Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
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How you can prepare for a PSPS
There are many ways you can prepare in case of a power outage due to a planned public safety power shutoff (PSPS).
You can also sign up for emergency outage communications from us. Please make sure Hawaiian Electric has your correct contact preferences so we can reach you in advance of a PSPS or other situations that may result in an outage.
Emergency Outage Communications Form
What to do BEFORE a PSPS
Customers with medical needs
- If you or someone in your care has a condition that requires medication or life support systems, or if your medications require refrigeration, contact your medical provider on how to handle emergencies and power outages. Contact your electric utility company’s customer service office to inform them that an occupant at your residence is on life support.
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- Throwing away any refrigerated medication if the power has been out for a day or more, unless the label on the medication directs otherwise.
- If medications have been at room temperature but a life depends on the refrigerated medication, use only until a new supply is available.
- Replace all refrigerated medications as soon as possible.
- Evacuees with health needs must either be capable of taking care of their own needs or be accompanied by a caregiver. Have a contingency plan set up with an equipment company or home health agency that includes a backup generator for life support systems. If a backup generator is not available, call 911.
- Download and print our flyer: What should I do to prepare for a power outage if I rely on an electric or battery dependent medical device?
Residential customers
Build your outage supply kit. Recommended items include:
- First aid kit
- Bottled water
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Nonperishable food
- Manual can opener
- Battery-operated radio
- External rechargeable battery pack
- Special-needs items for infants, elderly, or disabled
Prepare your home
- Keep important phone numbers (emergency hotlines, hospital, doctor, relatives, etc.) where they can be found easily in an emergency.
- Place flashlights and battery-powered lanterns in handy locations around your home.
- Install surge protectors to help safeguard electronic equipment.
- Get acquainted with your home’s utility boxes (electricity, water, and gas), and learn how to turn them off. Make sure you have easy access to the necessary tools to do so.
- Frequently back up important work and files on your computer.
- Learn how to manually open your automatic garage doors or gates.
- Keep the gas tank or charge level in at least one car half full (minimum) at all times.
- Identify an outdoor location where you can safely use a backup generator. Never use a generator indoors.
- Review your family safety plan regularly, including how you’ll address the needs of infants, the elderly, people with disabilities, and pets.
- Download and print our flyer: PSPS tips and precautions for residential customers
Businesses
Create a workplace preparation checklist. Suggested items for the checklist:
- Make sure all on-site employees know how to manually operate security gates.
- Develop a business continuity plan that defines roles and responsibilities for each employee during an emergency.
- Create a list of equipment that must be turned off during an outage to prevent damage or possible danger.
- Know how to turn off utilities (electricity, water, and gas). Make sure you have easy access to the necessary tools to do so.
- Identify and inform all staff of an off-site meeting area in case you need to evacuate.
- Identify an outdoor location where you can safely use a portable generator. Never use a generator indoors.
- Download and print our flyer: PSPS tips and precautions for commercial customers
What to do DURING a PSPS
Electronics and appliances
- Unplug household appliances such as televisions, computer equipment, washers, dryers, game consoles, fans, and lights to prevent them from being damaged.
- Use surge protectors to help prevent damage to electronics.
- Turn off all light switches and lamps except for one. You’ll want to leave one on so you’ll know when power returns.
Food safety
- Keep the refrigerator closed, opening doors only when necessary.
- For outages lasting more than two hours, food items such as dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs, and leftovers should be packed into cooler with ice.
Generator safety
Before using a portable generator, be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Take precautions to avoid poisoning from the generator's toxic exhaust and to prevent electric shock, electrocution, and fire. We encourage you to review our Generator Safety page for more information.
Elevator safety tips
- To the extent possible, avoid using elevators after you’ve been notified that a PSPS event is imminent.
- Press the “open” button if you’re near a landing when the elevator stops. Exit carefully as the elevator may not be level with the landing.
- Press the “alarm” or “help” button to notify trained emergency personnel.
- Remain calm and call for help or bang on the elevator door every few minutes to attract attention.
- Wait for help. Do not attempt to exit through partially opened doors or the ceiling service door. Wait for trained emergency personnel to arrive.
General safety
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- Use alternative light sources like flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles.
What to do AFTER a PSPS
- Check all foods kept in a refrigerator or cooler before cooking and consuming. For the latest recommendations on food safety, visit fsis.usda.gov and health.hawaii.gov/san/food-information.
- Safely turn off your generator.
- Once power has been restored, check equipment, and gradually turn on essential items.
- For customers with rooftop solar and/or battery systems that are not working after a PSPS, please consult your solar contractor to find out how to check and reset the main control panel.
- Your household controls electric service through a panel or box called a circuit breaker panel or fuse box. Circuit breaker panels or fuse boxes contain breakers or fuses of different capacities. If power has been restored to your neighborhood after a PSPS, but some or all of your power is still not functioning in your home, check your circuit breaker to see if any of the fuses have been tripped and need to be reset. You can find additional tips and safety information about circuit breaker panels, fuse boxes, and main breaker switches in our Emergency Preparedness Handbook.
