How to Prepare Your Home for Power Outages: A Complete Guide

We rely on electricity quite a bit nowadays. We use electricity to get important work done, entertain ourselves, learn new skills, stay safe and so much more. So, when power outages occur, it’s natural to panic. Continue reading to learn some essential tips about preparedness for power outages so you and your family can prepare. 

Why Does Power Outage Preparedness Matter?

While many power outages only last for a few hours, some can last for days. An hour of no power is frustrating, but bearable. However, too much time without power can lead to dead devices, rotten food and uncomfortable temperatures. Power outage preparedness is vital for homes all across New Zealand because:

• Grid Unreliability. The grid helps power many homes, but it’s not perfect. Power outages can happen suddenly and at the most inopportune times.

• Weather Events. New Zealand is no stranger to storms, high winds and heavy rain. Poor weather can cause infrastructure failure, leaving homes without power.

• Reliance On Technology And Electricity. A single power outage can make it feel like your entire schedule is at a standstill. Without electricity, we can’t use electric stoves, PCs, televisions and so much more. A power outage can disrupt comfort and productivity fast. 

General Preparedness For Power Outages Tips

Here are a few tips you and your family should consider. These steps can help you stay comfortable while your power is out.

• Build An Emergency Kit. Stock flashlights, batteries, candles, bottled water, a first-aid kit, some tools, canned food and other essentials. Remember to invest in long-lasting items that won’t deteriorate quickly. 

• Keep Essential Devices Charged. If you know that severe weather is headed towards your home, keep your phones, laptops and power banks charged. 

• Keep Battery-Powered Devices On Hand. Consider having battery-powered lanterns, radios and other devices.

• Have Backup Heating And Cooling Solutions. Gas heaters, extra blankets or well-insulated spaces are important for power outages during winter.

• Invest In Surge Protectors. Surge protectors protect your electronic appliances from voltage spikes when power returns. 

• Ensure Your Vehicle Has Petrol. During a power outage, petrol station pumps won’t work because they rely on electricity. Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel in case you need to travel during the power outage.

• Stock Up On Food. Have a stock of canned or dry food, or any kind of food that doesn’t need to be cooked and that has a good shelf life. Don’t forget about food for children or pets.

The Ultimate Way To Promote Preparedness For Power Outages: Solar Energy Systems With Solar Battery Storage

A fantastic way to keep your home and family happy and safe during a power outage is to invest in solar energy beforehand. Grid failures don’t affect homes that are equipped with solar systems that have battery storage. If the grid fails, your home will stay lit with your stored energy. 

Essentially, a solar system with solar batteries will convert solar energy into usable electricity and then store any energy that you don’t use. This excess energy is then stored in solar batteries for use later. You can use this energy when the grid is down, when it’s night out or when the sun isn’t shining as brightly. 

Modern systems, like those we offer at Tahi Electrical, even have smart device monitoring so you can always keep an eye on how your system is doing and how much energy you have stored away. 

While it’s still smart to follow the above-listed tips in case of emergency, a solar energy system will provide you with peace of mind (and electricity) if a power outage occurs. Solar energy is perfect for those who are interested in preparedness for power outages, as it lets you continue to live normally even while the grid is having issues. 

Off-grid living is an excellent solution for rural homes, which tend to experience more electricity connectivity issues than homes in suburban or urban areas. Having a solar energy system promotes energy independence, cost-effectiveness, preparedness for power outages and eco-conscious living. 

Staying Prepared For Power Outages With Solar Energy In New Zealand

At Tahi Electrical, we’re thrilled to help our clients take their next steps towards green living and energy independence. Say goodbye to electricity uncertainty during harsh weather and say hello to consistent energy efficiency and comfort. Our services include custom solar power system installation (including solar panels, solar batteries and more) and maintenance services. 

If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website to read through our services. You can even submit a form for a completely free solar analysis and quote.

Or, call us on 0800 00 8244 or message us online. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions or discuss your solar energy needs. 

Tahi Electrical: Let’s equip your home with a modern solar energy system.