Area-wide blackout

An area-wide blackout that affects more than your home is usually the responsibility of electricity companies.

They will work hard to get electricity up and to run quickly, but if you have questions or concerns, it’s best to contact them directly. You should also follow them on social media to get updates. Read some essential safety tips here.

A power outage that is isolated to your home only

A blackout that’s isolated to your home usually indicates a problem with the property’s electric system. Call an emergency electrician if this happens.

If you’ve snooped on your neighbours and determined that the problem affects your home only, there are some things you can do to maximise safety during this somewhat frustrating time.

Secure an emergency backup power supply

The notion of eating by candlelight is a romantic one, but your electrical grid powers more than your lights. During a power outage, most people can’t cook a meal or prevent the food in fridges and freezers from spoiling. Securing an emergency power supply or a home battery backup can help make a difficult situation better.