If you have a battery with a backup system, this post is not for you. You have already taken a step forward by guaranteeing your energy during an electricity supply outage.
If you do not have one, follow these tips.
- Keep calm and check the scope of the power outage
Check whether the power outage only affects your home or the whole area. This will help you understand whether it is a home electrical failure or a general electric blackout.
👉 In the event of a widespread power outage, avoid congesting transport routes or going out unless it is essential. This makes it easier for people with real needs to get around, such as families with young children, dependent people or people using medical devices such as respirators who need to go to a medical centre urgently.
- Turn off the electrical circuit breakers and switches until you know the cause
This helps protect your appliances from possible voltage spikes in the electricity supply when the power comes back. Once everything is stable, turn them back on gradually from your home electrical panel.
👉 It is recommended to switch them off from right to left, starting with the specific ones and ending with the main switch. When reconnecting, do it from left to right: first the main power switch and then the rest, one by one. In the event of an individual power outage in your home, following this order will help you restore power supply safely.
- Do not open the fridge or freezer if you need to preserve food without electricity
Closed appliances without power can keep cold for several hours. Opening them will spoil food before the electricity comes back.
👉 A fridge without electricity can keep cold for around 12 hours, and a freezer without power can keep food for up to 24 hours.
- Save battery and optimise efficient energy use
Use your mobile phone battery and other devices only when necessary.
👉 It is highly recommended to keep charged portable phone batteries and a camping stove at home. If the outage lasts longer, you will be able to recharge your phone or other essential devices.
- Avoid using elevators or devices that depend on electrical stability
During moments of instability, it is better not to use elevators or large appliances, as a sudden cut can leave you trapped or damage equipment.
👉 Even if the supply comes back, assume that the electricity is not fully stable until around 15 minutes have passed. In an elevator power outage scenario, it is always safer to use the stairs if possible.
- What should you do in the event of damage or faults after the electric blackout?
If you have suffered damage from a power outage, such as the loss of refrigerated food or appliance damage caused by electricity issues after the blackout, it is essential to act quickly. The first step is to contact your insurer to check whether your home insurance policy covers this type of incident and, if applicable, submit a home insurance claim for electricity-related damage.
To strengthen your claim, we recommend following these steps:
- Take photographs of all damaged or faulty goods.
- Calculate the economic value of the losses. Attaching appliance invoices or receipts for the affected food will make it easier to assess the damage. Also include the brand, model and any relevant identifying information.
- Keep repair quotes and invoices, especially if urgent repairs have been carried out.
- Write a detailed report of what happened and send it to your insurer. If you have additional documentation, such as a technical report, include it too.
👉 Documenting as much as possible from the start will increase your chances of receiving suitable compensation for a power outage.
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