City of Sonoma Responds to Public Safety Power Shutoff “Watch”

PG&E ‪has raised the Pubic Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) potential from “Elevated” to “WATCH” for Monday (9/23) & Tuesday (9/24) in the North Bay. “WATCH” is PG&E’s medium level of potential for a PSPS. Residents in and around Sonoma may receive an automated phone call, text and or email from PG&E advising them of the “WATCH.” Learn more at

The City of Sonoma (City) has and continues to plan and prepare for PSPS events and is preparing to open our Emergency Operations Center. The purpose of this message is to provide as much early information as possible and to raise awareness and remind our community of the tools and resources available to monitor and prepare for potential power outages and PSPS events. The City has been working and preparing on the following measures to ensure that the City services will continue during an extended power outage and that we are ready to support our community:

In response to the potential power shutdown, the County of Sonoma has declared a State of Emergency in an abundance of caution. The County of Sonoma Department of Emergency Management is taking steps in preparation for a potential power loss. Read the press release from the County of Sonoma to learn more.

We hope to have more information from PG&E this afternoon. If the City and Sonoma Valley Fire & Rescue Authority (SVFRA) are notified of a confirmed power shutoff, we will be sending out public information on the area to be affected and the anticipated duration of the outage. We will also be opening a Power Resource Site that will provide places for the community to gather in a cool facility and be able to plug in and recharge devices.

If PG&E determines the need to de-energize major transmission lines to prevent wildfires, we need to be prepared to be without power for as many as 5 days. The potential loss of power for an extended period of time creates new challenges and uncertainty. Please take measures to prepare today including:

The City has information at for Sonoma residents and businesses to help prepare for a potential power shutoff on our Extended Power Outage webpage (http://www.sonomacity.org/extended-power-outages/) as part of the City’s Emergency Preparedness information where you can find more resources and information about PG&E’s PSPS program and ways you can better prepare for extended power outages.

We encourage you to take some time to review the presentation document and watch the recording of the update to City Council, read through the PSPS resident information, and take steps to ensure the safety, security and resiliency of your loved ones and community today by signing up for emergency alerts, making an evacuation plan, and building an emergency kit.