How to handle a power cut in summer?

Power cuts are very common in a power deficit country like India. Imagine even the metro cities in India are running to hours of power cut a day- both planned and unplanned. If planned power cuts are initiated by the government to balance the power deficiency in the country, unexpected or power cuts happen due to faults in line, whether caused damages in electricity lines, breakage of power lines by tree falling, vehicles etc.In these days of scorching summer heat and sweating, power cuts are intolerable. Therefore, we have compiled some tips here, which may assist you in handling summer power cuts.

Unexpected power cuts

Check with your neighbor: If the power stops unexpectedly, the first thing you should do is to check with your neighbor, if they are also experiencing the same. If you are the only one without power, it might be a small problem within your line or due to tripped or blown switches which can be corrected soon.

Call electricity office: If there is a problem in your area or in your apartment, then call up your electricity office and enquire about the same. Suppose there may be some problems with an electricity line in your street, the authorities may not be aware of it. If so, request them for a line man to clear the issue at the earliest. The contact number of your local electricity office will be in your electricity bill.

Stay outside if possible: The best thing you can do to get rid of the sweating inside your rooms is to sit in the balcony or sit outs. Even if you are doing some household works or reading, you can do it from there. If it is an apartment, you can spend time as possible in common areas like community hall, swimming pool or at some shaded place.

How to prepare for a planned power cuts?

If it is a planned power cut or load shedding, it is quite easy for you, as you can prepare for it and schedule your daily chores according its timings.

• Charge your appliances: If there is load shedding in your area and you know the timings, ensure your electronic appliances and gadgets are kept charged before it.
• Schedule your daily chores: Schedule your daily chores like using washing machine, dish washer, water pumping etc keeping in mind the time of power cut.

How to prepare for frequent power cut in your area?

• Water shortage can happen in summer. Keep your bathrooms and kitchen always stored with water as a precaution.
• You sweat more during summer, so keep yourself hydrated.
• Wear summer friendly cotton clothes and ensure that it is airy and loose. Avoid artificial fabrics and dark colors.
• Open all possible windows and allow maximum air to pass through your rooms.
• Take a shower and use prickly heat talc to maintain your body temperature.
• Don’t open your refrigerator door frequently, as each opening looses the coolness.
• If it’s night, always ensure that your emergency lamps are charged, or candles and torches are kept ready at handy places.
• If you are living in the middle of the city, plan your mall shopping during power cut time. Spending time in the nearest mall is the best way to get rid of power cut horror in summers.
• If you are ready to invest, the best thing is to equip your home with an inverter before the onset of summer.
• And lastly, taking a cool shower is the best way to keep your fresh.