When winter storms sweep across the west of Ireland, there’s no denying their wild beauty. The crashing Atlantic waves, the winds over Clew Bay, and the snow on Croagh Patrick can be breathtaking. However, for families across Westport, Castlebar, Louisburgh, and the wider Co. Mayo region, storms also bring an unwelcome companion: power outages.
At Peter Burke Electrical Ltd, we’ve seen how blackouts can disrupt homes. Fortunately, with the right preparation, you can reduce stress, keep your home comfortable, and stay safe when the lights go out. Let’s explore some practical steps you can take.
1. Light the Way – Safely
First and foremost, think about lighting. While candles may seem cosy, they are a serious fire hazard. Instead, consider:
- Rechargeable LED torches or lanterns – keep one in every main room.
- Plug-in emergency lights – these automatically turn on when the power cuts, which is especially useful for staircases and hallways.
👉 For additional advice, check out Safe Electric Ireland, which provides safety tips tailored to Irish households.
2. Protect Your Appliances from Surges
Next, it’s important to safeguard your appliances. When the electricity supply returns after an outage, the surge can damage your devices. To prevent this, you can:
- Use surge protector plugs for TVs, laptops, routers, and gaming consoles.
- Speak with us about whole-house surge protection, which offers comprehensive coverage for your larger appliances and heating system.
3. Consider Backup Power
Moreover, if you live in a rural area outside Westport or Castlebar, you may experience longer outages. In such cases, a portable generator can be invaluable for keeping essential appliances like your fridge, freezer, or heating controls running.
⚡ However, always remember: generators must be connected safely to prevent dangerous back-feeding into the grid. This is a job for a registered electrician.
4. Keep the Heat In
Power outages in winter often mean losing heating controls. Therefore, it’s essential to have backup comfort options ready:
- Store extra blankets, duvets, and hot water bottles.
- Keep dry fuel on hand if you use a stove or open fire.
- Close curtains early in the evening to hold in warmth.
5. Communication & Safety
Finally, don’t overlook communication and safety.
- Keep power banks fully charged when a storm is forecast.
- Have a battery-powered radio – stations like Midwest Radio provide updates when Wi-Fi and phones are down.
- Store the ESB Networks emergency contact: 1800 372 999.
Final Word from Peter Burke Electrical Ltd
In conclusion, while Mayo’s winter storms are unpredictable, your preparations don’t have to be. By planning ahead, you can keep your home both safe and comfortable.
At Peter Burke Electrical Ltd, we specialise in backup systems, surge protection, and emergency lighting. Let us help you prepare before the next storm arrives.
📞 Call us today on 087-6789596 or visit www.pbe.ie to learn more.
For further guidance, you may also find these resources useful:
Stay prepared, stay safe, and let us help you face the winter with confidence.