By Vi Lam
January 2026 | 2026 Winter Newsletter
As the season shifts, it is important to prepare for the weather changes ahead. Moving from dry and hot conditions into cold and wet months, take time to review key winter preparedness information to ensure readiness and safety.
Extreme cold: California’s cold weather typically starts in December and can last through February; however, the duration can vary from year to year due to climate fluctuations.
When exposed to extremely cold weather, a person may develop frostbite or hypothermia, both of which can have lasting effects, such as amputation,
lifelong health issues, or even death. Learn more at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: cdc.gov/winter-weather/about/index.html.
One important task for preparing for cold weather is checking your home insulation, inspecting your blankets and clothes, and knowing the locations of your warming centers. For Bay Area warming centers, visit the prepare for cold weather section on the oem.santaclaracounty.gov/disaster-preparedness page or dial 211 on your phone or visit online at 211bayarea.org for information and referral services.
Storms and Flood: When atmospheric pressure, temperature, and moisture levels change, a storm can form. Storms differ depending on the environment. Storms include thunderstorms, snowstorms, and hurricanes. With increased water levels, dry areas will be prone to flooding.
A flood occurs when there is heavy rain, rivers overflow, storm surges occur, or drains and sewers are clogged. Find out if your home is in a flood area. Be prepared by learning what needs to be done around your home before a flood, such as having sandbags ready. Check with your city, county, fire department, or public works agency to find out where you can get sandbags in your area.
Visit weather.gov/safety/flood to learn about how to be prepared, what to do during a flood, and what to expect after a flood.
Power Outage: Anyone can experience a power outage at any time. It can be weather-related, an unexpected system failure, or a planned maintenance outage.
If you are experiencing a power outage, you can call 211 to find local resources and support. If the outage is longer than 48 hours due to a storm or other major weather-related event and you live in an eligible area, you may qualify for the PG&E Storm Inconvenience Bill credit. To determine your eligibility, visit pge.com/en/outages-and-safety.html.
One crucial question to ask yourself when it comes to power outages is: “Do you have medical equipment that always requires electricity or a battery, such as respirators or ventilators, power wheelchairs, oxygen, or home dialysis machines?”
If you do, consider acquiring a backup power source, such as an electric generator or an uninterruptible power supply, before an unexpected power outage occurs. Learn more at pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/safety/electric-safety/backup-power-safety.html to see which backup power option is for you.
A planned outage occurs when severe weather necessitates a temporary shutdown, known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). Sign up for PG&E alerts beforehand so you can be prepared for a shutoff if you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity to function. PG&E also offers a program to individuals who depend on power for specific medical needs, known as the Medical Baseline Program. If you qualify for the program, it provides an additional energy allotment each month at the lowest available rate. Visit pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/safety/community-wildfire-safety-program/public-safety-power-shutoffs.html for more information on power outages and mitigation strategies.
For more information and tips on preparing for an emergency or disaster, see the additional resources below:
- Silicon Valley Independent Living Center – (408) 894-9041 (Main) or (408) 843-9100 (South County) for Assistive Technology or Durable Medical Equipment device loans
As the season shifts, it is important to prepare for the weather changes ahead. Moving from dry and hot conditions into cold and wet months, take time to review key winter preparedness information to ensure readiness and safety.
Extreme cold: California’s cold weather typically starts in December and can last through February; however, the duration can vary from year to year due to climate fluctuations.
When exposed to extremely cold weather, a person may develop frostbite or hypothermia, both of which can have lasting effects, such as amputation, lifelong health issues, or even death. Learn more at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: cdc.gov/winter-weather/about/index.html.
One important task for preparing for cold weather is checking your home insulation, inspecting your blankets and clothes, and knowing the locations of your warming centers. For Bay Area warming centers, visit the prepare for cold weather section on the oem.santaclaracounty.gov/disaster-preparedness page or dial 211 on your phone or visit online at 211bayarea.org for information and referral services.
Storms and Flood: When atmospheric pressure, temperature, and moisture levels change, a storm can form. Storms differ depending on the environment. Storms include thunderstorms, snowstorms, and hurricanes. With increased water levels, dry areas will be prone to flooding.
A flood occurs when there is heavy rain, rivers overflow, storm surges occur, or drains and sewers are clogged. Find out if your home is in a flood area. Be prepared by learning what needs to be done around your home before a flood, such as having sandbags ready. Check with your city, county, fire department, or public works agency to find out where you can get sandbags in your area.
Visit weather.gov/safety/flood to learn about how to be prepared, what to do during a flood, and what to expect after a flood.
Power Outage: Anyone can experience a power outage at any time. It can be weather-related, an unexpected system failure, or a planned maintenance outage.
If you are experiencing a power outage, you can call 211 to find local resources and support. If the outage is longer than 48 hours due to a storm or other major weather-related event and you live in an eligible area, you may qualify for the PG&E Storm Inconvenience Bill credit. To determine your eligibility, visit pge.com/en/outages-and-safety.html.
One crucial question to ask yourself when it comes to power outages is: “Do you have medical equipment that always requires electricity or a battery, such as respirators or ventilators, power wheelchairs, oxygen, or home dialysis machines?”
If you do, consider acquiring a backup power source, such as an electric generator or an uninterruptible power supply, before an unexpected power outage occurs. Learn more at pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/safety/electric-safety/backup-power-safety.html to see which backup power option is for you.
A planned outage occurs when severe weather necessitates a temporary shutdown, known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). Sign up for PG&E alerts beforehand so you can be prepared for a shutoff if you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity to function. PG&E also offers a program to individuals who depend on power for specific medical needs, known as the Medical Baseline Program. If you qualify for the program, it provides an additional energy allotment each month at the lowest available rate. Visit pge.com/en/outages-and-safety/safety/community-wildfire-safety-program/public-safety-power-shutoffs.html for more information on power outages and mitigation strategies.
For more information and tips on preparing for an emergency or disaster, see the additional resources below:
- Silicon Valley Independent Living Center – (408) 894-9041 (Main) or (408) 843-9100 (South County) for Assistive Technology or Durable Medical Equipment device loans