Don't be in the dark.
Know what to do.
When the power goes out, be prepared.
About
As extreme weather like heatwaves, storms, bushfires, and cyclones increase, power outages may be more frequent and last longer. Your power company will work to restore it, but it’s important to know what to do.
Everything you need to get started is right here.
Imagine the lights suddenly going out, leaving you in the dark with no idea how long the power will be out.
With extreme weather, outages could be longer and more often. Planning ahead is essential. It’s easier to plan ahead when the lights are on.
This website is here to help you.
Follow these steps
Check.
Start by using the Power Outage Checklist to think about your preparation.
View checklist section
Plan.
Then, complete the Power Outage Plan for more detailed steps on how to be ready when the power goes out.
View plan section
Do.
My Power Outage Checklist
Start your thinking here
This checklist is the first step in planning for a power outage. You don’t need to write anything down; it’s just a list to help you think about what to do.
It will guide you in creating a more detailed Power Outage Plan later.
It covers six key areas to think about:
1.
People
Talk with the people around you.
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- Assign someone in the household to oversee your Power Outage Plan.
- Practise key actions e.g. opening the electric garage door manually.
- Identify people to check on during a power outage e.g. neighbours who are vulnerable.
- If you live alone, share your plan with someone who can check on you.
2.
Essentials
Think about what you’ll need.
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Have 3 to 7 days' of non-perishable food and drinking water at home.
TIP! Don’t forget pets.
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Keep 3 to 7 days’ supply of any essential medications.
TIP! Do you use medical equipment at home?
Visit the Life Support Power Outage Plan website to get prepared.
- Keep your car fuelled or charged, especially during severe weather warnings.
3.
Communication
Consider communication and 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 about staying in contact during a power outage.
4.
Light
Plan how you'll see in the dark.
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Keep torches or battery-powered lights and extra batteries.
TIP! Remember candles can be a fire risk. - Store lights in an easy-to-find spot.
5.
Comfort
Keep your household comfortable.
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- Plan how to stay warm or cool without power (e.g. close blinds/curtains).
- Keep extra blankets, warm clothing and/or portable fans nearby.
- Have alternative cooking methods (e.g. camp stove, gas BBQ).
6.
Surroundings
Keep your home and transport safe.
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- Know any manual overrides for entry and exit to your property (like garage doors and/or property gates and doors).
- Think about evacuation including transportation.
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Think about how you’ll preserve any food you have in your fridge and freezer.
For tips on food safety during power outages visit the Department of Health website
My Power Outage Plan
My plan, my way
1. Download
Download the Word or PDF file to fill out on your computer or print a hard copy and fill it out by hand.
2. Create your plan
On computer
Once you’ve filled out your plan on your computer, make sure to save the file and email it to others who can help.
By hand
Print the PDF and fill out your plan. Once completed, don’t forget to leave it in an easy-to-find location.
3. Email
You can also email a blank Plan to someone else for them to complete.
More information
Where to go for more information during power outages in your area
Find your energy company below to get updates on power outages. Visit their websites or call them.
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
Supporters
Proudly supported by the Australian Medical Association
The Consumer Health Forum of Australia supports power outage planning for safety and wellbeing, especially for those using medical equipment in the home.
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.