
What To Do in a Power Outage
An unexpected blackout can throw a household into chaos and disorder. Even more so if you’re unsure of what to do in a power outage.
Whether it’s caused by a storm, local grid failure, or a household wiring issue, power outages can wreak havoc on many areas of our daily lives. It can affect everything from food storage to life support equipment and sensitive electronic appliances.
When the power goes out, it’s essential to act quickly and safely. Knowing what to do can make a huge difference until power is restored. Here’s what you need to do to keep your home safe and as functional as possible.
Assess the Situation Safely
When the power goes out, the first and foremost thing to do is safely assess the situation.
Grab a torch and head out to the street. Check whether your neighbours have lost power and the streetlights are out or if the outage is confined to your home only. You can also contact your electricity provider for further confirmation. If it’s just your property, make a beeline to your switchboard on the side of the house and see if a circuit breaker has tripped.
Should you hear a loud bang or notice fallen powerlines hanging or lying on the street, stay well away from them and report the issue. And for your own safety, avoid touching anything metal, especially in wet conditions. The last thing you want is electric shock or electrocution.
If you experience flickering lights or a partial power supply, call a licensed electrician to inspect your household wiring and safely restore power to your home.
Unplug Appliances to Prevent Power Surges
Unplugging appliances when you lose power goes a long way toward preventing damage from power surges when the blackout ends.
Sensitive electronic appliances like air conditioners, televisions, and computers are particularly vulnerable. If you’re able to easily access power points, turn off and disconnect your electrical equipment at the wall. This reduces the risk of these surges harming your devices. Don’t forget to unplug other connected appliance loads, such as fridges and freezers, to protect them as well.
Once you have power back in your home, you can safely plug each electrical appliance back in without worrying about sudden surges.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Preparedness is everything when it comes to a power outage. Therefore, having an emergency kit ready to go can make all the difference in keeping your home safe and comfortable.
When the lights go out, you’ll want to have essential items within reach to help you manage until the power is restored. After all, you don’t know how long it’ll last. Here are a few key things to include in your emergency kit:
- Battery-operated radio: This will help you stay updated on news and weather, particularly if the outage goes longer than expected.
- Mobile phone with a backup charger: It’ll let you call for help if needed.
- Torches with spare batteries: The safest way to get around in the dark.
- First aid kit: Hopefully you’ll be able to avoid minor injuries, but just in case…
- Portable generator: You’ll be able to power essential appliances. Just be sure to use it outdoors only.
- Non-perishable food and water: Will certainly come in handy to sustain the household during extended power outages.
- Electricity retailer phone number: In case you need to report the outage.
- Battery backup: Essential for life support equipment, and will keep vital devices fully functional.
The Australian Red Cross has some great resources to make preparing for emergencies just that little bit easier. Having these items on hand will help you manage power outages smoothly and safely until electricity is restored.
Essential Food Storage Tips During a Power Outage
During a power outage, keeping your food safe is a top priority.
To preserve food storage, avoid unnecessarily opening and closing the fridge and freezer. When it’s full, your freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours, while a half-full freezer may only last around 24 hours. Keep the freezer closed to maintain the cold air.
If you lose power for an extended period, we strongly recommend using a portable generator to run essential appliances like your fridge and freezer. Once power is restored, check your refrigerated and frozen foods for spoilage before consuming them. Just make sure you dispose of any spoiled food products.
Use a Licensed Electrician for Safe Restoration
If you’re unsure about restoring power safely after an outage, it’s best to call a licensed emergency electrician. Several potential issues may indicate a deeper problem with your household wiring or electrical equipment. These include:
- dull or flickering lights
- low voltage or partial supply of power
- a tripped safety switch
A licensed electrician can inspect your circuit breaker, meter box, fuse box and connected appliance loads to ensure everything is in proper working order. They will also check if power surges have affected sensitive electronic appliances like air conditioners. It’s always better to rely on a professional for peace of mind and to prevent future power outage problems.
Got a Portable Generator? Use It Safely
Using a generator during a power outage can be incredibly helpful, but it’s important to do so safely.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, always use portable generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Never use your generator inside – even in your garage – as the fumes can be deadly. Be mindful of using extension cords properly to connect appliances and avoid overloading your connected appliance loads. Make sure you have a generator designed for outdoor use and keep it away from windows or doors.
When using diesel-powered generators, store fuel safely. And always turn the generator off and let it cool down before refuelling it.
Stay Safe and Be Prepared
A loss of power at home can be stressful but knowing what to do in a power outage can make a big difference. By staying calm, assessing the situation, and following safety steps, you can minimise the impact on your household. If there are live power lines on the road, let emergency crews manage them; never touch them yourself.
Remember to unplug electrical equipment to avoid power surges, keep your freezer doors closed to protect food storage, and always use portable generators safely. When you get power back to your home, if you experience flickering lights or any issues with household wiring, call a licensed electrical contractor to inspect the problem. Never attempt to fix the problem yourself.
With the right preparation, you’ll handle power outages confidently and keep your home safe until the power returns.
Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.
Published: 2024-10-23