How can I best prepare for an outage at home?
It pays to be prepared in case your power goes off. In the case of a large weather event, you could be without power for longer than usual. Here are some reminders of how you can be prepared in case you lose power.
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Keep your mobile phone charged and consider having a spare battery or mobile power pack.
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Have a torch and spare batteries handy.
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Store cooking fuel, such as gas for your BBQ.
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Consider using a surge protection device to protect appliances such as the TV or computer from power interruption.
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Water pumps in rural areas may not work when the power is off. To prepare, make sure you store emergency water supplies for drinking and washing.
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Check that your house security alarm has battery backup in an outage.
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Make sure you know how to open any gates or garage doors manually.
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Ensure you have a supply of food and provisions in case you find your property isolated.
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If it’s safe to do so, check your gutters and drains, and ahead of forecasted bad weather secure any large outdoor items, like trampolines, and move any loose outdoor equipment or furniture inside.
- If you use medical equipment that relies on electricity you should let your retailer know and ensure you are prepared for power outages. If there is an immediate health threat, contact your health provider or call 111.
Manage a business or a community? See how you can prepare here.
If you see a downed power line or damaged equipment, don’t touch it – stay at least 8 metres away and call 111.