It’s important to have contingency plans in place for storms and power outages, especially for critical services like telecare alarms. These plans may include alternative communication methods or backup systems to ensure your alarm can still connect to help if needed.

During a power outage, whether your alarm button will work depends on the type of alarm unit you have and how it connects to the monitoring centre. All Task Community Care telecare units have a built-in backup battery, giving your alarm power for up to 36 hours (depending on usage) while mains power is restored. However, please note that having power does not always guarantee the alarm call will connect to the 24/7 monitoring centre. Here’s how your telecare unit is likely to function during adverse weather conditions based on the type of system you have:

1. Landline Telecare Unit

• Connection Type: Standard telephone landline (analogue system).
• How It Works During Power Cuts:
  • Most landline systems will continue working during a power outage, as long as the landline is active.
  • However, landlines only work if the telephone exchange has power. Severe weather, like lightning strikes, may damage phone lines or disrupt the service.

Tip: Be sure to follow the safety advice below to stay prepared for any situation.

2. Broadband/IP Telecare Unit

• Connection Type: Connects to the monitoring centre via fibre broadband or IP (internet).
• How It Works During Power Cuts:
  • Your telecare system’s backup battery will keep the alarm powered for up to 36 hours.
  • However, the alarm will only connect to the monitoring centre if your broadband router also has a backup battery. Without one, the system is unlikely to work during a power cut.
  • If you’re unsure whether your router has a backup battery, contact your broadband provider to check.

Additional Protection: If your telecare system includes a SIM card backup, the unit can connect to the monitoring centre via the mobile network if the broadband fails.

Task Community Care Advantage: Our telecare units with SIM card backup use multi-network SIM cards, which connect to the strongest available network, giving you extra reliability during emergencies.

3. GSM Telecare Unit (SIM Card-Based)

• Connection Type: Uses a SIM card to connect to the monitoring centre (no landline or broadband required).
• How It Works During Power Cuts:
  • The unit’s built-in backup battery ensures it stays powered for up to 36 hours during power outages.
  • GSM units can make emergency calls to the 24-hour monitoring centre via the mobile network.

Example: Our TA74 GSM Alarm provides up to 36 hours of backup battery life, including up to 30 minutes of emergency calls.

Important Note: While GSM systems are reliable, there’s always a small chance of network outages if storm damage affects the mobile infrastructure of the SIM provider. Always review our safety tips to stay prepared.

4. GPS Locators

If you use a GPS locator instead of a telecare alarm, the device will work during a power outage as long as it is charged.

• How to Prepare: 
  • Make sure the GPS device is fully charged before a storm.
  • Some GPS devices have a charging dock with a built-in backup battery, which will keep the device powered for a short time during power cuts.

Task Community Care Advantage: For example, the Task Personal Emergency Protection (PEP) GPS Location Tracker comes with a docking station that includes a backup battery, ensuring the device stays charged even during power cuts. This can provide extra reliability during storms or outages.

Important Note: Although rare, if storm damage affects the SIM provider’s network infrastructure, the GPS locator may not connect to the monitoring centre. Always review our safety tips to stay prepared.

Safety Tips for Telecare & GPS Locator Users

Pendant alarms and GPS locators are essential for staying safe during severe weather. Follow these simple tips to remain protected:

1. Test Your Alarm System

• Test your alarm system regularly (at least once a month).
• Before a storm, make an extra test call to ensure your device is functioning properly. Let the call-handler know you’re testing because of the weather forecast.

2. Be Prepared for Power Outages

• If the power goes out, press your emergency button if you feel unsafe or need assistance.
• Inform the telecare operator of your situation—they can reassure you and notify your designated contacts.
• Keep a mobile phone or home phone nearby as a backup.
• Ask a family member or neighbour to check on you regularly.

3. Always Wear Your Pendant Alarm

• Indoors: Wear your pendant alarm at all times, especially at night when trips and falls are more likely to occur.
• Outdoors: Avoid going outside during storms unless absolutely necessary. If you must, always wear your pendant alarm.

Range Tip: Task Community Care pendant alarms work up to 300 meters from the base unit, covering most homes and gardens.

4. Night-Time Safety Precautions

• Keep hallways and bathrooms well-lit to reduce the risk of tripping or falling.
• Use non-slip mats in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Need Help or an Upgrade?

By understanding how your telecare unit works and following these safety precautions, you can stay protected during severe weather. If you have questions or need to upgrade your system, we’re here to help:

Tel: 01 8435889 / Tel: 24-Hour Monitoring Centre (non-emergency line) 01 843 5924
Email: info@taskltd.ie