Northern Districts Security’s Safety Tips for Northland Power Outages – Be Safe and Prepared During an Unexpected Power Cut
As we saw recently with the massive power cuts across the Northland region, power outages can happen at any time and be a massive inconvenience – as well as a major safety hazard. In this blog, we’ve outlined some of the biggest safety risks of a Northland power outage, and how to prepare or react.
Electrical Hazards:
When electricity is restored, a sudden surge can damage sensitive electronics and appliances. Make sure to unplug electronics during a power cut, and use surge protective outlets or extension leads to minimise risk. It’s also a good idea to turn off all lights, appliances, or electronics during a power cut – but leaving one light on can be a useful indicator of when power has been restored!
Road Safety:
When diving during a power outage, take extreme caution – especially if the power to traffic lights has been cut. Drive cautiously and treat intersections as four-way stops if traffic lights are not working.
Downed power lines are a major hazard during a power cut, as and should always be assumed to be “live” when driving or walking. Stay at least 5 metres away and report any downed lines to authorities immediately.
Fire Hazards:
Generators can be a lifesaver during outages, but can cause fires if not used correctly. Make sure you operate generators outdoors and away from any structures – never use your generator indoors, as it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
While the idea of reading a book or having dinner by candlelight during a power cut sounds nice and romantic, it’s actually inadvisable, as candles can be easily knocked over and are a major fire risk. It’s best to battery-powered torches instead of candles for lighting. Make sure you’ve got plenty of spare batteries handy, and keep an emergency kit with a torch available somewhere convenient.
Food Safety:
Food spoilage is a major concern during a powercut – not only is it expensive to lose a fridge and freezer of groceries, but it’s also a safety hazard. Perishable foods can spoil if refrigeration is disrupted for an extended period, so be sure to keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain a safe temperature.
Eating food that hasn’t been properly refrigerated can lead to foodborne illnesses – make sure you throw away any perishable food that has been above 4 degrees for more than two hours.
Security Risks:
Power outages can disable security systems, which leaves Northland homes and businesses vulnerable to break-ins and looting. Make sure your security system has a backup power source, and get in touch with Northern Districts Security to ensure your security system is optimised and always functional.
Lack of Heat or Cooling:
Power cuts during winter are never fun! Extreme temperatures can pose health risks, especially to the elderly, young children, and those with medical conditions. Gas powered heaters can be a good solution, as they work off-the-grid, or have a plan to relocate to a safer environment if needed, like a friend or family member’s home.
Communication Challenges:
Without power, maintaining communication can be difficult, delaying emergency response efforts in the case of an emergency. Keep your phone and other devices charged and on battery-saving mode if possible. It’s also a good idea to keep a backup power source on hand, as well as a battery-powered radio for updates.
Power cuts can disrupt daily life and pose serious safety risks, but by understanding these dangers and taking proactive steps to mitigate them, you can protect yourself and your loved ones during an outage. Stay prepared, stay informed via social media or the radio, and always prioritise safety.
Northern Districts Security is committed to ensuring the safety and security of Northland in all situations. Stay updated with the latest security news and information on our website here.
