Power outage

How to prepare for a power outage

Power outages can be caused by a range of emergency events. Be better prepared for the next power outage by:

• putting together an emergency kit . Your kit should contain a torch, batteries and radio, which can be helpful when the power goes out
• taking an inventory of your essential electrical needs, and consider how you would live without them when the power goes out
• purchasing battery-powered fans
• buying misting spray bottles, and a cooler or esky where you can put food if the refrigerator goes out.

If you rely on power for medical or life support equipment, you should register with your electricity distributor and retailer, and have an emergency plan in place.

During a power outage

If power to your home is out for a long time, know and understand important safety precautions and steps to cope with heat until power is restored:

• Close all curtains and blinds on the sunny side of your home
• Dress in loose, lightweight clothing
• Use natural ventilation to cool your home, and use a battery powered fan if you have one
• Put your feet in a cool bath or put a damp towel on your neck, on your head, under your armpits or on your groin
• Wetting your hair can also help you to stay cool
• Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy meals, caffeinated drinks and alcohol
• Keep refrigerator or freezer doors closed. A freezer that is half full or full can keep foods frozen for 24 to 48 hours. Foods can stay safe in an unopened refrigerator up to four hours. If an outage lasts longer than four hours, remove and pack meat, milk and other dairy products in a cooler/esky with ice
• Use safe alternative food preparations. A barbecue is an excellent way to prepare food. Always BBQ outside
• Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use standby generators outdoors and position away from windows
• Check on friends and relatives - especially children, seniors, and those with medical conditions or disabilities
• If your home starts to feel too hot, pay close attention to both the indoor heat and humidity. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases the strain on your body and the danger of heat illness
• Take your family and pets to a basement or other cool location if you have one. Also consider going to an air-conditioned public place during warmer daytime hours, e.g. a library or shopping centre
• Hanging out in your car with the AC on can also be a temporary way to cool down
• Keep in mind your own vulnerabilities to heat, too: The elderly, and children and infants are most at risk; people taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticholinergics, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors can all have severe heat intolerance, too.

If you have a medical condition

• Most medications need to be stored below 25 degrees Celsius. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you think your medications have spoiled during a power outage.
• If you have a medical device that needs electricity, but you have no electricity, contact your doctor. Ask them what you should do.
• Learn the signs of heat- related illness, and how to take first aid measures.
• If you feel unwell during a heatwave, seek advice from your GP or nearest hospital.
• In a medical emergency, dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.