How To Be Always Ready For A Power Outage

Just like any other country, Australia is also vulnerable to sudden power outages and is not uncommon especially to beachside neighbourhoods. Last year, the media reported some 45,000 homes across Sydney's eastern suburbs have experienced power outages amid the heatwave in their area.

Generally, power outages are caused by unpredictable weather conditions, motor accidents that might damage power lines, bushfires, animals that interfere with energy plants, or either electrical maintenance on power lines. However, there are instances where your household could be the only one affected because of some electrical issues. When this happens, make sure to immediately call your local electrician Northern Beaches to help you identify the problem and fix it at the same time.

While these power outages can occur when you least expect it, that doesn't mean you and your whole household can't be prepared at all times. It is important to keep an emergency bag available which contain these items:

First-aid kit

Every household should have first-aid kits in either the bathroom, kitchen or bedroom. Aside from that, you should separate another one inside your ready-to-go bag so you won't have to look for it in case of any emergency. The basic supplies on your first-aid kit must include alcohol, bandages, adhesive tape, petroleum jelly, scissors, cotton balls, disposable gloves, gauze pads, thermometer, face masks, disinfectant, medicines, instant cold/hot pack and other required medications that do not need to be refrigerated. You'll find this useful in case of any emergency.

Bottled water and nonperishable foods

Nonperishable foods and bottled water should be a priority for your must-have stockpiles at home. This is because during a power outage, all your appliances, specifically your refrigerator would not work. And if the power interruption lasts for days or weeks, all your food inside it would soon perish. So, you should stock up light snacks and other foods that do not have to be refrigerated. Just make sure to check the expiration date and consume them before it, so as to not waste your money. Ensure to replenish your pantry with the necessary goods in case of any emergency.

Emergency radio

During power outages that might be caused by inclement weather situations, an emergency radio proves to be very helpful. There are local AM stations that share information and give the emergency hotlines if ever you need any help from the authorities. You just have to make sure that what you have is a battery-powered radio so it would last long enough until the electricity comes back. Also, don't forget to keep a stash of batteries for your battery-powered devices.

Flashlights

It is most unfortunate when electricity in your whole neighbourhood suddenly shuts down in the middle of the night. Everything is dark, you didn't know what to do and where to find any light source. You can't use your phone's flashlight for long because then you'll have no way of communicating outside. During times like this, battery-powered flashlights are necessary as it would also help the rescuers find you in case of extremely dangerous situations. Make sure to keep extra batteries for your flashlight too.

Power banks

During emergencies, power outages are not uncommon but phone signals are usually still available. But since you'll never know when an emergency might happen, your phone's battery is not always full. So make sure to always keep your power bank in full charge and only use it during emergencies. This would help you and your family keep in contact with the necessary people amidst a power outage or a more severe emergency.

A regular power outage might not seem as urgent as other electrical interruption due to weather disturbances. Nonetheless, keeping yourself and your family safe, well-fed, and uninjured during those times should be the number one priority. You'll never know when an emergency bag might come in handy.