What do we do:

• Increase patrols and inspections of our infrastructure to proactively address any reliability or safety concerns.
• Work closely with the NJ Forest Fire Service, various state and local agencies and neighboring utilities.
• Increase the number of employees in the field to improve response time to issues related to the increased risk for fire. We have additional supplies on hand.

What can you do:

If you see a downed wire:
Downed power lines are often still energized. Because electricity may still be flowing through the lines, that makes them extremely dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away (at least two full pole spans) 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. For more downed wire safety, click here.

If you smell gas:
Leave the building as quickly as possible and move 350 feet away from the structure. Take all others with you. If you smell gas outside, move well 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 to call).

Inside the house:

• Pack your “Go Bag” or Emergency Kit and make it easily accessible.
• Check that your Wildfire Action Plan is up-to-date.
• Know your community’s emergency plan, 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.
• Clear away light curtains.
• 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 fresh air intake on your HVAC system to eliminate 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, place them in your pool.
• Shut off propane tanks.
• Move grills and other propane BBQ appliances away from the house.
• Attach garden hoses to outside taps for firefighter use and fill buckets with water to scatter around.
• 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.