It’s getting to that cold and often stormy time of year in Christchurch and Inland Canterbury when power cuts can occur – usually when we need the power most. Here are a few things that may help…

• Check the Orion website http://www.oriongroup.co.nz/current from your phone – this will give you up to date information on the power outage and when the power is likely to be back on.
• If you rely on a pump for your water, then the hot tap (hot water cylinder) is a good source of water for up to 5 days if you have a drain tap. After this time, if the power is still off, it is no longer safe to use the water from your cylinder.
• LED torches or lanterns are far safer than candles and their batteries will last for ages.
• If overhead power lines to your property are damaged in a storm, then stay well away from them and call Orion in the first instance. They will let you know what to do next and whether you need to call us. If you can’t get hold of them then give us a call for some advice.
• If your mobile phone batteries start going flat, then you can charge them from 12V accessory/cigarette lighter in your car.
• Turn off all the light switches at bedtime just as you normally would. There’s nothing worse than the power coming on a 3 am and waking the kids.
• Also, make sure you turn off any other appliances that were going when the power went off, such as oven and stove elements, heaters.  This will ensure that you minimise any fire risks when the power comes back on.
• If you need to keep running your farm, business or house then talk to us about getting a generator changeover switch installed so that you can easily power the building with a generator.