My Perspective on Power Outages
As a master electrician with over two decades of experience here in Napier, I've seen firsthand how power outages can catch people off guard. Through my work at Just Electrics, I've responded to countless emergency calls during blackouts, and I've learned that proper preparation and knowledge can make all the difference in keeping your family safe and your equipment protected.
What I Recommend for Immediate Action Checking the Extent of Your Outage
In my experience, the first thing you should do is determine whether the outage is limited to your home or affects the wider neighborhood. I always tell my clients to take a quick look outside - if your neighbors' lights are on, you might be dealing with an internal electrical issue that I or another qualified electrician should check.
Getting Information and Support
I've built strong relationships with our local lines company over the years, and I can't stress enough how important it is to use their notification system. I recommend all my clients register for their outage updates - it's the most reliable way to stay informed about restoration times.
Make sure you also contact your energy retailer; I've seen situations where this dual reporting has helped identify complex issues more quickly.
Protecting Your Electrical Equipment
In my line of work, I've unfortunately seen too many cases of expensive equipment destroyed by power surges during restoration. Here's what I insist my clients do:
Unplug sensitive electronic devices like computers, TVs, and stereo equipment
Turn off all heating elements, including stoves, heaters, and kettles
Leave one light switch on to alert you when power returns
If you have a smart meter, be prepared for automatic reconnection - I've seen these catch people off guard
Safety Measures I've Learned Through Experience Lighting Solutions I Trust
I've responded to several emergency calls where candles have caused near-disasters during blackouts. As someone who's seen the aftermath, I strongly urge you to avoid candles entirely. Instead, I recommend:
Keeping LED torches in easily accessible locations throughout your home
Installing battery-backed emergency lights - I've installed these in my own home
Having spare batteries readily available
Using battery-powered lanterns for ambient lighting
Food Safety Practices I Follow
Through my work with local restaurants and food businesses, I've learned crucial lessons about food safety during outages. In my own home, I follow these guidelines:
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
Remember that a full freezer maintains safe temperatures longer - I've tested this myself
Use a thermometer to monitor temperatures - keep food below 4°C (40°F)
When outages extend beyond 4 hours, I arrange to move perishables to a powered location
Water and Electrical Safety - My Top Priority
In my years of emergency response, I've seen some frightening situations involving water and electricity. During outages, especially storm-related ones, I insist that you:
Never operate electrical equipment while standing in water
Wear rubber-soled shoes when moving around
Keep children away from puddles near electrical equipment
Stay at least 10 meters away from any downed power lines - I've seen too many close calls
Special Considerations about Medical Equipment Concerns
Working with clients who rely on medical equipment has taught me the importance of preparation. If you depend on electrical medical equipment, I strongly advise:
Maintaining an updated list of emergency contacts
Having a backup power source ready - I can help you select an appropriate one
Knowing the location of the nearest hospital with emergency power
Never hesitating to call 111 in emergencies
Power Restoration - What I Look For
When power returns, I always check these crucial points in my own home and recommend my clients do the same:
Wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances
Listen and smell for unusual electrical behavior
Reset digital clocks and timers
Inspect your circuit breaker panel for any tripped breakers
My Professional Recommendations When to Call Me
In my professional opinion, you should have your electrical system inspected if:
The outage was caused by severe weather - I've seen hidden damage that only surfaces later
You experienced any unusual electrical behavior before the outage
Your home is over 20 years old - I know the vulnerabilities of older wiring systems
You smell burning or see any discoloration around outlets - these are red flags I take very seriously
Future Preparedness - What I've Installed in My Own Home
Based on my experience, I recommend these preparations:
Install surge protectors on valuable electronics - I can advise on the best options
Consider a backup generator - I've helped many clients select and install appropriate systems
Maintain an emergency kit with batteries, torches, and portable chargers
Keep important contact numbers written down - including mine for electrical emergencies
As someone who's dedicated their career to electrical safety, I can't stress enough that these aren't just guidelines - they're lessons I've learned from real situations. If you're ever unsure about electrical safety during an outage, please don't hesitate to contact me at Just Electrics. I'm here to help keep our Napier community safe.
Contact Just Electrics today—let’s make your renovation a success.
Call Greg on 027 482 9498
