Having a black out can be a real nuisance, but what can you do to try and make this issue more bearable? Here are a few handy tips to prepare you for power outages.

Experiencing a power outage:

• Turn off any electrical devices and unplug them to prevent any damage to them should a  power surge occur

• Check your trip switches or fuses in your main switchboard to check for wiring or appliance faults. If your trip switches are in the off position it’s likely that an appliance or wiring fault is the cause of your outage, if you are not comfortable dealing with this it is best to call one of our friendly electricians who can help you out.

•  Turn off light switches to conserve energy in case the power comes back on and you are not home. If you are staying home, leaving one light on can be a good indicator to alert you that your power is back on.

• If your trip switches are still in the on position it is likely that this is not an isolated outage. Check your neighbour’s to see if they have also lost power. You can get more information around the outage by calling or going online to your electrical providers site to see if the outage is more than just your home, you can also get estimates for how long the power will be out.

• Try to keep your  fridge and freezer doors shut for as long as possible to keep your items as cool for as long as possible. Once the power has come back on check that none of your food has spoiled and dispose if necessary.

Being prepared for a power outage:

• Keep a stock of batteries, torches, candles and matches – making sure to not leave any unexposed flames unattended or close to curtains or flammables in the event of an outage

• Educate family members on what to do in the event of a power outage

Burning smells such as melting plastic or burned wires, can be a clear indicator that the electrical component in an appliance or your home wiring could be failing. Noticing this smell and acting on it quickly can be the difference between a small issue and a more dangerous concern.

If the smell is coming from an appliance:

• Unplug the unit and discontinue use

• If the unit is old it may be time to replace it

• Call the unit’s manufacturer to see what your best options are

If the smell is coming from an outlet/power point:

• Unplug anything in the outlet and discontinue use of that outlet

• Call a Service Today Electrician to come and check your wiring and resolve the issue causing the smell before it turns into an electrical disaster

• DO NOT attempt to remove the power point cover to see what is going on. Electricity is  a dangerous form of energy and should be dealt with by a licensed professional ONLY.

Today the after shock or issue from electric shocks from appliances are less common thanks to RCD switches, however homes built prior to the 1980’s do not have these built into them. If you are living in an older home and concerned about the after affects should this type of problem occur speak to our team about getting your switchboard modified.

• Call an ambulance

• Keep the injured person still until the ambulance arrives

• If the shocked person is seizing do not try to restrain them, simply remove any objects that could further injure them from the area and if possible try to keep them in recovery position

• Unplug the appliance and turn off the main house power to avoid any further issues

• Call an electrician to come check your wiring and switchboard

Electrical fires can be caused by numerous things such as faulty or old electrical outlets, overloaded or exposed wiring, outdated appliances or from storing flammable items near lightbulbs. Experiencing these can be quite overwhelming and its important to remember these handy tips:

• NEVER USE WATER. – unlike other types of fires, water can fuel an electrical fire and make things worse

• Call the Fire department ASAP and if someone has been injured make sure to also call the ambulance

• If possible use an electrical fire extinguisher to put out the fire if you are sufficiently trained to do so, if not leave the site immediately.Your safety and the safety of your loved ones is the most important thing.

Taking preventative measures to minimise the chances of an electrical fire can help keep you and your family safe and give you peace of mind. Service Today offers electrical inspections to ensure your home wiring is up to code and help prevent any issues from arising. Call our friendly team now to learn more about safeguarding your home.

Getting in touch with the friendly team at Illawarra Electrical & Security couldn’t be easier. You can:

• Call us on 0414 449 884
• Chat with us using the chat widget on the bottom right of this website 
• Email us at info@illawarraelectrical.com
• Make an easy online booking if you would like to book a job with us