How to stay prepared for power cuts during monsoons

Monsoon has arrived fashionably early this year, bringing torrential downpours that turn streets into rivers and sending power grids into frenzy. What’s worse is, your phone’s at 15 per cent, your laptop’s dying, and your Wi-Fi router has famously turned into an expensive paperweight. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Millions across India face this digital nightmare every monsoon season. But power cuts don’t have to mean going completely off-grid. With some clever preparation and the right tech arsenal, you can weather any storm whilst staying connected, entertained, and productive. Here’s how you can become a monsoon-proof tech ninja in no time.

10 tips to brave the monsoon powercuts

The scene outside your window looks like one from an apocalyptic movie and you find the dread of a massive storm creeping in. If your first thought is to check on your home appliances and gadgets, you’re already on the right path. Here are some tips that will make power cuts seem like a breeze.

1. Switch off your electrical appliances

When the power goes out, your first instinct might be to leave everything plugged in, hoping it’ll magically spring back to life. Don’t. Power outages during monsoons are unpredictable beasts – electricity can return with a vengeance, sending voltage spikes through your gadgets.

Consider giving your devices a safe timeout. Unplug your TV, gaming console, Wi-Fi router, and any other electronics you can live without temporarily. Your future self will thank you when your expensive tech survives the electrical chaos. Of course, you can always keep one light switched on, so you’ll know when power returns without constantly checking!

2. Have an inverter or generator as a backup

Generators are your ticket to staying plugged in when the grid fails you. Modern portable generators are surprisingly affordable and can keep your essential devices running for hours. You don’t need something massive; a 2-3kW generators can easily power your router, charge multiple devices, and run a few lights.

Just remember the golden rules: never run it indoors (carbon monoxide is no joke), keep it dry under a covered area, and store fuel safely. For sensitive electronics like laptops and gaming consoles, consider inverter generators. They produce cleaner, more stable power that won’t damage your gadgets.

4. Opt for energy-efficient devices

Does your old laptop sound like a jet engine booting up? It is probably drawing more power than required. Energy-efficient devices, believe it or not, are a great help if you live in a power-cut-prone zone. Most new and modern technology comes with built-in features to protect it against unnecessary surges.

When shopping for new tech, look for those Energy Star ratings that will consume less juice. During outages, these efficient gadgets will also run longer on backup power, giving you more time to stay connected. After all, every bit counts when you’re ticking away to a power cut!

5. Keep electronics away from the windows

Sounds obvious, right? But most of us don’t realise how monsoon winds can turn raindrops into horizontal water bullets that sneak through that pesky crack in your window. And while it’s always a good idea to store your electronics in a cool, well-ventilated place, having water around certainly will not help!  

Move your computer setup, gaming console, and any other valuable tech away from windows and doors. Even if your windows seem perfectly sealed, rains have a sneaky way of finding entry points you never knew existed (read: seepage!). Create a designated “safe zone” in your room where electronics can ride out the storm without becoming expensive paperweights.

6. Empty the food from your refrigerator, freezer

Extended power cuts are bad news for a refrigerator, which is expected to keep your food fresh for a longer time. If weather warnings predict lengthy outages in your area, you might want to use the opportunity to cook up an emergency meal.

Use up perishables first. Cook that chicken, finish the milk, and clear out anything that won’t survive without cooling. For items you can’t use immediately, consider giving them to neighbours with backup power or inverters.

Spoiled food in a powerless fridge creates awful smells and is also a potential health hazard. Treat it like a forced cleaning session that saves you from post-monsoon nasty surprises! You can thank us later.

7. Keep power banks, smartphones charged

Your smartphone pretty much becomes your lifeline during power cuts. It’s your torch, entertainment system, communication device, and emergency tool all rolled into one. But dead phones are about as useful as the flowerpot on your balcony.

ALSO READ: 5 home appliances to buy during the monsoon

Make it a habit to charge everything before monsoon forecasts turn ominous. Yes, even if you’re a procrastinator! Invest in high-capacity power banks (20,000mAh ones can charge your phone multiple times) and keep them topped up throughout the monsoon season.

Don’t forget other essentials like wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and tablets that you may need in times of emergency. A good idea is to set charging reminders on your phone because, let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than realising your backup power bank is as dead as your main power supply.

8. Install surge protectors

Power returning after an outage can be volatile, unpredictable and potentially destructive. Voltage spikes are common when electricity comes back online, and they can fry your electronics before you can even begin to say “expensive mistake”.

Quality surge protectors are basically bodyguards for your gadgets. They absorb dangerous voltage spikes before they reach your devices. Don’t go for the cheapest option; in fact, invest in surge protectors with higher joule ratings and multiple outlets to stay covered at all times. For critical equipment like computers and gaming setups, consider uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that combine surge protection with battery backup.

Once you’re through checking off all these points, you’re more or less set to take on the monsoon madness. Don’t forget to download your favourite TV show and curl up with a coffee to make the max out of it!