Power Outage – What to do and who to call

Power outages are unforeseen events that deprive us of essential electricity, disrupting daily tasks. Being prepared is crucial for safety. Drawing from our experience as electricians at MC Power Electrical, here are some tips to prepare for a power outage.

  1. Assess Risks for a Power Outage

    Assessing power outage risks is vital! Understand potential hazards, evaluate critical equipment, and consider alternative arrangements like emergency supplies or backup generators.

  2. Create an Emergency Plan

It is key to have a well-defined plan in place in case of an unplanned power outage. By taking the time to create a thought-out plan, you can minimise the impact of an electrical failure and ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and those around you.

  • Identify Safe Gathering Place
  • Establish Communication Protocols
  • Secure your property
  • Review and update your emergency plan regularly.

  1. Assemble an Emergency Kit

This kit should contain the necessary supplies to sustain you and your family or colleagues during an extended outage and include:

  • At least three litres of water per person per day.
  • Non-perishable food items and snacks that do not require refrigeration or cooking.
  • First aid kit, medications and supplies including any prescription medications.
  • Flashlights, batteries, battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
  • Blankets and warm clothing along with any personal hygiene items.

Be sure that your emergency kit is accessible and stored in a location everyone knows of, and is up-to-date with items.

  1. Ensure a Backup Power Supply

A backup power source can provide you with additional comforts and necessities to supply power to fridges, fans and charging devices.

Consider investing in:

  • Portable generators;
  • Solar panels;
  • Battery-powered inverters.

  1. Communication Strategy

Plan ahead so you will be better equipped to stay connected and informed during a power outage.

  • Write down important numbers and addresses;
  • Invest in a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio;
  • Establish a prearranged meeting place with your family or close neighbours.

  1. Protect Sensitive Equipment

Taking these precautionary measures will help protect your valuable equipment and minimise the risk of damage during an electrical blackout.

  • Use surge protectors to defend against sudden electrical spikes.
  • Use uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems which will provide temporary power backup during an outage.
  • Unplug sensitive equipment.

  1. Safeguard Important Documents

To protect important documents – passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, be sure to:

  • Invest in a waterproof and fireproof safe.
  • Make digital copies of your documents.

  1. Regular Practice and Evaluation

Prepare for the unexpected by regularly practising and evaluating your plan to increase the chances of a smooth and efficient response, along with ensuring safety and comfort during a power outage.

Always be prepared for a power outage, because they happen to us all. It may be a once in a lifetime event, but you want to be ready for it. Here’s a power outage finder!

If or when you do experience a power outage, be sure to call MC Power Electrical on 0432 022 294. Out Gold Coast electricians will be able to come make sure everything is safe and get electricity back up and running in no time.