What we do:

Safety is PSE&G’s number one value. We take the following actions during times when wildfires are more likely:

• Increase patrols and inspections of our infrastructure to proactively address any reliability or safety concerns.
• Monitor FEMA Red Flag Warnings and other wildfire indicators from local and national weather services to stay ahead of potential wildfires.
• Regularly trim trees and other vegetation near power lines minimize the chance of fire.
• Increase the number of employees in the field to improve response time.
• Participate in training exercises with local fire departments and emergency management teams if and when requested.
• Provide safety tips and updates through our website, social media and direct customer communications.

 

What you can do:

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service advises the following preparedness measures:

Inside the house:

• Follow local fire safety guidelines.
• Pack your Emergency Kitahead of time and make it easily accessible.
• Create a Wildfire Action Plan.
• Know your community’s emergency notification systems, evacuation routes and destinations.
• Close all windows and doors but leave them unlocked.
• Take down flammable window treatments like shades and curtains, and close metal shutters.
• Move anything that burns easily to the middle of rooms, away from windows and doors.
• Leave lights on for firefighters to see your house in the smoke.
• Turn off the pilot lights and air conditioning to prevent wildfire smoke from getting into your home. 

 

Outside the house:

• Bring in flammable items from outside, including patio furniture, toys, doormats and trash bins. Alternatively, if you have a pool, place them in it.
• Remove dry brush and overgrown vegetation.
• Shut off propane tanks and other gas at the meter.
• Don’t leave sprinklers or water running as it can lower critical water pressure.
• Keep exterior lights on to make your home visible in smokey or dark conditions.
• Put your emergency kit in your car.
• Park your car in the driveway, facing outwards, loaded and ready, with all doors and windows closed.
• Have a ladder handy for firefighter roof access.
• Seal attic and ground vents with plywood or commercial seals.
• Keep an eye on the fire situation and don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel at risk.
• Check with neighbors to ensure they’re also prepared.

 

If you see a downed wire:

Downed power lines are often still energized. Because electricity may still be flowing through the lines, they can be extremely dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away from all downed wires and keep others from going near them as well. Call 911 or call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 immediately. Learn more about downed wire safety.

If you smell gas:

Leave the building as quickly as possible and move 350 feet away from the structure. Ensure all others evacuate as well. If you smell gas outside, move far away from where you suspect the gas is leaking. Call 911 immediately and call PSE&G at 1-800-880-PSEG (7734). (Do NOT call from inside the building. Wait until you are outside and a safe distance away to call)

By working together, we can help protect our communities and stay safe during wildfire season.

Additional Resources

New Jersey Forest Fire Service
National Interagency Fire Center
U.S. Forest Service