When the Tunisian Company for Electricity and Gas (STEG) announces rolling power outages by time slots and zones, a few simple precautions can help limit the inconveniences.
These interruptions can be triggered depending on the grid situation and do not necessarily affect all the announced zones.
Phone, elevator, garage door, refrigerator, water or professional equipment: several things can be anticipated before the start of the announced window.
Charge the essentials in advance
Before the announced window, consider charging phones, laptops and power banks.
It is one of the simplest and most useful actions: it allows you to stay reachable, to check available information and to continue working during a short outage.
For those who need to stay connected, a charged computer and sharing a 4G or 5G connection can temporarily replace a down Internet box.
A backup battery or a small UPS suitable for the router can also extend the connection for a while.
Anticipate the use of the elevator
In buildings without backup power, it is preferable, when possible, to avoid using the elevator during the announced window.
A power outage can temporarily immobilize the cabin.
People with reduced mobility or who are particularly dependent on the elevator should therefore plan their movements before this period and, when possible, check the arrangements provided by their building in case of a failure.
Check the garage and gate manual unlock
Garage doors and motorized gates can become difficult to operate when the power is off.
It is therefore useful to locate the manual unlock system in advance and keep the key or the necessary device easily accessible.
If a vehicle exit is essential during the announced window, it may also be easier to park the vehicle in advance in a location that is accessible and secure.
Leaving a garage door or gate open systematically is not recommended for safety reasons.
The same goes for some electric roller shutters: it is better to know their manual operation system before you need it.
Avoid unnecessarily opening the refrigerator
During a power outage, it is best to limit opening the fridge and freezer as much as possible.
The more the doors stay closed, the longer the food remains at a low temperature.
This precaution is particularly important during periods of high heat.
Protect sensitive electronic devices
As a precaution, sensitive electronics can be unplugged before an announced outage, especially computers, televisions or certain professional equipment.
They can then be reconnected a few minutes after electricity returns, once power is restored and stabilized.
For desktop computers, using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can also help save ongoing work before the machine shuts down.
Plan for autonomous lighting
Rechargeable lamps, flashlights and batteries should ideally be prepared before the outage.
These solutions are preferable to candles, which require constant supervision and pose a fire risk.
A small rechargeable lamp placed in an easily accessible spot may be sufficient for a short outage.
Also think about water
In some buildings, the water supply to upper floors depends on electric pumps or booster systems.
A power outage can therefore sometimes also cause a temporary water interruption.
Keeping a small reserve of drinking water and essentials can be useful, especially during hot weather.
Keep the home cool
When a outage occurs on a very hot day, a few simple actions can limit the rise in indoor temperature.
Closing shutters, blinds or curtains before the hottest hours helps keep the home cool longer.
It is also advisable to have readily accessible drinking water without having to open the refrigerator frequently.
Special vigilance for medical equipment
People using at-home medical equipment that requires power should plan a backup solution tailored to their equipment.
When the device is essential, it is recommended to contact in advance the healthcare professional, equipment supplier or the relevant service to know the measures to take in case of a power outage.
Stores and businesses: back up before the outage
For professionals, a few precautions can prevent unnecessary losses.
Before the announced window, it can be useful to save ongoing IT work, plan an alternative solution in case payment terminals are temporarily unavailable, and secure sensitive electronic equipment.
Businesses using doors, metal shutters or electronic access systems should also check their manual opening mechanisms.
Generators: beware of carbon monoxide
Using a generator requires strict precautions.
It must operate exclusively outdoors, in a location far enough from inhabited spaces and well ventilated.
A generator must never be used inside a dwelling, a closed space or a garage, even if the door is open, due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, an invisible and odorless gas.
It should not be connected in an improvised way to a household electrical installation. An improper connection can damage equipment and pose a danger, especially to workers on the grid.
The essential is to anticipate before the start of the announced window: charge the essential devices, check electrical access, preserve refrigeration, plan for water and autonomous lighting, back up your work and secure sensitive equipment.
These few reflexes are usually enough to greatly reduce the inconveniences caused by a temporary power outage.
To report an incident or request information, STEG provides its customer service number: 71 239 222.
