Sometimes the power goes out and it can take a while before it comes back on. It’s important to be ready for this so you and your family stay safe and comfortable. Let’s talk about what you need to have, how to use generators the right way, and how to keep your food safe when there’s no power.
Essential Things to Have
When the power goes out for a long time, here are some things you should have:
- Water: Keep some bottled water stored away. You’ll need it for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
- Food: Have some food that doesn’t need to be cooked or kept in the fridge. Think canned food, cereal, and snacks.
- Lights: Battery powered torches or lanterns are great to have so you can see when it’s dark.
- Batteries: Make sure you have extra batteries for your torches and any other battery-powered gadgets.
- First Aid Kit: Just in case someone gets a little hurt, it’s good to have band-aids and basic first aid stuff.
- Charged Gadgets: Keep your phone and other important gadgets charged. A power bank can be really handy.
Using Generators Safely
Generators can give you power when the main supply is out, but you need to use them safely:
- Outside Only: Always put the generator outside where it’s well-ventilated. Never put it inside your house because it makes dangerous gases.
- Follow Instructions: Use the generator just like the manual says. If you’re not sure, ask someone who knows.
- Connect Carefully: Plug things directly into the generator or use a long outdoor-rated extension cord. Don’t try to connect it to your house’s wiring yourself.
Keeping Food Safe
When there’s no power, your fridge and freezer can’t keep things cold. Here’s how to make sure your food stays safe:
- Keep Doors Shut: Only open your fridge or freezer when you really need to. This keeps the cold air in for longer.
- Check Temperatures: If you can, use a thermometer to check if your fridge is staying cold enough (below 5°C) and your freezer is staying frozen (below -18°C).
- Use Ice: If the power’s going to be out for more than a day, putting some ice in the fridge can help keep things cold.
- When in Doubt, Throw it Out: If you’re not sure if something is still good to eat, it’s safer to just throw it away.
Need Help with Your Electrical Problems?
Emergency Electrician Sydney – At Your Service 24 Hours A Day
Having a reliable electrical system at home is really important. When things go wrong, like during a power outage, it can mess up a lot of things. But there’s no need to worry. Our team at Everything Electrical is here to help you anytime. We’re friendly, professional, and ready to fix any electrical issue fast. If you’re having trouble, just give us a call and we’ll take care of it for you.
Related article: Electrical Safety During Storms
