„Such situations clearly show how much our daily life depends on electricity – from communication and food storage to water supply or home heating systems. Therefore, it is important for residents to know not only where to turn in case of a malfunction, but also how to act in the first hours, prepare for a longer disruption, and protect the equipment at home,“ says Eglė Afanasjeva, Product Manager at „Elektrum Lietuva“.
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First – find out where the malfunction occurred
When the electricity goes out, it is first worth checking whether the malfunction is only in the house or apartment internal network – whether the circuit breakers have not tripped and whether the neighbors have electricity. If there is no electricity in a wider area, information about registered disruptions can be checked on the “Energy Distribution Operator” (ESO) disruption map, and an unregistered malfunction can be reported on the ESO website or by calling 1852.
“Residents can also log in to the ESO self-service and activate notifications by SMS or email to always be informed about planned or unexpected malfunctions,” reminds E. Afanasjeva.
It is important to distinguish between the functions of the electricity supplier and the distribution network operator. Malfunctions caused by storms in the distribution electricity network, broken lines, and electricity supply restoration works are the responsibility of ESO. An independent electricity supplier, including „Elektrum Lietuva“, does not physically manage the distribution network.
If you notice an electric wire lying on the ground, sparking equipment, or a tree fallen on an electric line, do not approach or touch them. A dangerous situation should be reported to ESO, and in case of immediate danger to human health or life – call 112.
Refrigerator, water, and home systems – what is important to assess
Being without electricity for at least a few hours, one of the most pressing household problems becomes food storage. Refrigerator and freezer doors should be opened as rarely as possible. The State Food and Veterinary Service indicates that an unopened refrigerator usually maintains the proper temperature for about four hours, and a fully loaded freezer – about 48 hours, half-loaded – about 24 hours. If there are doubts about the safety of perishable products, they should not be consumed.
Living in an individual house, it is worth assessing in advance the systems dependent on electricity, which often go unnoticed daily – water well or heating system pumps, gate or garage automation. Therefore, before a forecasted strong storm, it is worth ensuring drinking water supplies, charging necessary devices, and knowing how to manually operate automated home systems if needed. Special attention should be paid to people who need electricity for health or other vital needs.
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If electricity is out longer – first ensure communication
In case of a prolonged electricity supply disruption, it is important to maintain communication. It is advisable to turn on power-saving mode on phones, reduce screen brightness, and turn off unnecessary functions, and at home, it is useful to have a charged external battery, flashlight, spare batteries, drinking water, and longer-lasting food. Civil safety specialists recommend households to have supplies for at least 72 hours.
If you need to charge a phone or other essential device, get drinking water, or receive other assistance, it is worth checking the official information of your municipality and eldership – during major disruptions, such assistance points may be organized locally, for example, in eldership administrative buildings. General civil safety warnings and recommendations are also published on LT72.lt and the LT72 app.
The danger to equipment remains even after electricity returns
During a storm, household equipment is threatened not only by power outages but also by voltage fluctuations or surges before the disruption and when it is restored. They can damage sensitive electronic components, and malfunctions do not always appear immediately.
Computers, televisions, routers, and other household equipment with electronics can be especially sensitive. Therefore, before a strong storm, it is recommended to disconnect sensitive devices from the power grid. If voltage fluctuations are noticed after power restoration, it is better not to turn on the devices and report the malfunction to ESO.
“Disconnecting sensitive devices from the power grid is a simple way to reduce the risk of possible malfunctions, but we cannot always react to this, especially if a storm catches us when we are not at home. Therefore, it is worth considering additional protection – surge insurance, which can help reduce financial losses caused by unexpected electrical device malfunctions,” says the Product Manager of „Elektrum Lietuva“.
