As Ireland is no stranger to inclement weather, it is important to be prepared for electrical blackouts caused by strong winds and rain. While most blackouts are resolved relatively quickly, there may be periods of prolonged outages that can cause additional disruptions around the home or working environments. If you find yourself experiencing a blackout, having a simple plan and a few essential supplies on hand, will not only make these periods easier to manage, but also keep everyone safe.
What To Do In An Electrical Blackout
When an outage occurs it is firstly most important to establish whether the blackout is affecting the home or space, or wider area. If affecting the wider area, ESB PowerCheck can be consulted for localised issues, which will provide estimated times for reinstating service – and if no outages are listed, it can be reported directly to ESB. When experiencing an outage, switching off electrical appliances and equipment (especially those which require a high power supply) is advised, as they can be potentially hazardous when power is restored (especially as the electrical supply may be restored unexpectedly), but do leave one light on as to be made aware when electricity returns. However, while disruptions caused by shorter or scheduled works are easily managed, it is primarily being prepared in case of longer outages caused by weather related events that we should all be more aware of.
Electrical Blackout Emergency Kit
As with most unexpected events, having a small emergency kit of everyday items which is kept in an easily accessible space can make a significant difference. For example, keeping a box or large bag with battery powered torches (with spares), candles/lighter/matches, fully charged power banks and phone cables, and a battery powered or wind-up radio for news and updates, will provide necessary light and power for devices. Other items to include in the emergency box/bag for safety and comfort are blankets and some spare layers of clothing, a first aid kit (along with a list of contacts/medical information if needed) along with essential medicines and toiletries, bottled water and non-perishable food items. It is recommended to keep a minimum of three days essential supplies at home to last during a lengthier emergency blackout. Similarly, for individuals or families who rely on electrically powered medical or assistance equipment and devices it is important to have a clear back-up method, as well as registering with the local electrical supplier for urgent support and notifications.
Keeping Warm in a Blackout
Especially during winter storms, it is important to be able to keep warm if there is no other safe source of heating such as a fireplace – as outdoor barbecues, camping stoves or using generators indoors can create hazardous fumes. To consolidate heat, keep doors and windows closed and gather/stay in the warmest suitable room, with ample blankets and layers of clothing. Likewise, during lengthy power outages, clear out any perishable items from refrigerators/freezers, to avoid unpleasantness from perished food items.
Prepare Now to Manage Later
Although emergencies can strike at any time, the best time to prepare is now, before one happens. By taking just a few moments and a quick trip to the shops, easy preparation with household items can safely turn an unexpected or lengthy electrical blackout into a manageable inconvenience. To find out more about our services that we can provide you please give us a call now on 01-9602636 or contact us online.