5 things you should do during a power outage

Load shedding and power outages are sadly a common occurrence throughout South Africa. These power disruptions can have significant consequences in terms of safety, and the electrical equipment in your home. In order to ensure maximum safety and the longevity of your appliances, we have compiled a few easy steps to take when you find yourself in the dark.

Unplug all your electronic equipment

An unintended consequence of power outages is the surge that happens when power is restored. If your plugs are still connected to wall sockets this surge will potentially destroy your precious TV and any other appliances that are still connected to the power supply. Alternatively, you can install a surge protector to ensure that you are protected at all times, even when you aren’t at home.

A full freezer is a happy freezer

Food in a full freezer will stay safe for consumption for at least 48 hours, but that number drops to 24 hours for a half-full freezer. Your ice and frozen food are like ice packs which insulate the entire freezer. If you don’t have a full freezer, put water bottles in to occupy the empty spaces. This becomes even more important when you go on holiday and are not able to remove perishable items from your freezer when the power does go out. Make sure that you are properly prepared, in order to limit food wastage.

Make sure your generator is in a well ventilated space

Most generators switch on automatically during a power outage. Generators give off toxic carbon monoxide gas. You should install your generator, no matter the size, in a well ventilated area, away from your home, and areas where kids may be playing. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer – it is odourless and  invisible. Be very careful and make sure you take maximum precautions when installing a generator.

Use candles safely

Candles have been the source of many fires during power outages. Instead of using candles, you can opt for inexpensive battery-powered LED lights and flashlights. Prepare for a power outage, by making sure you have placed lights strategically around the house – the stairs, the bathroom, and your bedrooms. There are many different types of LED lights – one way to ensure you always have a form of light in your house is to invest in solar powered LED lights.  If you ever opt for a candle, put it in a lantern if possible and never leave it unattended.

Brush up on your traffic rules

Drivers get easily confused at intersections when traffic lights aren’t working. This causes unnecessary accidents and frustration. Stay alert and rather drive over-cautiously during outages. Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road, as well as alternative routes you may need to take when the power is out.

For all your electrical and mechanical supplies before, during and after a power outage, Megaphase which is located in the heart of Pretoria is the name you can trust. Megaphase is an electrical and mechanical supplier serving both industry and commercial clients.

Megaphase not only sells electrical products, but is backed by years of electrical and engineering experience which is available to customers through free expert advice on mechanical and electric supplies.

You can visit our website on https://megaphase.co.za/ for free expert advice or:

Email: Colleen@Megaphase.co.za

Tel: 012 803 0031

Fax: 012 803 0028

You can also visit our Pretoria warehouse at

336 Alwyn Street

Waltloo

Pretoria.