Tips for Surviving an Unplanned Power Outage
You've just settled in for the perfect afternoon: a freshly filled coffee mug, an array of snacks within reach, your favorite show about to start, and your recliner in the ultimate comfort position. Suddenly, the lights flicker, and everything plunges into darkness – there goes your well-planned afternoon!
Power outages are never fun, especially when dealing with prolonged power outages, and their duration can vary from a few minutes to up to 24 hours. Being prepared for the unexpected can make all the difference.
Be Prepared: Before a Power Outage in Melbourne Eastern Suburbs
1. Emergency Kit Essentials
Prepare an emergency kit with items like a battery-operated radio, waterproof torch, a first aid kit, and bottled water (if your water supply relies on a pump). It's also wise to include backup power for essential electrical devices in case the outage lasts longer.
2. Keep Your Phone Charged
A charged phone is a crucial tool during an outage. Invest in a reliable power pack to ensure your phone stays operational. This is particularly important if you need to report fallen power lines or damaged power poles to authorities.
3. Important Numbers
Keep a printed list of essential numbers, including your local electricity supply authority. Identify your Melbourne Eastern Suburbs supplier, commonly found on your electricity meter or switchboard enclosure. Most of the eastern suburbs in Melbourne are serviced by United Energy or Citipower.
4. Storm Preparation
If a storm is on the horizon, secure loose items outside and consider parking your car undercover.
During a Blackout in Your Local Area
1. Note the Time
Take note of when the outage begins to have a better understanding of its duration.
2. Check Your Switchboard
Make sure it’s actually a power outage, and not just a tripped circuit. Have a look in your switchboard to see if there are any tripped safety switches or circuit breakers. If there are, try flipping them back ON and see if that fixes the issue.
3. Verify Outage Status
Check if there's a broader outage in your local street or suburb area by searching for your distributor's name and "outage map" on Google. Or pull out that battery operated radio for updates if the 4G/5G network is down as well.
4. Unplug Appliances
Walk through your house and make sure that you unplug appliances you don't want to turn on unexpectedly. This might include things like hair straighteners or heaters. Keep at least one light switch turned ON to give you instant notification when power is restored.
5. Protect Sensitive Electronics
Unplug sensitive electronic devices such as computers, televisions or speakers. When power is restored, it can sometimes cause a brief ‘surge’ of electricity, which may be harmful to electronic equipment. Or you can have a surge protection device installed in your switchboard by a licensed electrician.
6. Minimize Fridge and Freezer Access
Keep your fridge door closed! Try to refrain from frequently opening the fridge and freezer to prevent food spoilage.
7. Check on Neighbours
Periodically check on your neighbours, particularly if they are elderly or vulnerable.
8. Stay Clear of Downed Powerlines
If there are powerlines down nearby, maintain a safe distance of 8-10 meters as they can be extremely dangerous. If you don’t think they’ve been called in, give your electricity distributor a call to report the issue.
When Power is Restored to your Melbourne home
1. Plug Everything Back In
Once power is restored, plug in your appliances and check if everything works as expected. Examine the switchboard for any tripped circuits.
2. Check Food Safety
Inspect the food in your fridge and freezer, especially if the outage lasted more than a couple of hours.
How Kenner Electrics Can Help
Our expert sparkies are here to help you get prepared for an unexpected power outage! This might involve installing a surge protection device in your switchboard, or setting up an uninterruptible power supply for your home office.
And if you have ongoing issues after power is restored, our team of experts can quickly address any issues with your electrical systems. Contact us for reliable and efficient electrical solutions tailored to your needs.
Remember, being prepared and knowing what to do during a power outage can turn a potentially stressful situation into a manageable one. Stay informed, stay safe, and count on Kenner Electrics for all your electrical needs.
