Blackouts: How to be prepared (and what to do!)

By Rachel Chappell
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February 18, 2019

When storms hit the North Shore, it’s good to know that you’re prepared for a blackout! We’ve put together a list of suggestions from mums (and official sources) about how to be prepared and what to stock up on…

Preparing for a blackout

Pack and store a blackout ’emergency kit’:

An Emergency Kit can help save precious time in an emergency situation and is a must have when preparing for a blackout. It provides items you might need if you lose power or need to leave your home in a hurry. Here are some items recommended by official sites and as well as ideas from mums across the North Shore.

Suggestions for useful things to keep in your kit:

A portable phone charger or portable battery for your phone
Battery-operated lantern or light (with batteries)
More spare batteries!
Plug-in rechargeable torches
Gas stove and spare gas canisters
Camping kettle and / or thermos
Portable radio with spare batteries
First aid kit (with supplies necessary for your household)
Candles and waterproof matches
Non-perishable food and water (two minute noodles, corn thins, water bottles)

On a regular basis, check your emergency kit (remember to check use-by dates on batteries and gloves) and restock items if you need to.

More preparation ahead of time:

Make alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices
If safe, have a plan to travel to an alternate location for heat or cooling
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity
Sign up for local alerts and warning systems and monitor weather reports
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life
Buy batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out
Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration, have enough nonperishable food and water

During a blackout

If you have charge, check the power outages map to see information and whether it’s a scheduled interruption
Check if other lights and electrical equipment are working
Look outside for damage, such as downed powerlines. Stay away from fallen powerlines or trees lying across powerlines
Check if your neighbours have power
Once you have assessed the situation you can report the outage online or call 13 13 88

If a power outage has affected a large area you may hear a pre-recorded message when you call, with an estimation of the time it will take to restore power.

If you have electricity to some parts of your property or if your neighbours have power and you don’t – the problem could be inside your home. Check online or call 13 13 88 in the first instance to check.

Keep freezers and refrigerators CLOSED! The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher
Don’t use gas inside. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home
Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage
Check on your neighbours. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures

After a blackout:

When in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odour, colour or texture.
If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on the refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only

For more info in a blackout, report the outage online or call 13 13 88

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Rachel Chappell

Rachel Chappell is the Founder & Publisher of North Shore Mums, your go-to for advice, support and inspiration for parenting, mumlife, and kids’ events on Sydney’s North Shore. She's a mum of three daughters.

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