The most terrifying thing about an unplanned power cut is that you never know when it’s going to happen, just as you never know when it’s going to end. Being without power is bearable, but when it goes off and comes back on again in a split second repeatedly not only gets on your nerves, but can also damage your expensive appliances. That’s why it’s important to know what you can do to make sure your appliances survive the power surge.
The life of our household appliances may depend on whether we act in time or not. During a power cut, it is advisable to unplug them immediately so that we don’t have to dig deep into our pockets to replace them.
Ideally, some appliances should be unplugged before the power goes out. This should be done because when the power comes back on, it may be higher and therefore the electronics and appliances may burn out.
As a precaution, non-essential appliances such as TVs, laptops, stoves, irons and others should be unplugged when not in use. Then, when they are re-energized, wait some time before switching them on.
If there is a predicted power outage, this can help you prepare without suffering any financial loss. If necessary, you can get an alternative power source, such as a generator or external batteries, especially as some power outages can last overnight.
It’s always a good idea to have a torch and spare batteries handy, as well as some candles. However, the latter should be supervised to avoid the risk of fire, especially if there are young children in the family.
It is advisable to charge devices such as mobile phones, laptops and tablets before the outage, so that you can keep up to date with events until the power comes back on. Also make sure you have important contact numbers handy so that if your phone runs out of battery you can call them from another person’s phone.
Every home should have an emergency first aid kit. In winter, cold temperatures, snow and blizzards make power outages more likely. It is therefore a good idea to always have a blanket and warm clothes at hand, as well as a thermos in which to store hot drinks.
As for your car, make sure you have enough fuel in the tank in case you need to get somewhere in a hurry. It’s also a good idea to keep cash handy, because in the event of a power cut, credit card payments may be affected.