What to do if you're without power

High winds, lightning, storms, bushfires, car accidents, trees and branches falling onto powerlines, or equipment failure might disrupt your power without warning.

Be observant

In the event of an unplanned power outage, establish if the outage is impacting a broad area or isolated to your residence. If it is safe to do so, check-in with your neighbours to see if they are impacted and look for other confirming signs such as street lights being out. If the power outage seems to be confined to your residence, check your electricity box to see if the circuit breaker has been tripped.

If the circuit-breaker looks normal and there is still no power, check for outages in your area or call us on 131 003.

Be power safe

Your safety should be your highest priority. If you spot any fallen or exposed wires, stay at least eight metres away from these lines and call us immediately on 131 003.

If you have any powered security features on your property, these may not function in the event of a power outage. Ensure that any doors securing your property and yard are secure.

For sensitive electronic appliances such as your TV, radio, hairdryers, sound system, computers, modems, faxes, Wi-Fi routers etc, unplug these items from the power point to prevent the risk of damage in the event of a power surge.

Do not be tempted to bring or operate any gas, wood-fired or charcoal BBQs or heaters inside the house. These devices produce a toxic gas that can kill, even in very small amounts.

Be prepared

During natural disasters like bushfires and floods, power outages can at times last longer than a day. While power is typically restored within hours, it is good practice to be prepared for a prolonged period without power.

It's a good idea to have a 'lights out’ kit prepared. This kit should contain LED torches, batteries, candles, a car mobile phone charger and some cash.  LED torches are the preferred method to light the home in darkness, however, candles can be used with appropriate caution. Include a list of emergency and important phone numbers are readily at hand. Make sure your family or people you live with are aware of the ‘lights out’ kit and where to find it.

Keep your fridge and freezer closed and minimise opening as this will greatly reduce the length of time items will stay food-safe. If you have advance warning of a power outage, consider lowering the temperature of the fridge so food will stay cold for longer afterwards.

Your mobile phone is likely to be a critical device that will help being fully charged during an outage. Also consider filling up your car's petrol tank as this will help you maintain a charge on your mobile phone or any other devices you that can be powered by the cigarette lighter adaptor or USB.

For a prolonged outage, it's also handy to have a supply of cash on hand in case electronic payment systems are down at local shops.