Nothing is more frustrating than an unexpected power outage, especially over the summer holidays. Just imagine: a hot, humid, and stuffy home during a heatwave, no internet, and the smell of spoiled food in the fridge – no thank you!
Unfortunately, extreme weather forecast during summer will reduce the reliability of power supply across Australia & New Zealand in the coming months, thus increasing the risk of power blackouts, as warned by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).
We’ve put together a list of do’s and don’ts so next time you’re caught in a blackout, you’re all prepared.
Do’s
Check Your Neighbours
When your power goes out, the first thing you should do is to check if your neighbours’ homes have power. If the blackouts are affecting the whole street, then you should report the outage to the utility provider in your area. On the other hand, if your home appears to be the only one affected by the blackout, chances are the outage is localised to your home.
Look for Electrical Failures
If your neighbours don’t seem to experience it, the next thing you should do is check your electrical panel. Find out if your home safety switch has been tripped. If the panel looks fine and has the same power outage, then there might be an issue with your home’s circuit. The culprit could be a problem with the wiring, a faulty appliance, or other electrical failures. These issues may lead to power surges, which can be both damaging and dangerous. If you have an ongoing history of blackouts that are localised in your home, and you can’t locate the problem, the best thing to do is to call the leading Residential Electricians Auckland right away to look at it for you.
Unplug Sensitive Electronics
It should be common sense to unplug sensitive electronics right away when a power outage occurs. This includes computers, TVs, microwaves, as well as the small ones such as your plugged gadgets. This is because many appliances, especially the outdated and small ones, often don’t have any inbuilt surge protectors. As a result, they are very vulnerable to a sudden power surge and can get easily damaged. It’s also a good idea to invest in high-quality surge protectors for these devices, as power surges can occur at any time. If you’re not sure how to pick the best surge protector, get the help from electricians in Auckland.
Protect Perishable Food in the Fridge
A good thing about the fridge is that it is fully insulated, meaning the food inside should stay cold and fresh for a while even during a power outage. However, if it seems like the power won’t come back anytime soon, you should take further steps to protect the food stored in your fridge and freezer. Pack your food into coolers with ice, and be especially cautious of potentially hazardous food, such as soft cheese and raw chicken, as they are more susceptible to bacteria growth.
Don’ts
Light a Candle
A burning candle might create a pleasant and romantic atmosphere, but during a blackout, it can be the perfect recipe for a disaster. When the rooms are dark, someone might accidentally tip it over, and you are going to have bigger problems than just a power outage. Moreover, the light produced by a candle is not that strong, so you’re better off sticking with a bright flashlight and portable battery-powered lanterns to keep your family safe and sound until the power goes back on.
Using Indoor Generator
Running a generator indoors exposes your family to the fumes of deadly carbon monoxide. Avoid using a generator indoors or even in an attached garage or kitchen. If possible, leave the generator outside where there is open-air, at least 20 feet apart from your home to avoid the toxic fumes.
Stay Near A Pool
Whether it’s a fish pond or a swimming pool, it can be dangerous during a power outage. If the power suddenly goes back on while you are down there, the power could electrify the water and thus, by extension, you. It’s best to ask everyone to leave the pool immediately and turn any pool-related electrical equipment off. Avoid any wires or fuses that may have come in contact with water.
Final Words
Power blackout is annoying, but it is inevitable. When a power outage or any other electrical fault occurs, the last thing you want to do is putting the safety of your loved ones and yourself at risk.
If you have not had your electricity checked recently, it may be time to contact Northern Lights residential electrician Auckland to prevent electrical failures that might lead to a power blackout. They also offer house wiring Auckland and other Auckland electrical services to assist with any residential electrical needs.
Don’t waste time trying to fix the problem yourself, get in touch with an expert Auckland electrician today