SAN FRANCISCO - The magnitude of California's 2020 wildfire season is hard to comprehend.

To date, CAL FIRE reports that more than 7,600 fires have scorched approximately 3.2 million acres this year in the Golden State-an area almost the size of Connecticut. And five 2020 fires the August Complex, the SCU Lightning Complex, the LNU Lightning Complex, the North Complex and the Creek Fire already ranked among the 15 largest in state history.

With that as a backdrop, and as thousands of firefighters and other first responders continue to work to protect people and property, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds its customers that the best time to prepare for an emergency or natural disaster is before it happens. That's what National Preparedness Month is all about.

Start by gathering supplies and creating an emergency kit that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Be sure to include flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies and cash.

If you already have a kit, make sure it's up to date. Don't forget to pack a 'go bag' in case you need to evacuate quickly, considering the unique needs of everyone in your family, including elderly, younger children and pets.

Emergency Preparation Tips

Plan for multiple evacuation routes and discuss them with your family.

If you own a generator, make sure it's ready to operate safely.

Make sure you know how to open your garage door manually.

Have cash on hand and a full tank of gas.

Keep mobile phones fully charged.

Identify backup charging methods and keep hard copies of emergency numbers.

Plan for medications that require refrigeration or devices that need power.

Have masks and hand sanitizer readily available, both at home and in your car.

Electric Safety Tips

Treat all low hanging and downed power lines as if they are energized and extremely dangerous. Keep yourself and others away from them. Be aware of trees, pools of water and other objects that may be in contact with power lines.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California.

Contact:

Tel: (415) 973-5930

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