Planning for no power at home

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If you have the option of using a gas BBQ/camping stove, consider storing a spare gas canister in case the unplanned outage is due to an event such as an earthquake, which could see power out for several days.
In rural areas, when the power is off, your water pump might not work. To ensure you have adequate supplies, be prepared by storing emergency water supplies for drinking and washing.
Store a sealed plastic box full of food that doesn’t need to be cooked or refrigerated (such as crackers, preserves, and chocolate).
Depending on the time of year, keep blankets and sleeping bags handy in case you are left without a heat source.
If you don’t have access to water in a power outage, keep a bottle of sanitiser handy for bathroom and food handling needs.

Keep torches and spare batteries in a place that’s easy to access.
Visit your local hardware or camping/outdoor store for long-lasting emergency candles. Store the candles and a full box of matches in a place that’s easy to find in the dark.
Also be prepared with battery-operated lighting in case your power goes out at night.

To protect household electrical appliances, such as a computer or TV, consider using a surge protection device to protect the appliances from power interruption.
If you have electric doors on your garage or live in an electronically gated area, make sure you know how to manually override it.
If you have a house alarm, make sure you have a backup battery supply during an outage. Check with your house alarm provider for more information.
Make sure you have enough mobile data for internet use (if applicable).
Keep a first aid kit stocked and handy.
Consider if you need a generator. Ask a local registered electrician for advice if you are not sure what size generator you need.

Here are some useful fact sheets and information for planning for an outage.

This fact sheet is designed to inform you about using generators safely in the event of a power outage.

Download our checklist for hints and tips to create a no-power plan for your home.