operation during outages. Document runtime of battery backups and plan for recharging or equipment replacement if outages exceed capacity.
For critical life-support equipment, backup power isn't optional, and redundant systems provide essential safety. Portable generators sized to power medical equipment plus essential household circuits offer reliable backup for extended outages. Calculate power requirements for all medical devices including startup surge requirements, then add 25 percent capacity margin. For example, oxygen concentrators typically draw 300-600 watts continuous, CPAP machines use 30-60 watts plus 200-400 watts for heated humidifiers, and home ventilators require 100-300 watts depending on model. A 2,000-watt portable generator handles these medical loads plus lighting and device charging with adequate margin. For families requiring 24/7 medical equipment operation, whole-house standby generators connected to natural gas lines provide maximum reliability with automatic operation requiring no manual intervention. Shaffer Construction works with medical equipment users designing backup power systems ensuring critical equipment never loses power, with proper transfer switch installation, sizing calculations, and integration with existing electrical systems.
Register with your utility company for Medical Baseline Program benefits and critical care backup battery programs. LADWP and Southern California Edison offer Medical Baseline rates providing discounted electricity for customers with qualifying medical conditions requiring powered equipment. While these programs don't prevent outages, they acknowledge medical necessity and can provide advance notice of planned outages when possible. During PSPS events, utilities make efforts to contact registered medical customers with advance warning, though power will still be shut off. Some utilities offer free backup battery programs for critical care customers, though capacity is limited and application waitlists are long. Plan for facility evacuation if your home cannot maintain safe conditions during extended outages. Identify nearby hotels, family members, or emergency facilities where medically vulnerable family members can stay if backup power fails or outages exceed preparation. Many cooling centers and emergency shelters accommodate medical equipment users during extreme heat or cold events. Keep contact information for emergency services, medical providers, and equipment suppliers easily accessible during outages when internet searches may be impossible.
Communication During Outages and LADWP Resources
Maintaining communication and accessing emergency information during power outages requires backup methods beyond internet-dependent systems. Cellular networks often continue operating during localized power outages, but extended events can overwhelm networks or cause tower failures when backup batteries deplete. Keep phones fully charged whenever outages are forecast and use battery conservation mode to extend runtime. Portable phone chargers and car charging cables provide recharging options without electricity. Many modern vehicles with USB ports can charge devices with engines running, though never run vehicles in garages or enclosed spaces due to carbon monoxide hazards. Battery-powered or hand-crank radios receive AM/FM broadcasts and NOAA weather channels providing emergency information and utility updates when internet access fails.
LADWP provides multiple communication channels for outage reporting, restoration updates, and emergency information. To report outages, call LADWP customer service at 1-800-342-5397, available 24/7 for emergency electrical issues and outage reporting. Use LADWP's online outage map at ladwp.com to view current outages, affected areas, estimated restoration times, and crews assigned to your neighborhood. The mobile-friendly map works on smartphones using cellular data when home internet is unavailable. Register for LADWP outage alerts providing text message notifications when outages affect your address and updates on restoration progress. Sign up at ladwp.com/outages using your account information. During PSPS events, LADWP and SCE provide updated information every 12-24 hours as weather conditions and restoration timelines evolve.
Social media provides real-time updates during outages, with LADWP maintaining active Twitter and Facebook accounts posting current information. Follow @LADWP on Twitter for immediate updates, though access requires cellular data or alternative internet. Local news stations including KTLA, KABC, KCBS, and KNBC provide emergency coverage during major outage events affecting large areas. Radio broadcasts reach audiences without power or internet, making AM/FM radios essential emergency tools. Know your account number and service address when contacting LADWP to expedite outage reporting and receive accurate restoration estimates. During widespread events affecting thousands of customers, restoration prioritizes critical infrastructure including hospitals and emergency services first, then works through residential areas systematically. Understanding restoration priorities helps set realistic expectations during major outages affecting entire neighborhoods or regions. For homeowners experiencing frequent outages indicating equipment or infrastructure problems, contact LADWP to request service evaluations. Persistent outages may indicate failing transformers, damaged lines, or inadequate capacity requiring utility infrastructure upgrades. If outages result from electrical problems within your property rather than utility issues, Shaffer Construction provides comprehensive electrical safety inspections identifying and resolving issues ranging from overloaded circuits to damaged panels or wiring requiring repair.
Preventing Electrical Damage When Power Returns
The moment power returns after outages can pose as much danger to electrical systems and appliances as the outage itself, requiring careful re-energization procedures preventing damage and fires. When utilities restore power after outages, especially extended events requiring significant grid repairs, voltage fluctuations and surges commonly occur as systems stabilize. Transformers switching back online, circuits being re-energized in sequence, and sudden load changes across the grid create transient overvoltage and undervoltage conditions potentially damaging sensitive electronics. These surges last milliseconds but can destroy components in computers, televisions, refrigerators, HVAC systems, and other equipment containing integrated circuits and microprocessors.
Before power restoration if you have advance warning, turn off or unplug sensitive electronics and major appliances preventing damage from initial surges when power returns. Leave one light on so you know when power restoration occurs. After power returns, wait 15-30 minutes before reconnecting sensitive equipment, allowing grid voltage to stabilize. Reconnect items gradually rather than simultaneously to avoid sudden load surges potentially tripping breakers or causing voltage sags. Turn on essential items first including refrigerators and freezers to protect food, then add other appliances and electronics incrementally. If lights appear unusually bright or dim when power returns, this indicates voltage irregularities warranting extra caution. Unusually bright lights suggest overvoltage potentially damaging equipment, while dim lights indicate undervoltage that can damage motors in refrigerators, air conditioners, and other appliances.
If you notice any of these warning signs when power returns, contact LADWP immediately to report power quality issues: flickering lights continuing after initial restoration, lights appearing significantly brighter or dimmer than normal, buzzing or humming sounds from electrical panel or outlets, burning smell from outlets, switches, or panel, or any sparks or smoke. These symptoms indicate serious electrical problems requiring immediate professional attention. Do not attempt to investigate or repair yourself. If equipment doesn't work properly after power restoration, individual appliance circuit breakers may have tripped protecting components from surge damage. Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers, indicated by switches in intermediate positions between ON and OFF. Reset by turning fully OFF then back to ON position. If breakers immediately trip again, unplug all devices on that circuit and reset again. If the breaker holds with nothing connected, you have a faulty appliance—reconnect items one at a time to identify the problem. If breakers trip with nothing connected, you have a wiring problem requiring professional electrical service. Shaffer Construction provides emergency electrical repair services for Los Angeles homeowners experiencing electrical problems after power restoration, including circuit repairs, panel replacements, and comprehensive electrical system evaluations ensuring safe, reliable operation. Our licensed electricians respond quickly to electrical emergencies protecting your home and family from fire hazards and equipment damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my refrigerator stay cold during a power outage?
Refrigerators maintain safe temperatures below 40°F for approximately 4 hours without power if doors remain closed. Freezers hold temperatures below 0°F for about 24 hours when half-full or 48 hours when completely full. The key is minimizing door openings. Placing appliance thermometers in both compartments lets you monitor actual temperatures rather than guessing. If temperatures rise above safe levels for more than 2 hours, potentially hazardous foods including meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products must be discarded to prevent foodborne illness.
Can I run my portable generator in my garage with the door open?
No. Never operate generators inside garages, even with doors and windows open. Carbon monoxide accumulates rapidly in partially enclosed spaces and can reach lethal concentrations within minutes. Generators must be placed outdoors at least 20 feet from all structures, windows, doors, and air intake vents, with exhaust directed away from buildings. Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, providing no warning before causing unconsciousness and death. Install battery-powered CO detectors throughout your home and follow manufacturer safety guidelines strictly.
What's the difference between PSPS and regular power outages?
PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoffs) are planned, proactive power shutdowns implemented by utilities during extreme wildfire conditions to prevent electrical equipment from sparking fires. Unlike unplanned outages caused by equipment failures or accidents, PSPS events are announced in advance when weather conditions meet specific criteria including high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. PSPS typically last 24-72 hours or longer as utilities must inspect all equipment before safely restoring power. Regular outages are unplanned events from equipment failures, accidents, or weather damage, typically restored more quickly once crews identify and repair problems.
Should I turn off my main breaker during power outages?
This isn't necessary for most outages, but it can provide protection during extended events or if you're using portable generators without transfer switches. Turning off the main breaker prevents surge damage when power returns unexpectedly while you're away or sleeping. It also prevents lights and appliances from turning on simultaneously when power restores, potentially overloading circuits. If using portable generators, you must turn off the main breaker before connecting generators to prevent backfeeding dangerous electricity into utility lines. If you have an automatic transfer switch with a standby generator, never manipulate breakers—the transfer switch manages everything automatically.
How much does a whole-house backup generator cost for a typical LA home?
Installed costs for whole-house standby generators typically range from $7,000 to $12,000 for most Los Angeles homes, depending on size and site conditions. This includes generator equipment ($2,500-$8,000 depending on capacity), automatic transfer switch ($800-$2,500), installation labor ($2,000-$4,000), concrete pad and site preparation ($500-$1,500), electrical materials and gas line connections ($700-$2,000), and permits and inspections ($300-$600). Costs increase if electrical panel upgrades are needed or if complex site conditions require extensive wiring runs or gas service upgrades. Shaffer Construction provides detailed estimates with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Will my cell phone work during power outages?
Usually yes, at least initially. Cell towers have backup batteries and generators allowing continued operation during power outages, but extended outages lasting more than 24-48 hours may cause tower failures as backup systems deplete. Additionally, widespread outages often cause network congestion as everyone attempts to make calls simultaneously, making connections difficult. Keep your phone fully charged before forecast outages, use battery conservation mode to extend runtime, and maintain portable chargers or car charging cables for backup. Have alternative communication methods including battery-powered radios for emergency information.
What should I do if my medical equipment requires electricity?
If you or family members depend on power-dependent medical equipment, backup power isn't optional. Contact your medical equipment provider about battery backup options specific to your devices. For critical equipment, invest in appropriately sized generators or battery systems ensuring continuous operation during extended outages. Register with LADWP or SCE for Medical Baseline Program benefits providing advance outage notifications when possible. Calculate your equipment's power requirements and plan for redundant backup systems. During PSPS events, consider relocating to facilities with guaranteed power if outages will exceed your backup capacity. Shaffer Construction helps medical equipment users design reliable backup power systems sized appropriately for critical needs.
How can I get advance warning of PSPS events?
Utilities typically provide 48-hour advance notice of possible PSPS events when weather forecasts indicate dangerous fire conditions, with updates every 12 hours as conditions evolve. Register for emergency alerts at ladwp.com or sce.com to receive text, email, and phone notifications. However, rapidly changing weather can compress notification windows to just a few hours. Monitor local news during Red Flag Warnings and Santa Ana wind events, particularly October through March when PSPS risk is highest. Understanding that PSPS are now permanent features of wildfire season helps motivate appropriate preparation.
Protect Your Home with Professional Electrical Solutions
Power outage preparation has evolved from optional precaution to essential responsibility for Los Angeles homeowners facing increasingly frequent disruptions from PSPS events, extreme weather, and aging infrastructure. While power outages are unavoidable, the impacts on your family, property, and peace of mind are entirely controllable through proper planning, emergency supplies, and appropriate backup power systems. Understanding outage causes and timelines, creating comprehensive emergency power plans, investing in backup power solutions matching your needs and budget, maintaining proper safety protocols, and preparing emergency kits transform outages from crises into manageable events.
Whether you choose portable generators for basic backup, whole-house standby systems for comprehensive protection, or battery backup for silent operation, professional electrical expertise ensures safe, code-compliant installation providing reliable performance when you need it most. Shaffer Construction, Inc. brings decades of electrical experience and hundreds of successful generator installations to every project, helping Los Angeles homeowners protect their families and properties with properly sized, professionally installed backup power systems. From initial consultation and load analysis through permitting, installation, testing, and ongoing maintenance, our licensed electricians manage every aspect with attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
Don't wait for the next PSPS event or major outage to discover your home is unprepared. Contact Shaffer Construction today to discuss your backup power options and schedule a complimentary consultation. Our team will evaluate your home's electrical capacity, recommend optimal solutions for your specific needs and budget, provide transparent pricing with detailed cost breakdowns, and answer all questions about installation timelines, safety requirements, and long-term operation. Call us at 323-642-8509 or email hello@shaffercon.com to get started. Visit our website at www.shaffercon.com to learn more about our comprehensive residential electrical services including backup generator installation, electrical panel upgrades, electrical safety inspections, surge protection, and all electrical solutions Los Angeles homeowners need to protect their properties and maintain comfort and security regardless of grid conditions. When power reliability matters, trust Shaffer Construction to deliver professional electrical solutions providing decades of dependable performance and genuine peace of mind.