Power outage
Think about what you would do if the power was out for days. How would you see, cook, keep warm?
Power cuts could also affect EFTPOS and ATM machines. Have some cash at home, or enough supplies to see you through for three days or more.
Keep away from affected sites
- Don’t attempt to cut or move trees in contact with power lines.
- Call 111 to report this as a risk to life and/or property.
- Report trees down on public land to your local council.
In an emergency
- Make sure everyone in your household knows where the torches and batteries are.
- Have a solar or battery powered radio, so you can keep up with the latest news and alerts.
- Have a stock of food that doesn't need to be cooked (canned is good) or something to cook your food on (gas barbeque or camp stove). Don't forget food for babies and pets.
- If power goes out, eat food from your fridge first, then your freezer. Then eat the food in the cupboard or your emergency kit.
Contact your neighbour
Phone a neighbour and check if they have power. If they do, the fault may be with your property – perhaps a fallen tree. A quick check for obvious problems before phoning the power company could pinpoint the location and save time. Treat all electricity as live and never touch exposed electrical equipment.
Check with your electricity company
Your electricity company’s power outage website will normally have information on the extent of the outage and estimated restorage time.