Power outages in Orange County: the outage map, shutoffs and what to do at home

How do I check or report a power outage?

• SCE. Search the outage map by address, outage number or meter number. SCE says a reported outage can take up to 30 minutes to appear. If yours is not there, use its Report Outage form or call 1-800-611-1911.
• Anaheim. Anaheim Public Utilities has its own electric outage map. If your outage is not on it, report it there or call 714-765-3300.
• SDG&E. Parts of south county, including San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and part of Laguna Niguel, are on SDG&E; use its outage page and map. Our emergency steps list every utility's phone line.

For a wire on the ground, SCE's safety page says to assume it is live, stay at least 100 feet away, warn others from a safe spot and tell the 911 operator it is an electrical emergency.

What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff?

It is when the utility turns power off on purpose so its lines cannot start a fire. SCE calls one when strong winds, dry vegetation and low humidity line up. Its notices can start up to three days ahead, but it warns there may be little or no notice. A shutoff can last more than 24 hours, and crews inspect the lines before turning power back on, which SCE says typically takes up to eight hours (SCE's shutoff FAQ).

Orange County gets them too. In SCE's report to state regulators on its January 2025 shutoff, Orange County was one of eight counties where it shut power off, and it ran a resource center in Foothill Ranch, in Lake Forest, until power came back. To see whether your address is in a high fire risk area, enter it on the SCE outage map. Anaheim Public Utilities may also shut off specific line segments in its fire threat zones as a last resort.

How do I sign up for shutoff alerts?

• SCE account holders: choose email, text or voice alerts in the Preference Center in My Account (SCE alerts).
• Renters and anyone without their own SCE account: sign up for address alerts at scepsps.com, which also suits caregivers watching a parent's home.
• Anaheim: the city asks residents to sign up for Anaheim Alert and check the utility's outage map.

If someone at home relies on powered medical equipment, tell SCE through its Medical Baseline program or the self-certification form on the alerts page. SCE's 2026 shutoff newsletter says Medical Baseline customers in high fire risk areas can get a free backup battery for medical devices.

What should I do when the power goes out at home?

• Fridge and freezer. Keep the doors shut. Ready.gov says a fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours and a full freezer about 48. Throw out food that sat at 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more.
• Medicine. After more than a day without power, Ready.gov says to discard medicine that should be refrigerated unless its label says otherwise, and to call your doctor or pharmacist for a new supply.
• Generators. Run one outside only, at least 20 feet from the house with the exhaust pointed away, and never in a garage, even with the door open (CPSC). The CPSC says nearly 100 people in the U.S. die each year from portable generator carbon monoxide. SCE adds: never plug a generator into a wall outlet or temporarily wire it into your panel. Our CO alarm rules guide covers where the alarms go.
• Garage door. SCE suggests learning to open electric gates and garage doors by hand before you need to.
• Electronics. Unplug them so a surge does not damage them when power returns, and never heat the house with a gas stove or oven.

Can I get a credit or claim for spoiled food?

Sometimes. SCE's service guarantee credits $30 when power is not restored within 24 hours of SCE learning of the outage, and more for each extra day, but it excludes shutoffs for wildfire safety and storms. A claim generally pays only when SCE was negligent, not for wind, rain or heat. For food, SCE asks for an itemized list with receipts, and the deadline is 3 years for property damage.

How do I get ready before fire season?

Keep flashlights, a battery radio and a charged power bank where you can find them in the dark. Our Santa Ana wind guide covers the rest of red flag day prep, and the Orange County fire zones guide shows how to look up your zone. If an earthquake knocked the power out, check for gas too: see how to shut off gas after an earthquake. Every city is on the Orange County hub.

As of November 2026. Your utility's outage map and notices have the final word on current outages and shutoffs.