Power outages are an unfortunate hassle that can happen to any homeowner. Whether they are caused by an electrical fault, a storm or other unforeseen circumstances, a power outage in your home can be stressful. This is particularly true when it comes to knowing what to do and how to prepare.
For this reason, we have put together a comprehensive guide to help you protect yourself and your home.
What to do when the power cuts
When you first notice that there’s a powercut, remember to stay calm and ensure that everyone in your home is safe. This is particularly true in the case of bad winter storms where the outage may be due to dangerous weather and any resulting debris. Next, follow steps to diagnose and report the issue:
1. Check your fuse box
Start by checking your fuse box where you will see if any fuse has tripped or if a circuit has blown in your home. A tripped switch is the one that is pointing down or ‘off’ when all others are up or ‘on’. If the fuse box looks normal to you, and the power is still out, you should then check if it’s just your home experiencing the outage or if there is an outage in your area.
2. Check for planned outages
ESB Network’s PowerCheck detail any planned outages across Ireland, as well as any reported faults. If no planned work or fault is shown here, the next step is to check with your neighbours to see if they are also without electricity.
3. Report an electrical fault
If your neighbour's electricity is also out, you can then report a power outage to the ESB. Power outages can vary in duration but, in general, ESB Networks work quickly to help address the fault and restore your power so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
4. Survey your home
Once you have reported the outage, go through your home and take note of any damage that may have been caused. Unplug electrical appliances such as TVs, computers or kitchen appliances to avoid a power surge, and if possible, use battery powered devices, such as mobile phones, portable chargers and flashlights while the power is being restored.
5. Stay safe
If you see any fallen electrical lines or damaged outdoor electricity boxes, keep a safe distance away from them and report them immediately.
Does my home insurance cover damage caused by power outages?
In certain situations, your home insurance may cover damage related to power outages while the extent of coverage depends on, a) the specifics of your policy and, b) the cause of the outage.
Food spoilage
A common question is how long food can last in a freezer without power. So, it’s helpful to remember that when the door is kept closed, a fridge can stay cool for up to 4 hours and a freezer for up to 48 hours.
If your food does spoil AXA will cover your freezer contents up to a value of €750, depending on your insurance policy and the cause of the power cut.
How to claim on your home insurance
Contact AXA as soon as possible to discuss your home insurance policy and how we can help with power outage damages. You can do so through AXA’s online claims portal or by calling 0818 7 365 24.
Having home insurance can offer you protection in the event of a power outage but it is highly important to understand the specifics of your policy by reading your policy documents. Knowing when you may be covered and taking preventative steps can save you time and stress when the power goes out.
