NEWSFLASH: What to Do During a Power Cut – A Quick Guide for Student Tenants

Power cuts can be a hassle, but don’t panic. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay safe and manage the situation like a pro.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Check the Basics

1. 1. Check if the problem is in the building or general (street)
      
      
      • • Is there light in the houses next to our building?
      • • All info about general power cuts in the street can be found here  https://www.fluvius.be/nl/storingen-en-werken/stroomonderbrekingen
      • • Your landlord cannot help you, you need to wait until the net provider solves the issue
      • • You can contact the net provider to see if they are already aware about the problem  00 32 (0)78 35 35 34.

The problem is ONLY in our building?

We understand this situation is annoying, but before we can help you, there are some things you need check yourself and information you need to collect before contacting your landlord.  Without this information, your landlord will tell you to first collect the information and contact back after doing so 😉

2. 2. Check if the problem is only in your studio or in the full building.
      Things to do & information to collect before contacting your landlord:
      
      
      • • Is there  electricity in the common parts (light switches on in the staircase? There is light inside the elevator) ? 
      • • Check the Fusebox  inside your studio, DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING, ALWAYS FIRST take a picture and send it to your landlord
      • • Check the Fusebox(es) in the common parts under the staircase, ALWAYS DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING, FIRST take a picture and send it to your landlord
      • • Switch on the fuse

Step 2: Report the Power Cut

3. 3. The power cut is only in the building or your studio and turning on the fuse didn’t fix the problem? Call or email your landlord

3. 3. The problem was solved, always report the incident to your landlord, so he can validate if the issue is to be further looked in to guarantee the buildings safety. 
      Information to send = explain what happened exactly:
      
      
      • • The more information, the better and faster we can help you
      • • Time when it happened or when you first noticed the issue
      • • Is it only in your studio or also in the building
      • • Fusebox pictures
      • • Were you using an electronical device when it happened?
          This is important information so to define if the problem was in the device or in the general electricity infrastructure and may require our attention to exclude any future danger

Step 3: Tips to stay Safe and Prepared

4. • Unplug devices: Protect your electronics from potential power surges when the power returns

• • DO NOT use candles: Candles can be a fire hazard. Keep a torch handy with extra batteries.

• • This is important information so to define if the problem was in the device or in the general electricity infrastructure and may require our attention to exclude any future danger

• • Avoid opening the fridge: Keep food fresh for longer by keeping the fridge and freezer doors closed.

• • Avoid opening the window: to avoid your room to cool down during the power cut as the heating installation may be also without power

Power cuts are annoying but manageable with the right prep. Stay calm, stay smart, and you’ll power through (pun intended)!

For more tips, save this newsflash or share it with your flatmates.

Have you checked the tenants information section on our website? A lot of practical information for your stay is available there.

Practical guidelines on what to do in case of unexpected situations can also be found here https://for-rent-leuven.com/houserules-emergency-or-not/