Don't be in the dark.
Know what to do.
Don’t be in the dark about the fact that you need a Power Outage Plan.
About
With severe and unpredictable weather like heatwaves, storms, bushfires and cyclones on the rise, your power could be out for longer, and more often. Your power company will be working to get the power back on, but it’s important that you know what to do. Everything you need to get started is right here.
Imagine this.
One moment the lights are on; the next they’re not. The power is out unexpectedly, and you’re in the dark without knowing how long it will last.
Will you know what to do in that moment? Especially when extreme weather means the power could be out for much longer.
There are many important things to consider, but that’s hard to do when you’re already in the dark. It can be scary and overwhelming.
That’s why everyone needs to prepare when the lights are on, and it’s easy to do.
It’s as easy as:
Check. Plan. Do.
Check
the ‘Power Outage Checklist’ to shine a light on the things you need to think about.
Plan
ahead by having the right conversations in your household and completing your ‘Power Outage Plan’ together.
Do
So you’ll know what to do.
No one wants an unplanned power outage; but when it happens, everyone wants to know what to do.
Will you stay in the dark, or will you know what to do?
My Power Outage Checklist
Start your thinking here
This simple checklist helps you think through what you need to include in your Power Outage Plan.
There are six areas to consider:
1.
People
Have you talked with the people around you?
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- Make sure a member of your household is responsible for overseeing your Power Outage Plan.
- Practise the actions in your plan. For example, where to find torches or how to open the electric garage door.
- Think about the people you’ll want to check on in a power outage to see if they’re okay. (People who are vulnerable, family, friends, neighbours, pets.)
- If you live alone, let someone know your plan so they can check on you.
2.
Essentials
Have you thought about everything you’ll need?
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Make sure you have non-perishable food and drinking water at home.
TIP! Don’t forget your pets. -
Keep a three-day supply of any essential medications.
TIP! Do you use critical medical equipment at home? Check out Life Support Power Outage Plan - Ensure you have enough fuel or electric charge for your car (especially when there are severe weather warnings).
3.
Communication
How will you communicate and receive information?
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- Keep your mobile phone charged and have a back-up power source.
- If the internet and phone lines go down, you might need a battery-powered, or hand-crank radio so you can stay updated on weather conditions and emergency information.
- Talk to people in your local community and broader network about staying in contact during a power outage.
4.
Light
Have you thought about how you’ll see in the dark?
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Make sure you have flashlights/torches or battery powered lights/lanterns.
TIP! Avoid using candles (they’re a fire risk). - Have extra batteries.
- Be sure to place your back-up lights in an easy-to-access place in case you have to find them in the dark.
5.
Comfort
How will you stay comfortable?
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- Think about how you’ll stay warm or cool without power (for example, keep your blinds or curtains closed).
- Have easy access to extra blankets and warm clothing.
- Think about different ways to cook food and boil water when the power goes out (like a camp stove or gas BBQ).
6.
Surroundings
How will you keep your surroundings safe? (Your home, property, transport.)
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- Know any manual overrides for entry and exit to your property (like garage doors and/or property gates and doors).
- Prepare an evacuation plan, including your transportation.
- Think about how you’ll preserve any food you have in your fridge and freezer.
My Power Outage Plan
My plan, my way
Let’s get this done.
Download ‘My Power Outage Plan.’
Then, if the power goes out, your plan will light the way while your power company works hard to get the power back on for you.
Where to go for more information
Information during power outages in your area
Energy companies in your state or territory can update you on power outages. Visit their websites or call them, see details below.
Queensland
New South Wales
Sydney’s Greater West, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, the Illawarra and South Coast residents contact Endeavour Energy
Victoria
Southern suburb and Mornington Peninsula residents contact United Energy Distribution
Outer-northern and eastern suburb and eastern Victoria residents contact AusNet Services
South Australia
For most residents in South Australia, contact SA Power Networks 24/7
For people in very remote communities, power may be supplied via your local council or similar agency; check your electricity bill or with someone in your local community if you are not sure.
Tasmania
Western Australia
Northern Territory
For all residents of the Northern Territory, contact Power and Water Corporation
Tune your radio to stay connected
1. Search
Visit reception.abc.net.au to find your local radio frequency.
2. Write it down
Write it down, e.g. ABC Pilbara 603 AM — and stick it to the battery-powered radio in your emergency survival kit.
3. Tune your car radio
You can also tune the frequency to one of your car radio preset stations.
Visit 'how to listen to abc radio in an emergency' for instructions.
Share
Share your ideas on social media!
Help others to be prepared in an unplanned power outage.
Use these hashtags
#PowerOutagePlan #CheckPlanDo #KnowWhatToDo
Share
This initiative is supported by The Energy Charter. The Power Outage Plan was co-developed in consultation with our Customer + Community Outcomes Group, made up of customer representatives and energy businesses through the #BetterTogether Community Resilience initiative, see here for a full list of members.
The Energy Charter is a collaboration platform that brings together community and consumer representatives with energy businesses to help put people at the centre of the energy system.
Our industry collaborators AusNet and Endeavour Energy are leading this initiative, with Ausgrid, Essential Energy and SA Power Networks collaborating.