Brownout Survival Tips

Brownouts – scheduled, rotational or caused by typhoons – are part of life in many parts of the Philippines. A little preparation makes them much easier.

Before a brownout

• Check the brownout schedule for your ZIP code and turn on alerts.
• Charge phones, power banks, rechargeable fans and emergency lights.
• Store drinking water – water pumps stop during a brownout.
• Freeze bottles of water to keep the ref cold longer.
• Save your utility’s hotline and Facebook page on your phone.

During a brownout

• Unplug the aircon, ref, TV and computers to protect them from surges when power returns.
• Keep the ref closed; food stays cold for about 4 hours.
• Use emergency lights or flashlights, not candles.
• Run generators outside only, never connected to your house wiring without a transfer switch.
• Stay hydrated and check on babies, the elderly and anyone who is sick.

Medical equipment

If someone at home relies on oxygen, a nebulizer or dialysis, keep a charged power station or UPS, tell your utility and barangay in advance, and know the nearest hospital with backup power. In an emergency call 911.