Using Power Outage Maps
Given that power outages are usually unexpected across the country, it’s more important than ever to have a backup for extended outages. You don’t want to be left struggling in the dark or losing touch with the world due to a dead battery. Luckily, power outage maps step in to save the day.
These efficient online tools remain at your disposal, ready to impart everything you know about power breakdowns in your area. Let’s break down all you need to know about power outage maps and why using them is the ultimate answer to all your power issues in Australia.
1. What is a Power Outage Map?
Before you decide to search, you might be wondering what a power outage map is in the first place and whether it’s worth it. Simply put, it’s an online tool built to track and record live power outages in your area. Typically, a power outage map highlights the affected regions, how long the power is out, the total number of residents affected, and when it’s going to be restored.
During an outage situation, some maps might even provide details on the cause of the power cut. It shows whether it’s due to weather conditions or simply due to maintenance reasons. This means that the power outage map lets you rest assured when the power is out to save you hours of uncertainty. You can just check the map and plan out your day accordingly.
2. The Role of Power Outage Maps
As stated earlier, power outage maps are ultimate saviours during hours of extended power cuts in Australia. It shows areas being worked on, areas where power has been restored, and the subsequent steps while you’re out of power. It offers a pretty transparent update of the service progress. Here are the roles power outage maps play in Australia:
Acquire Real-time Information
These maps offer crystal clear and timely power updates of your area. This ensures you’re always aware of the cause of outages in your area and the efforts being put into restoring power. Ultimately, you can map out your day’s schedule accordingly and plan out backups during longer hours of blackouts.
Identify Risk Areas
Another important role of power outage maps is that they identify high-risk areas well in advance. This allows you to steer clear of zones most susceptible to extended power cuts.
So, when extreme weather conditions hit, you can locate yourself in a better area and avoid these high-risk regions to save yourself from power struggles altogether. It also helps you prepare for blackouts in advance to minimise the hassles.
Accelerate Emergency Response
Moreover, power outage maps can also speed up responses to electricity breakdowns. Since these maps show exactly where the power is out, emergency services and power companies can quickly spot areas that require attention.
This helps them identify problems faster so they can send repair crews timely. The sooner they respond, the quicker the power grid gets fixed, so you’re no longer left in the dark.
3. How to Access Power Outage Maps in Australia?
Now that you know the perks of power outage maps in helping you navigate issues when the light goes out, you might be wondering how to access them. Here’s where you need to look for these maps to prepare yourself for upcoming blackouts in advance:
- Utility Company Websites: Most electricity providers in Australia have special sections on their sites where you can easily access power outage maps. All you need to do is head to the local utility company’s official website and look for the outage information, which is usually pretty easy to find.
- State Emergency Services (SES): Australian State Emergency Services (SES) often provide quick updates during major blackouts or power-related emergencies. While you might need to look a little closer, you can find valuable data on power cuts and affected areas in Australia.
- Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO): AEMO is in charge of managing electricity and gas systems across Australia. They ensure everyone has access to affordable yet safe energy throughout the country. Luckily, their website features easily accessible outage maps that give you a clearer picture of power conditions on a national scale.
Strategies for Avoiding Power Outage Risks
Given the frequency of power outages in Australia, it’s time to gear up to avoid the risks that follow these outages already. Whether it’s keeping electric concerns at bay or navigating other security concerns, understanding the strategies to avoid power outage risks is important.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit
While you can’t really control power outages, you can certainly prepare yourself to minimise the risks and impacts of these outages. Preparing an emergency kit is hands down one of the best ways to do just that. Here are some essentials to include in your kit to fully equip yourself for hours of power cuts:
- Flashlight
One of the worst parts about power outages is having to deal with hours of darkness as soon as the sun sets. This is why a reliable flashlight (with some extra battery packs) is a must-have in your emergency kit.
- First-aid Kit
Prepare a first aid kit for emergency situations, including bandages, disinfectants, painkillers, band-aids, scissors, tweezers, etc. Regularly check if the supplies in the first aid kit have expired and replenish any used items.
- Non-perishable Food Items
Fresh food is safe only for four hours after power goes out. To stay fuelled during power cuts without having to cook in the dark, stocking up on non-perishable food items is your best bet. You can get canned goods like nuts, canned fish, or poultry to help you stay full.
- Bottled Water
It goes without saying that having sufficient water to drink is essential. So, have at least a gallon per person by your side during suspected power outages.
- Personal Hygiene Products
Personal hygiene products like toilet paper, wipes, and hand sanitisers will help you stay clean and comfortable for as long as the electricity is out.
- Invest in Backup Power Sources
When it comes to comfortably getting through energy outages, nothing helps more than investing in an alternative power source. This gives you hours of uninterrupted power, so you’re least affected by hours of collapsed electric power. But with so many options out there, how do you get a suitable and reliable power source?
Firstly, think about how much power you’ll need during an outage and the devices you want to keep running. Then, consider whether you want a traditional gas generator or a solar-powered option. If you wish for no peace disruptions during outages, a quiet generator is the way to go. Lastly, check for other features, such as security functions, ease of use, and maintenance, to make the best choice.
At Jackery, we’ve come up with multiple power generators to help you stay on your feet and tackle emergency power cuts. Whether you need to keep your appliances running or the electronic medical devices working, we’ve got you covered with a range of models. Here are our top picks to check out during outages:
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
Our Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a popular pick for power outages. Featuring a capacity of 1264Wh and a 2000W output, it can handle almost all your devices easily. You’ll only need to add three extra battery packs and gain up to 5 kWh of backup power.
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can run a microwave (960W) for 56 minutes, an electric cooker (820W) for 1.2 hours, and an electric oven (1600W) for 0.7 hours when fully charged, so you don't have to worry about power issues even in the event of a power outage. In addition, through advanced IBC technology, it uses 4 Jackery SolarSaga 100W solar panels to achieve fast solar charging within 4.5 hours, becoming a reliable power source during power outages.
With the Jackery app, you can control this model via WiFi or Bluetooth. Plus, its durable LiFePO4 batteries can last up to 10-year lifespan, making it a reliable power source for years to come. So, before another blackout hits your region, this is worth investing in!
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
Next up, the high-performance Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is specifically designed for people with higher energy needs or those who struggle with days without power. With a basic capacity of 2042.8Wh and an expandable capacity of up to 12 kWh after adding five add-on battery packs, it can keep your household powered for about a week or handle all your energy needs while off-grid.
When fully charged, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus can run electric pressure cookers (1080W) for 1.7 hours, microwaves (1050W) for 1.5 hours, electric ovens (800W) for 2.1 hours, and induction cookers (2100W) for 0.7 hours, making it a recommended solution for frequent or prolonged power outages.
Its high output power of 3000W means you can easily run heavy-duty appliances for as long as you want. It is equipped with durable LiFePO4 batteries with a lifespan of up to 10 years. High FCC, CE, and UL certification and innovative ChargeShield technology with 62 forms of protection ensure safety during use. In addition, our Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is whisper-quiet, emission-free, and charges quickly.
- Stay Up-to-date with the Latest Information
When strategising for power cuts, nothing helps as much as staying on top of information. This helps you prepare for hours without electricity without letting it set you back much. Thus, the best way is to regularly check power outage maps to get timely updates on affected areas, the cause of the outage, and the estimated time you’ll get power back.
Not only that, but it’s also important to follow local news channels and sign up for alerts from your energy providers. This lets you stay informed about any weather-related disruptions, ongoing maintenance, or emergency instructions.
- Manage Household Appliances
During power outages, taking care of your household appliances should top your list. This helps prevent damage and, of course, preserve energy in the long run. For instance, unplug your appliances like TVs, refrigerators, and other electronics to save them from electricity surges as power is restored.
Moreover, keep the fridge doors closed to maintain the cold temperature inside. This lets you keep your food fresh for longer and prevents it from getting stale during extended power outages. By managing your household appliances well, you can keep things running smoothly once the power comes back.
- Communicate Emergency Plans
One of the most common frustrations during power cuts is losing touch with your family and community. So, it’s always wise to have a plan for communicating during emergencies. Make sure you have a list of important phone numbers, like friends, family, and emergency services.
Plus, don’t forget to have your local community centre’s number handy. They help provide updates on shelter options, resources, or other emergency support if electricity isn’t restored timely. Another pro tip is to share your contingency plan with everyone ahead of time so your family knows what to do when lights go out.
Conclusion
There’s no need to panic about “power outage near me." You simply need to access a power outage map to get all the information right away. This keeps you updated on the eastern and western power outages and helps you prepare well beforehand.
Luckily, investing in Jackery ensures you’re fully ready to face power outages, even for the long term. As one of the leading brands in the energy sector, we’ve got multiple power solutions to cover your energy needs effortlessly. Visit our website to choose one!
References
[1] Victoria's power outage caught thousands by surprise—here's how it happened. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-14/victoria-melbourne-power-outage-storms-how-did-it-happen/103464714 (Accessed: 11th October 2024)
