Power outages are a common scenario in the Philippines. In fact, the country recorded an average of eight hours of power interruptions in 2021. Based on a recent study, Luzon encounters frequent power outages while the Visayas region suffers longer power interruptions. It also showed that power outages in the Philippines are commonly caused by natural calamities, such as typhoons, earthquakes, el niño, and lighting.
This only means that you will likely experience power interruptions since the country is prone to these environmental-related factors. Lucky you if you have a power generator or backup power supply in your house and lot Philippines because you can do what you want even if the power goes out. But, it’s the opposite if you don’t have one.
The Dangers of Power Outages: Things You Should Avoid
Power outages can last for hours or even days, depending on the severity of the damage caused by natural calamities or man-made disasters. Nevertheless, you must understand that there is a plethora of dangers when the electrical power goes out.
These are the things you should avoid.
Do not use candles for light.
Candles can be a fire hazard, especially if they are not properly extinguished. If you need light, use a flashlight or battery-powered lantern. Note that candles can easily tip over and start a fire. It can also produce hot wax, which can cause burns, and can produce smoke, which can be harmful to breathe in.
Do not use generators indoors.
Generators produce a deadly gas called carbon monoxide. Never use a generator indoors, even if it is in the garage or basement. Keep in mind that carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. It can also build up indoors and cause you to pass out without warning. If you must use a generator, use it outdoors and away from windows and doors.
Do not touch downed power lines.
Downed power lines are extremely dangerous and can carry thousands of volts of electricity. Remember that contact with a downed power line can cause serious injury or death. Therefore, do not attempt to move a downed power line yourself. If you see a downed power line, stay away from it, contact emergency hotlines immediately, and ensure they have expertise related to emergency power grid utility companies.
Do not swim in a pool or spa that is not properly drained.
Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for harmful organisms including bacteria. Swimming in contaminated water can cause illness, including diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes. If the power goes out, the pool or spa pump may stop working. This usually causes the water to become stagnant and contaminated. If you must swim in a pool or spa during a power outage, make sure that the water is properly drained and that the pump is turned off.
Do not operate appliances or electronics.
Appliances and electronics can potentially be damaged by power surges. Power surges can fry the circuits in your appliances and electronics and can also cause fires. If the power comes back on suddenly, it can create a power surge that can damage your appliances and electronics. If you must operate appliances or electronics during a power outage, use a surge protector.
Avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer door.
Every time you open the refrigerator or freezer door, you let cold air out and it can cause the food to spoil more quickly. If the power is going to be out for an extended period of time, move them to a cooler or ice chest to keep your food cold.
Do not use a gas stove or oven for heat.
Gas stoves and ovens produce carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. It can build up indoors and cause you to pass out without warning. So, never use a gas stove or oven for heat during a power outage. If you need heat during a power outage, use a space heater or fireplace.
Do not leave children or pets unattended.
Children and pets can be curious about the power outage and may get into dangerous situations. Children and pets may not understand the dangers of downed power lines or other hazards associated with power outages. Hence, make sure to supervise them closely during a power outage to keep them safe.
4 Tips to Stay Safe and Comfortable During a Power Outage
Power outages can be stressful, but it is important to stay calm and think clearly. This will help you to make good decisions and avoid making mistakes. But, you can stay safe during a power outage by following these recommended tips from emergency services experts.
Check on your loved ones.
Always ensure that everyone in your household is safe and accounted for. This includes checking on elderly neighbors or relatives who may need assistance. You also need to secure your home. Be sure that all doors and windows are locked to prevent theft and vandalism.
Turn off appliances and electronics.
This will help to prevent power surges when the power comes back on. Power surges can damage appliances and electronics. But be sure to check your circuit breaker if the outage is not just an overloaded circuit issue.
Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for light.
Avoid using candles, as they can be a fire hazard. Flashlights and lanterns are safer options for providing light during a power outage.
Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the power outage.
This will help you to know when the power is expected to be restored. You can also listen to the radio or TV for other important information, such as road closures or shelter locations. As a result, you can have a plan for what you will do if the power is out for an extended period of time. This could include staying with friends or family, going to a shelter, or using a generator.
Besides your family, avoiding the things you should never do during power outages can help you protect your assets, especially if you have saved money or made an investment just to buy a condominium in Philippines.
To ensure your family and valuable properties are safe and secured, Asterra offers quality and best value for money condo units for sale that follow the building code standard guidelines. Rest assured that all the electrical connections and other construction materials used are reliable and sturdy, making it ideal for your family to live in.
