Knowing what to do in the event of a power outage and being ready to act swiftly and safely can make a significant difference. As we transition into autumn, when weather conditions become more unpredictable with heavier rains, brisk winds, and thunderstorms, the likelihood of power outages increases in suburbs across Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney.
It’s important to note that power outages aren’t always weather-related; they can also result from damaged infrastructure due to motor vehicle accidents, bushfires, animals, or faulty equipment. In some cases, outages may stem from issues within your home, such as faulty appliances, old wiring, or malfunctioning protective devices like ceramic fuses.
**Key Steps to Prepare for a Power Outage:**
1. **Emergency Kit**: Assemble an emergency kit that includes essentials like flashlights, batteries, a portable radio, non-perishable food, water, and a first aid kit.
2. **Backup Power**: Consider investing in a generator or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for essential devices like medical equipment or refrigeration.
3. **Communication Plan**: Have a communication plan in place with family members or neighbors in case of prolonged outages.
4. **Home Preparation**: Ensure your home is equipped with surge protectors and that all appliances are in good working condition. Keep mobile devices charged.
5. **Stay Informed**: Monitor weather updates and local news for information on the outage duration and safety advisories.
6. **Safety First**: During an outage, use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain food freshness.
By taking these precautions and being prepared, you can effectively manage and stay safe during a power outage, whether caused by weather or other factors.
What To Do In A Power Outage
- Have a torch handy and or candles in a safe place
This step requires some preparation, make sure that all your family members know where they can be found so anyone can react in the event of a blackout. It’s important to also keep spare batteries handy as you don’t know how long you’ll be in the dark for. - Check what parts of your home are affected
Is it just one room? Is it all the lights? Certain sections of the house? Power points only? Lights only? This step will help you identify if the issue is within your home’s electrical system. Try to identify at the switchboard. - Check your neighbours
This step can help you determine whether it the outage is a widespread issue. - Call for help:
a. If multiple homes in your area are affected – You will need to contact your electricity provider for more information.
b. If your home is the only one without power – If you believe that it is just your home that is affected, you will need to contact an electrical contractor from Melbourne or from your nearby locations.
In the case that a power outage is the result of a network issue, often times, there is not much more to do other than wait. Waiting can be difficult in these situations. Having your energy providers emergency phone number handy will help in knowing what areas have reported power outages. Energy providers social media sites will assist in providing more information as to when power will be restored.
Our Bonus Tips During A Power Outage
- Keep your fridge and freezer closed! The less you open the doors, the longer your food will last while you wait for the power to be restored.
- Switch off and unplug electrical equipment including TV, computer, phone charger and other devices.
- Keep a light switch in the on position, that way you will know when the power has returned.
- Make sure all your switchboard is clearly marked and labelled.
- If you or anyone in your home require uninterrupted electricity to run life-supporting medical equipment, we urge you to discuss a backup plan with a doctor in the case of an outage.
We Can Help!
Our electricians are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience during emergencies. If you lose power in the middle of the night, rest assured we can help! Call us anytime on 1300 859 383 or even book online!
Network outages are out of your control. You can only react, however, individual home outages can sometimes be avoided but our biggest tip is DON’T WAIT!
You don’t need to wait until your power goes out to have an electrician visit your home. Have our licensed electricians and plumbers inspect your home and give you the best advice and tips as well as discussing preventative measures that can minimise your risk of losing power in the future!
