Across the globe, we’ve transformed the way we’ve had to work on a day-to-day basis. We’re sitting at our kitchen tables, smashing away at the keys, all the while juggling the kids or overly-clingy dogs that are all too happy to have us home.
This is the reality of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for those that aren’t used to doing this, it’s a wake-up call. But even as we struggle to find the most productive way to keep our eye on the ball, we’re still taking a few things for granted.
For example, what would happen if we had a power outage right now? What would we do with all of our devices and connectivity aren’t an option? That’s when we’d really be in trouble.
A world without power: the luxuries we’ve forgotten about
If the power were to be cut or we were to experience an outage, there would be several “luxuries” that would suddenly be inaccessible during this time. Here are a few examples of everyday essentials you may have forgotten needs an ongoing source of energy to operate:
- Laptops and desktops: Obviously desktop computers need an ongoing connection to your power supply, but laptop batteries only last so long. Eventually they’ll run out of life and a black screen won’t be that useful.
- Smartphones and tablets: The pinnacle of connectivity, you might have a few portable USB batteries laying around that can top up your tablet or phone’s battery, but it too will fall to the flat side at some point. If your computer is already out of action, this is a big danger zone, as you’re unable to contact work, colleagues, friends and family.
- Freezers and fridges: Right now, you’re probably stocked to the brim with food and essentials for the pandemic, but if an outage occurs, much of this will spoil. Your fridge/freezer will stay cool for a while, but eventually you’ll be left throwing out food that’s no longer safe to eat.
- TV and music: More of a comfort and less of a need, these aspects have a huge effect on our overall wellbeing and general happiness. We need downtime – both as adults and kids – and these entertainment avenues provide that. No power source means these aren’t an option. Books, anyone?
- Cooking appliances: There’s always a way to make-do without these but gadgets like microwaves, electric ovens/stoves and a kettle are always nice to have on hand.
- Lighting: Need we say more?
What to do if you experience a power outage
Your local council most likely has a number of guidelines around what to do if this takes place, but other websites – Like the Victorian State Government also have some handy tips available.
Outages can happen for a number of reasons, including severe weather – like floods, bushfires, storms, heatwaves and more – or even by animals running amuck.
Generally, having a generator or extra source of electricity on hand if this type of incident occurs, is always ideal. For example, blackouts and home battery systems can play well together, especially when you’ve had a well-designed system installed on your property.
New-generation batteries now mean that you can increase your independence from the typical grid, and store power when you need it most – e.g. when an outage occurs. There’s also plenty of models available on the market – ranging from the Tesla Powerwall 2, through to Sonnen, DC Power Co and more.
We recommend getting in touch with our team of experts to discover which battery system is best for safeguarding your home in the case of a blackout. Call us now on 1800-EMATTERS (1800 362 833).
Our professional solar installers in Melbourne will assess and determine your energy needs. We customise a solar panel system in Melbourne to fit the roof size of your property, ensuring you receive the most suitable solar panel system for your Melbourne home, meeting to property’s energy requirements.
