You never get much warning when a storm is about to hit your suburb… and it’s not uncommon for fallen trees or lightning to cause a blackout for a few hours (or even days!). So, it’s important to be prepared for that random blackout, so you’ve got all the supplies you need to get you through until power returns.
How to be ready for a blackout
Prepare a Blackout Emergency Kit
A Blackout Emergency Kit is a life-saver for a blackout (particularly if the blackout happens in the evening when its dark!). The kit should include items you might need if you lose power or need to leave your home in a hurry.
Useful things to keep in your Blackout Emergency Kit:
- A portable phone charger or portable battery for your phone (make sure it’s always fully charged!)
- Battery-operated light (the camping ones can be great!)
- Lot of spare batteries of all sizes
- Plug-in rechargeable torches
- Gas stove and spare gas canisters to cook
- Camping kettle
- 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)
Be sure to 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:
- If you usually enter and exit your home via a door that needs wifi or electricity, ensure you know how to get into your home another way!
- Make alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
- 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
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.
