Prevent power outages at home Outdoor power supply

Restoring power is usually the responsibility of your local electricity distribution company, who own and maintain the poles and wires bringing power to your home. This guide outlines some simple things you can do at home to help prevent power outages – and to prepare for those rare occasions when power is lost for a long time.

Power outages can occur at any time. To prepare, you should have an energy plan and kit, which includes the following: 1. Important contacts. Complete the list provided in this brochure and keep these numbers somewhere easy to find. 2. Access to a phone. For instance, a charged mobile phone that doesn't rely on electricity to operate. 3.

Place an insulating blanket over cold or frozen food where possible. Only open fridge and freezer doors when absolutely necessary. This will keep the food and air temperature colder for longer. food-safety-during-power-outages or call the Department of Health a on 1300 364 352.

While you can't control when a power outage strikes, you can prepare accordingly. No one can predict with certainty when a power outage will come on—or exactly how long it will be until the lights come back on.

If it's close to freezing during your outage, you'll need to keep a close watch on your home's pipes. Start by setting your faucets to a slow trickle if you still have water access. If your water comes from a well and your pump isn't working, you might want to drain your pipes.

1. Find Out If Nearby Homes Have Power The first step during an outage is to determine whether the outage is specific to just your home or whether your neighbors are also without power. If it's dark outside, you can simply look out your window and assess whether you see any lights on nearby.