What to do in the event of an incident

Power outages are always a hassle, but there are things you can do to be prepared. Modern electricity networks are also highly automated, helping to locate and repair faults quickly. For more information on your electricity network company’s emergency services, visit their website. If you live in the distribution area of Vaasan Sähköverkko, view the fault map here.

How to prepare for a power outage

• Always have a power bank charged to provide extra power for your telephone during a power outage. 
• Keep a flashlight, candles, and matches in a convenient place. 
• Electric garage doors can be opened even without electricity. Learn how and also teach your family. 
• If you have a fireplace, remember to keep firewood available. 
• Also keep some cash available, because ATMs don’t work during power outages. 

Things to remember during a power outage 

• Do not open the fridge or freezer unless you really have to. 
• Do you see a tree that has fallen or is about to fall on a power line? Do not go near or touch the tree, but inform your electricity network company. 
• Check the situation on your smartphone:
  
  Vaasan Sähköverkko’s distribution area 
  Elsewhere in Finland

First, check if the power is out in the whole building. Try the lights in different rooms, for example. Then, check if the main fuses are in order. Do your neighbors seem to have the electricity on, or does the outage seem to affect more than one building? 

If it does, it is most likely a fault in the distribution network. You can check the situation and instructions for reporting a fault on your electricity distribution company’s website. 

If large trees fall on the lines, there is a risk that the so-called neutral conductor of the low-voltage network breaks.

A zero fault is dangerous and should be taken seriously.

In a zero fault situation, the phase voltage may exceed its normal level, damaging electrical devices and posing a risk of fire and even electric shock.

How to identify a zero fault

• The voltage fluctuates, with some lights dimming while others are bright. The light output varies when other electrical devices that consume more electricity are switched on and off.
• Bulbs keep breaking and electrical equipment may work in strange ways.
• Note! Devices with metal covers can give you electric shocks.

If you suspect a zero fault

• You should switch the electricity off from the main switch. Note! The metal casing of the main fuse box has a high voltage, so do not touch it with your bare hands but wear leather gloves or another insulating material.
• Report the fault using the fault report form in the mobile app or on the Vaasa Sähköverkko website, or by calling the fault service tel. 06 324 5700. The contact channel has no impact on the order in which notifications are processed.