Wild weather and natural disasters can disrupt your power supply. Damage to power poles, wires or cables by third parties can also cause a power cut, as can faults. Power could be out for hours or even days.
Rest assured, as soon as we are aware of a fault or hazard, we’ll have a team out there working to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible. How long the power is out depends on how quickly the cause of the fault can be identified, and often the line needs to be inspected to make sure everything is safe before the power is switched on again. We must make sure everyone is safe, our crew and you, at all times.
Tips to help keep you safe
- Always keep well clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment and treat them as live at all times
- Watch out for falling tree branches as these can cause damage to power lines
- Avoid possible damage to electrical appliances by switching off appliances at the wall. Turn off and unplug sensitive appliances such as TVs and computers and leave them unplugged until the power comes back on
- Use surge protectors to avoid damage to sensitive appliances like TVs and computers. This can happen in the unlikely event of a power surge when the power is restored
Using a generator during an unplanned power outage
We know some homes and businesses have back-up generators for if the power goes out unexpectedly during an emergency, such as a severe weather event. It’s important to connect generators correctly so they are safe for both those in the building and anyone who is working on the network to get power restored.
WorkSafe have useful information on how to connect a generator to the wiring of a house or building following an emergency. We have also included some safety guidance here.
Medically dependent on electricity?
- It’s time to put your emergency response plan in place
- Switch on your generator if you have one
- If you don’t have a generator, place your medication in a chiller bag and transfer it to an unaffected family member/friend’s fridge
- Let your electricity retailer know immediately
- If there is an immediate health threat, contact your healthcare professional or go to the local hospital.
- In an emergency, always call 111
Preparing for power outages
Being prepared for extreme weather and natural disasters will help you, your whānau and your business get through power outages safely. Check out our tips to help get you through.