Power outages can happen without warning, whether due to wild weather, equipment failure, or local maintenance. We know how frustrating and even a little scary it can be when the lights suddenly go out — especially if it lasts longer than expected. While most blackouts are resolved quickly, knowing how to keep yourself, your home, and your loved ones safe is important.
Here’s a quick summary of the key steps to take if the power goes out:
1. Check if it’s just your house or the whole street.
2. Look at your switchboard as your safety switch might have been tripped.
3. Turn off appliances to avoid damage.
4. Call your electricity distributor (not your energy retailer) or the emergency number on your energy bill.
5. Prepare for a night without power. Stay warm, stay safe.
Let’s explore each step in more detail.
1. What to Do If You’ve Lost Power
First, you should figure out if the outage affects your home or your entire neighbourhood.
• Step 1: Check outside. Look at street lights and your neighbour’s house. The issue could be specific to your property if their lights are still on.
• Step 2: Check your switchboard. Open your electrical switchboard and see if the safety switch has been tripped. This can happen if there’s a fault in one of your appliances or circuits. Flip it back on and see if power returns. If it keeps tripping, leave it off and get a licensed electrician.
• Step 3: Turn off appliances. Switch off sensitive appliances like computers, TVs, and air conditioners. This prevents a sudden surge when the power returns — which could damage them.
• Step 4: Never attempt DIY fixes. Don’t try to connect a portable generator to your home’s electrical system. And never use a generator indoors. It can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.
2. Who Should I Contact About a Power Outage?
If you’ve confirmed that the issue is not within your home, it’s time to report it.
• Find your distributor’s number. This is not your energy retailer (the company that sends your bill) but your electricity distributor. The one responsible for the poles and wires in your area. You can find your energy distributor number here.
• Or check your bill. Look for the Faults and Emergencies section on your electricity bill. There should be a number listed. Call it to report the issue or check for updates.
Tip: Some distributors also have outage maps on their websites to show if there’s a known fault in your area.
3. Staying in Your Home Overnight Without Power
Sometimes, especially after storms, outages can last hours or even overnight. Here’s how to stay safe and comfortable in your home during this time:
• Keep warm: Dress in layers and use blankets if it’s cold. Avoid using gas stoves, portable gas heaters, or outdoor heaters inside your home, as these can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup or fire hazards.
• Use battery-powered lights: Avoid candles, especially if you have children or pets around. Battery-operated lanterns, torches, or LED lights are much safer options to light up your space.
• Preserve your phone battery: Switch your phone to low-power or airplane mode and avoid unnecessary use. Keep a portable power bank or charger ready to maintain communication in emergencies.
• Food safety tip: Try to open your fridge or freezer as little as possible. Food kept in a closed fridge can generally stay safe for about 4 hours, while a full freezer can keep food frozen for 24 to 48 hours.
• Stay informed: Check your electricity distributor’s website or social media channels regularly for updates on the outage and estimated restoration times. Listen to local news for emergency announcements if you have a battery-powered radio. If your phone still has internet access, monitoring these updates can help you plan and stay reassured.
Power outages can be inconvenient, but you can manage them safely with a little preparation and calm thinking.
Stay safe, and remember, help is just a phone call away.
Not in a blackout right now?
Great, that means now’s the perfect time to save these tips for later. You never know when a power outage might hit, and being prepared makes all the difference.
Meanwhile, Sumo’s got hot energy deals. Pop in your postcode to see what’s on offer.
No Comments Yet