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When disasters like floods, bushfires or power outages strike, they can often leave communities without access to electricity for extended periods of time. This can be a huge problem, especially if you rely on electricity for things like heating your home or keeping your food cold. Not all of us have access to an uninterrupted power supply or a backup power grid. That's why it's important to have a back up plan in place, and one of the most important parts of that plan is having backup power. In this article, we will discuss the importance of backup power and some of the best ways to provide it for your home or business.
Power outages are becoming more frequent, with the frequency of power outages in Australia doubling in the last 20 years due to the severity and frequency of natural disasters such as storms, floods and bushfires. When the power goes out, battery power is your best friend.
One of the most important things to consider when preparing for a power outage is how long it might last. In the past, outages were often caused by severe weather conditions and only lasted for a few hours on average. However, as our climate continues to change and we experience more extreme weather events, power outages are becoming more frequent and lasting longer.
According to a report from the Department of Energy, the average duration of power outages has increased from about two hours in 2002 to over four hours in 2017, and the latest figure from the USA is over eight hours in 2020.
This is an issue because it can cause all sorts of problems for people who are not prepared. For example, if you rely on electricity to power your home, you could be left without heat or air conditioning during a long outage. This can be especially dangerous during extreme weather conditions.
For example, many Victorians living in the Dandenong's were left without power for up to 4 weeks in the middle of winter in 2021 when power lines were taken out by large trees in a storm. Without electricity, many were unable to work, heat their homes, cook food and charge their devices. Families lost entire fridges and freezers or food that had to be thrown out. Many were also unable to access medical equipment that required electricity, forcing them to relocate for extended periods. That's why it's so important to have a backup plan in place.
There are a few different ways that you can provide backup power for your home.
One of the most popular options is to use a backup generator. This is a great option because it will allow you to keep your lights on and your appliances running even if the power is out.
Generators come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that is right for your needs. They typically run on either petrol or propane, and they can be used to power things like lights, appliances and medical equipment.
One downside is that generators can be expensive, can be very heavy and bulky, require regular maintenance and some older models don't have surge protection.
If you don't want to invest in a generator, there are other options available.
Another option is to use solar panels to store energy in large batteries that can be used during an outage. Battery storage is becoming more common with the rise of solar power and electric cars, and you can get some great options that could keep your home powered during emergencies. We also recommend that you have battery-operated lanterns or flashlights ready.
It's also important to consider power options in the event that you need to quickly leave your home in the event of a natural disaster such as floods or bushfires.
Portable power solutions are battery-powered generators that can keep your equipment charged up and ready wherever you are. They come in all different shapes and sizes and are especially useful for keeping lights on, cooking food and charging important devices.
Some things your want to consider when researching the right portable battery backup systems include the size of your family and your energy needs which will determine:
-Power consumption requirements
-Battery life
-Volt amps/voltage
-Outlet requirements
-VA rating
-Ups units
There are also some great renewable energy options on the market. No matter what backup power you choose, it's important to make sure that you have enough backup power to last for at least 72 hours. This will give you time to weather most storms until the power comes back on.
It's important to have a plan in place so that you're prepared for a power outage. With the right preparation, you can minimise the impact of an outage and keep your family safe.
What are some of the ways that you prepare for power outages? Share your tips in the comments below!
