Planned Interruptions
Salem Power Engineering Services occasionally performs upgrades on existing power network assets to ensure that power supply to your area is always running at optimal levels.
Due to the nature of the works, it is important to disconnect and isolate the respective section of the network for your safety and to not affect the rest of the network.
There are a few steps you can take to make sure you are prepared for an interruption to your power supply:
- Know and write down your power company’s details
- Ensure your emergency supplies are stocked up and ready to be used, including flashlights, spare batteries, non-perishable food, water, medication and first aid supplies
- Turn off and disconnect appliances and electronic equipment
- Leave a single light on to see when the power comes back on
- See below if you are a life support customer.
The following steps will aid in protecting yourself, everyone in the building and all of your electrical and electronic equipment:
- Use a flashlight as your emergency light source as candles can be a fire hazard
- Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prolong their effectiveness. Freezing bottles of water or keeping containers of ice and placing them inside may aid the running of the refrigerator and freezer
- Do not attempt to carry out any electrical work in your home until you know the interruption is definitely over
- Ensure three phase motors such as garage doors and air-conditioning units remain switched off for the duration of the interruption
If your device runs on battery power, ensure that it is fully charged and any spare batteries are also charged so that it will last the entire duration of the interruption.
If your medical equipment requires continuous power, you should contact your electricity retailer as soon as possible and register your details with them. If approved, they may be able to provide a small generator for the duration of the interruption.
It is vital that you have a backup plan in the case of an emergency. Some things to consider are:
- Who you will contact in an emergency
- Ensuring your mobile phone batteries are charged if using one>
- Maintaining/servicing your medical equipment
Please see your respective distributor’s website for more detailed and relevant information specific to your individual.
For more information about planned power outages in your area, please visit your corresponding power supplier’s website.
