This power outage checklist tells you what to do during a power outage: unplug sensitive electronics, use rechargeable light, and switch things back on one at a time. Most damage happens not in the dark, but in the surge and voltage swings when power returns.
Before: what to have ready
- Rechargeable lamps or torches, charged. Safer than candles, which can easily start a fire.
- A charged power bank for phones, so you can still use M-Pesa and call for help.
- Surge protectors on the TV, decoder, router and computer.
- A voltage guard for the fridge and freezer.
- A UPS for a desktop PC, so cuts don’t corrupt your work. See UPS vs inverter.
- KPLC’s outage line saved: dial *977# on Safaricom, or use the MyPower app.
If outages are frequent in your area, compare backup options in home power backup in Kenya.
During: unplug and stay safe
- Check if it’s just you. If neighbours have power, check your meter and breakers or buy tokens.
- Report it via *977# or KPLC’s official social media pages. Note the reference number.
- Unplug the TV, decoder, desktop PC, sound system and microwave. Switch off at the wall if unplugging is hard.
- Leave one light on, so you know when power is back.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed. Food stays cold for hours if you don’t open them.
- Never touch fallen power lines; report them to KPLC immediately.
Brownouts: why they damage electronics
A brownout is when power doesn’t cut but drops low: lights dim or flicker, the fridge struggles.
Brownouts can be worse than a full blackout. Motors in fridges and pumps overheat at low voltage, and power supplies in TVs and computers strain. What to do during a brownout:
- Switch off and unplug the fridge, TV and computer until the lights are steady again.
- Avoid using an iron, kettle or water heater.
- A voltage guard cuts power automatically when voltage goes too low or high.
After: switch on in stages
When power returns, it often comes back with spikes or blinks a few times.
- Wait a few minutes after power returns before plugging anything in.
- Switch on the lights first, then the fridge, then the TV and router, then the computer.
- Check the fridge is cooling, and throw out food that smells off.
If you run a TV or PC from an inverter during cuts, a pure sine wave inverter is gentler on electronics: see pure vs modified sine wave.
Surge protectors explained
- A surge protector absorbs sudden voltage spikes. Look for an indicator light that shows protection is working; replace it after a big surge or if the light goes off.
- A cheap extension cable is not a surge protector, even if it has a switch.
- A voltage guard (fridge guard) disconnects appliances during low or high voltage and reconnects after a delay. Best for fridges, freezers and TVs.
Quick answers
Unplug sensitive electronics, keep the fridge closed, use rechargeable lights and report it to KPLC.
Rechargeable lamps, a charged power bank, surge protectors, a voltage guard for the fridge and a UPS for a desktop PC.
Switch off and unplug the fridge, TV and computer until voltage is steady, then switch back on one at a time.
