Power Outages and What to Do Before and During

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Power outages happen so it makes sense to prepare for them and to know what to do when they happen. It helps to have certain emergency supplies ready so you can ride it out while a level 2 electrician Sydney takes care of the repairs. Here is a look at how to prepare, what to have in your power outage kit, and what to do to stay safe while the power is out.

Have an emergency plan

There are a few things you can do to prepare your home and your family for the times when there is no power. Make the people in your home are all educated about what to do and what not to do. Have different reactions depending on the cause of the outage. For example, if it is caused by a storm you might have one plan, if it is an exploded transformer you might do another. Where will you go if you have to leave the home, how will you heat the home and cook if you stay? Have some phone numbers to hand for people to call such as who supplies the power and maybe even a level 2 electrician Sutherland Shire or where you are.

Have a kit ready

  • A power outage kit might include;
  • Alternative light options such as candles, lanterns, torches
  • Spare batteries
  • Bottled water
  • Entertainment that does not require electricity like books, games, puzzle books
  • Blankets
  • Non-perishable foods
  • A small camping stove to cook or heat things on
  • A wind-up clock/radio
  • A first aid kit
  • A spare battery for your phone

Every 6 months to 12 months you should check everything in the kit and move out foods for ones that are not close to their expiry date.

Preparing your home for a power outage

Make sure you have surge protectors around the home to protect your expensive electronics. Have a list of emergency numbers in an easy to access place. Make sure you have things you will need in a central and easy to reach location, rather than having to climb over things to reach it. If there have been warnings of a storm that might cause power loss, you can be somewhat prepared for it and know how much water and such you might need to last. Damaged power lines are what a level 2 electrician Sydney might be brought in to take care of, but when the area affected is large it can take a large force of workers and some time to get it done.

Conclusion

When you lose power, check to see whether it is just your house or whether your neighbors are affected. Check to see if there is a problem with your fuse box or circuit breaker panel, and make sure it is not a level 2 electrician Sutherland Shire or where you are, ordered to turn off your power for not paying your bills. If it is an extended power outage make sure everything is turned off in your home, turn down the thermostats too. Keep just one light on so that you know when power has come back. Only open the fridge and freezer when absolutely needed to keep it cold and edible. Take care of things like candles, using BBQs indoors and generators. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector.

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Rami Alcheikh
Rami Alcheikh

In Sydney Electrical Service, Rami works on the content team. He is passionate about sharing tips that can help make your electrical projects easier.

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