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Cairns residents know how critical it is to stay informed during unexpected power outages. When the lights go out, do you know how to find outage updates and recovery time estimates for your area?
Below, learn how to check the power status near you, report a new outage, and stay prepared for blackouts.
How Can I Check if There’s a Power Cut in My Area?
One of the first steps in managing a power outage is confirming whether it’s affecting your area. If no outage has been reported, it may still need to be updated, or the issue may only affect your home.
Check the Ergon Energy website to stay in the loop of current outages. Here’s a quick guide on how to use it:
- Visit the Ergon Energy Website:
Navigate to the Ergon Energy website. It provides real-time updates on both planned and unplanned outages.
- Click Power Outages:
In the top navigation bar, click on ‘Power Outages’. This section offers detailed information on any ongoing interruptions.
- Scroll to Cairns Region:
On the left-side menu, scroll down to the Cairns Region section and click ‘View Cairns Region’. This will display all relevant power outage information for the Cairns area.
Common Causes of Power Outages in Cairns
A power outage can happen due to inclement weather, mechanical failure, or even grid failure due to high demand.
Storms
Storms are one of the most common causes of power outages. Heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning can damage power lines and equipment, leading to interruptions in the electricity supply.
Being in the Wet Tropics region, Cairns is particularly susceptible to such weather conditions. It has a monsoon climate and is especially vulnerable to bad weather from November to March during its wet season.
Equipment Failures
Another typical cause of blackouts is equipment failure. These can occur due to aging infrastructure, technical glitches, accidents affecting the machinery, or lack of maintenance. Regular upgrades and maintenance checks by the utility companies can mitigate these issues, but they can still happen unexpectedly.
Periods of High Demand
High-demand periods, such as heatwaves during hot and humid summers, can strain the grid and lead to outages. When everyone wants cooler air from their HVAC units simultaneously, the electrical system can become overloaded, resulting in power cuts.
Other less common but possible causes include animal damage, extreme temperatures, and grid issues. Always staying alert to these potential events can help you be more prepared.
Where are the Areas Most Affected by Power Outages?
Outages can happen anywhere at any time, but some areas are more prone to experiencing them due to weather and energy demand.
Regions more susceptible to natural disasters or extreme weather (tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, extreme cold, or extreme heat) face a higher risk of blackouts. It includes coastal areas or areas with dense vegetation, such as Cairns on the Northwest coast of Australia.
Densely populated areas may also often experience blackouts due to higher energy demand. Such density may lead to blackouts during peak daily hours or periods of higher demand, such as heat waves in the summer.
How Do I Report a Power Outage in Cairns?
If you experience a power outage, report it promptly to help the utility company address the issue faster. Here’s how you can report a power outage in Cairns:
To report an electricity blackout, contact Ergon Energy at 13 10 46 or visit their website. Their outage team will share outage information with recovery teams. Once reported, you can check back with them for updates on the situation.
If using their online reporting tool, you’ll need to fill out a report form with detailed information about the outage. The more you can share, the better they’ll be able to pinpoint the issue and arrive at a resolution.
How to Prepare for a Power Outage in Cairns
Preparation is vital to getting through an outage. Before a blackout strikes, ensure you have the following ready to go.
1. Create an Emergency Plan
Your emergency plan should include instructions for all family members. It should detail where to go, what to do, and how to access emergency supplies. Don’t forget to add information to communicate with your energy distributor to receive updates on the outage.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit will help get you through even extended outages. Find a durable box and fill it with batteries, flashlights or solar-powered lanterns, first aid supplies, medication, important documents, etc. Keep the kit away from the floor but in an easily accessible location.
3. Invest in a Backup Power Supply
A backup power solution such as a portable power station or solar generator can keep essential devices such as phones or medical equipment running when the electricity is out. Choosing a solar option such as EcoFlow’s Power Backup will eliminate the need for additional fuel, allowing you to recharge with just sunlight.
4. Store Food and Water
Keep reserves of clean water and shelf-stable food such as granola bars, nuts, jerky, or dried fruit to hold you over in case of a prolonged outage.
5. Consider Entertainment for Longer Outages
For blackouts that last several days, non-technological entertainment can help keep kids busy and pass the time. Think board games, playing cards, etc.
6. Sign Up for Updates
Sign up for text updates from your energy provider so you’ll always be in the loop during the power restoration process, even if you don’t have internet.
Steps to Take During a Power Outage in Cairns
When a power blackout hits your area, follow these steps to ensure your safety:
1. Gather the Family
Gather everyone in a safe and secure area of your home to ensure all family members are accounted for.
2. Review Emergency Plan
Go over your emergency plan with your family. Make sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during the outage.
3. Report the Outage
Contact Ergon Energy to report the outage if you haven’t already done so. Providing accurate information can help expedite the restoration process.
4. Avoid Hazards
Avoid using candles, which pose a fire risk. Use battery-operated flashlights or lanterns instead. Also, avoid flooding, downed electricity equipment, fires, or other hazards.
5. Use Backup Power as Needed
If you have a backup power supply, use it sparingly to run essential appliances. Follow safety guidelines when operating generators or battery backup systems.
6. Wait for Restoration and All Clear
Stay patient and wait for the power to be restored. Keep listening to local news and updates from the utility company for updates on the restoration process.
Final Thoughts
Follow the steps in this guide to report or stay updated on outages and easily navigate any Cairns blackout.
Remember, having a backup power supply can make a significant difference, especially during extended outages. Consider investing in EcoFlow’s Power Backup to power your home during outages.