Frankston Power Outage: How to Respond to Power Outages

Frankston Power Outages Facts 

Australia's Frankston is a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. Situated in the local government area of the City of Frankston, it is 34 miles (54 km) southeast of the Melbourne city centre via the EastLink and Monash Motorway. 

It functions as the city's administrative and activity core. Known as Victoria's Lifestyle Capital, it's becoming the best place to live, work, learn, and have fun. Frankston, Melbourne's city by the sea, is a 131-square-kilometre region with 11 km of immaculate foreshore, 33 parks and natural reserves, and an abundance of shopping, business, and recreational amenities.

Although Victoria's electricity supply is the most dependable in Australia, power outages sometimes happen. Severe weather conditions, including lightning, floods, heat waves, bushfires, strong winds, animal strikes, automobile accidents, tree collisions, and excavation close to subterranean powerlines, can all result in power outages. 

The local electricity distribution company, which owns and maintains the poles and wires supplying power to your home, is often in charge of restoring power.

The Causes of Frankston Power Outage:

- Numerous factors can cause localised power outages, such as strong winds, floods, heat waves, or lightning in severe weather.

- Trees obstructing powerlines

- Wildfires

- Unanticipated technological errors

- Automobile collisions

- Occasionally scheduled necessary maintenance to assist in balancing supply and demand at the busiest time of year.

- Localised power outages are more likely to occur on days when there is a total fire ban and during harsh weather.

How to Check the Status of Your Power Outage & Report Power Outage In Frankston

Your energy distribution company is in charge of the poles and wires that provide electricity to your property, and they often arrange for the restoration of power if you're having a power outage in Frankston. The number of faults and emergencies on your most recent power bill can be used to contact them.

Visit the outage page of your energy distribution provider and enter your address or postcode in the search bar to find out the status of your outage or to report a power outage in your region. After that, you can check whether there were any outages in your area when they happened and when they should be fixed. 

Additionally, you can subscribe to email or SMS alerts on local outages. You can also call your electricity distribution company's outage hotline to get an update on the status of your outage. If you plan to report a power outage, first find the corresponding information for your electricity supplier. You can report it through their website or by phone.

There are five electricity distribution businesses. Each handles a geographic region of Victoria.

You can also find your electricity distributor based on a map. For the map, please visit the Energy Victoria website. For example, if you live near Frankston Beach, your electricity distributor is United Energy.

Frankston Power Outage Information & Map

Power outages are so rare in Frankston that it's hard to find historical data online, but you can still prepare in advance. The Frankston CBD is affected by the power outage in the following areas: Frankston-Dandenong Road, Cranbourne Road, and Nepean Highway. 

When there are power outages in Frankston, the areas most frequently affected include the Frankston Central Business District and the Frankston East Shopping Centre. To view a live outage map, visit United Energy's Outage Map and enter your address.

How to Prepare for a Frankston Power Outage?

Power outages can happen at any time for several reasons, such as high network demand, storms, and bushfires. Make sure you are ready for anything that could happen.

How to Prevent Power Outages

Many readily avoidable power outages are caused by trees interfering with powerlines. You can lower this risk by routinely assessing the size and condition of trees growing near powerlines and informing the proper parties if these trees need to be removed or pruned.

Even if a tree is on your property, DO NOT try to cut it down or remove it from near a powerline yourself. Get in touch with an experienced tree removal specialist if the tree is located on your land. 

If the tree is on the roadway, contact the energy distributor or local council. These organisations can arrange for the trees to be removed or clipped according to safety rules. For more information on tree clearing, visit the Energy Safe Victoria website at www.esv.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 158.

How to Prepare for Power Outages

Power disruptions could happen at any time. You should have a kit and energy strategy to be ready. It should contain: 

- Important connections. Fill out the list in this pamphlet, and save these numbers somewhere accessible and secure so you can find them quickly in the event of a power loss.

- Having a phone that runs off electricity, preferably a fully charged cell phone. Ensure that your phone is ultimately charged and an extra battery is ready in an emergency.

- Alternative illumination sources, such as torches or candles. Recall to keep open flames away from gas sources and combustible materials.

- Alternative heating and cooking sources. Remember that certain gas appliances might still need to be powered by electricity. Ensure that portable equipment's gas connections are always kept clean and functional.

- A radio with a battery. To be informed about weather and power disruptions, watch news sources.

- Availability of clean water. Have a backup supply of fresh water available if your water pump is powered by electricity.

- A battery-operated gadget and emergency kit. Assemble an emergency kit, store it somewhere accessible, and make sure everyone knows where it is. To begin with, you should stock up on battery-operated items like a flashlight and a radio so you can listen to crucial information in an emergency. Remember to include extra batteries in there!

- Additionally, if you need a constant power source, such as Jackery Solar Generator, because you depend on life support equipment, have a medical condition that necessitates a continuous power source, or have any other unique requirements.

- Ensure your electrical supplier has your most recent contact information, and inform them about your demands.

Jackery Solar Generators for Frankston Power Outages

Frankston's power outages emphasise the need for a dependable backup energy supply. Jackery Solar Generators are an excellent option for families who want to be prepared. Jackery provides a practical and environmentally responsible method of handling outages, from charging laptops and phones to maintaining the operation of necessary appliances.  

The Jackery Solar Generator provides an uninterrupted power source, helping you keep necessary devices operational throughout an outage. By pairing it with Jackery Solar Panels, you can capture and store solar energy, ensuring you have stored power ready for emergencies. 

With multiple output options, the Jackery Portable Power Station allows you to charge various devices simultaneously, keeping you connected and prepared. Moreover, these Portable Power Stations are versatile - they can be charged via solar panels, carports, or wall outlets, making them ideal for planned and unexpected power needs. 

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro has a 1002Wh capacity, powering 93% of your household appliances. Besides, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has a battery that can be expanded from 2 kWh to 12 kWh. For this reason, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro and 2000 Plus are better choices for extra power at home.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2

When dealing with unexpected power outages in Mandurah, a lightweight and compact power solution can be invaluable, and the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is exactly that. This model brings portability without compromising capacity, making it ideal for powering crucial devices immediately.

The Jackery 1000 v2 Portable Power Station is designed for mobility. Weighing about 10.8 kg and equipped with a tiny, foldable handle, it is more lightweight and portable than most. Engineered for convenience, it fits seamlessly in your rear compartment and is prepared for any expedition or auxiliary power requirement.

With a 1070Wh capacity and 1500W output, the Explorer 1000 v2 sustains key items such as your refrigerator, router, and mobile devices during power outages. It is a compact portable power station that delivers exceptional performance during critical residential demands.

The UPS provides exceptional performance, guaranteeing smooth power transition for hard drives, computers, aquariums, and other devices. With a response time of 20 milliseconds, it ensures uninterrupted operation of your devices during power outages or voltage variations, thereby averting data loss or equipment damage due to electrical disturbances. 

- 10.8 kg | 30.4Ah/35.2V DC (1,070Wh) | 1,500W Output, 3,000W Surge

- 59-min Emergency Super Charging capability from 0 to 100%

- USB-A/C ports, up to 100W dual PD charging

- UPS ≤20ms seamless power switching

- LiFePO4 battery for 4000 cycles up to 10 years daily use

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

A dependable backup source, such as the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, may offer practical power and peace of mind during unplanned power disruptions in Mandurah. This solar generator was created with households in mind, combining innovative technology and high-capacity to maintain the functionality of vital gadgets during blackouts.

With additional battery packs, the Jackery 2000 Plus's outstanding 2 kWh capacity may be increased to 12 kWh. Thanks to our extendable design, you will never be without electricity, even during extended outages. The unit's high 3000W output covers all essential appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, and communication devices, making it an ideal backup source for managing the unpredictability of Mandurah's power issues.

Featuring a LiFePO4 battery, The Explorer 2000 Plus is built to last with over a decade of use. Not only does it offer long-lasting reliability, but it also operates with minimal noise and no emissions, making it safe for indoor use. Whether you need it for emergency preparedness or regular use, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus provides consistent and quiet power without fuel or fumes, perfect for any household. 

The supplementary battery pack can be recharged using solar panels, offering increased versatility while enhancing charging efficacy and reducing time consumption. Jackery Solar Panels have an impressive solar conversion efficiency of up to 25%, generating more energy during its lifespan. 

- Expandable capacity of up to 12kWh.

- LiFePO4 battery with a 10-year lifespan.

- High FCC/CE and UL certifications, innovative ChargeShield Technology with 62 forms of protection.

- Whisper-quiet operation, emission-free, and rapid solar charging via IBC panels.

What to Do During & After a Power Outage in Frankston?

Power outages can happen unexpectedly and disrupt daily life. Whether they are caused by severe weather, equipment failure, or other factors, taking precautions during and after a power outage in Frankston is essential.

What to Do During a Frankston Power Outage

The following are the tips for dealing with the power outages.

Tip 1: Check the source and nature of the outage.

Understanding whether the power outage is localised to your home, street, suburb, or state is essential. As soon as you notice a power outage, note down the time, check your home's safety switch, and contact your neighbours.

To find out what's causing the outage, if it's limited to your home or just a portion of it, contact a certified electrician. For information from emergency services, tune in to a radio that runs on batteries. In the case of a severe weather event, check the Bureau of Meteorology Victorian Warnings Summary on your mobile phone. The VicEmergency website and mobile app also provide emergency warnings and information for Victorians.

Tip 2: Turn off and unplug electronic devices.

Turn off all electrical appliances and unplug them at the switch to safeguard your home and contents against a power surge, mainly if a storm causes a power outage. You can keep a light or alarm clock switched on or stay close to a fixture in your home, like an oven clock, so that you know when power returns to your property.

Tip 3: Avoid opening your fridge and freezer.

It's essential to keep the doors of your fridge and freezer closed during a power outage or blackout so that food and drink remain cold for as long as possible. The contents of your fridge can spoil quickly during a power outage and become unsafe to consume. Instead, eat foods that don't require cooling or cooking, such as breakfast cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, or jerky.

Tip 4: Use alternative heating, cooling, light, and hygiene sources.

Closing your curtains or blinds can help retain a regular temperature inside the house, as they keep out hot sun in summer and cold air in winter. In summer, keep cool by drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous activities, and hanging wet towels in a room to help cool down the air. 

In winter, wearing multiple layers of clothing and a hat can help keep you warm without turning on the heater. To avoid a fire risk, use torches rather than candles as light sources. Invest in a good stock of backup batteries. If your hot water is unavailable, you can use disposable baby wipes for personal hygiene.

What to Do After a Frankston Power Outage

Following the actions below to restore power and keep safe after a power outage in Frankston.

Tip 1: Prepare for next time.

Ensure you've repacked your emergency kit, including restocking food and recharging portable batteries.

Tip 2: Make a note of any damage.

It is essential to walk through your home and assess any electrical damage. Call an electrician to evaluate the situation if you notice buzzing sounds, flickering lights, or unfamiliar or funny odours.

Tip 3: Check your fridge and freezer contents.

Once the power returns to your home, take careful stock of your fridge and freezer contents and note how long the power was out to avoid food poisoning. Avoid consuming poultry, meat, or dairy products in a fridge or freezer without power.

When it comes to any potentially dangerous food that has been at temperatures between 5 and 60 degrees Celsius, we advise you to abide by the two-hour/four-hour rule:

- If it is left that way for less than two hours, refrigerate it or use it immediately.

- More than two but not more than four hours: use immediately.

- If it has been four hours or more, it must be thrown out (this also holds if you are unsure).

- If you doubt the safety of your fridge or freezer contents, dispose of them immediately.

Power Outage in Frankston FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the power outages in Frankston:

1. When does my electricity go out?

When your electricity goes out, the first thing to do is to see if it's just impacting your house or a larger region. Check it to make sure your circuit breaker has yet to trip. If your energy company still needs to be aware of the outage, let them know if it's widespread. 

Keep the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed to prolong the life of the cold air. To prevent fire threats, replace your candles with flashlights. Unplug any delicate gadgets to avoid power spikes when the electricity goes back on.

2. How long can a fridge go without power?

If the door is closed, a fridge can keep food safe for around 4 hours during a power outage. If half full, a full freezer can maintain its temperature for around 48 or 24 hours. To lengthen this period, avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer doors unless essential, and consider using ice packs or transferring perishable goods to a cooler.

3. Can you use a gas cooker without electricity?

Yes, a gas stove may be used without power, mainly if it includes a manual ignition. Most current gas stoves and cooktops use electric ignition; however, the burners may be lit using a match or lighter without power. However, if your gas stove includes an electronic control panel, some features may only operate with electricity, and it is critical to use the stove properly and with sufficient ventilation.

4. Is it possible for a gas water heater to run without power?

The kind of gas water heater determines this. Since they rely on the gas supply to heat the water, conventional gas water heaters with a pilot light may function even without power. On the other hand, more recent versions that include electronic ignition or power vents need energy to operate. These kinds cannot light or move hot water without electricity.

5. Can you cook in a gas oven with no power?

If a gas oven includes a manual igniting feature, cooking without electricity is still feasible. However, the electric igniter that many contemporary gas ovens utilise to light the gas depends on electricity, so it cannot function without it. 

The oven might not work without electricity, even though the stove burners might be manually lit. If your gas oven has a manual ignition feature, you can use a match or lighter to ignite it gently.

Final Thoughts

Although regrettable, blackouts are an unavoidable aspect of life. It's critical to be ready for every situation, especially when powering your house or place of business, from weather-related power outages to blown fuses. Even if power outages are uncommon in Frankston, we still need to be ready and take the necessary precautions to lessen our losses because of the potential harm they might cause us.