What To Do During Power Outages

Powerful storms have hit the Australian east coast and bushfires in the outback have cut power to thousands of residents this Christmas and Boxing Day. (2023)

Queenslanders are now facing several days without electricity amid a widespread heatwave, while outages continue to impact on residents up and down the New South Wales coast lines. We are also residents of Queensland and have felt these heatwaves and summer storms. We know that more stormy weather on it's way, so we would like to share some tips on what to do and how to stay safe and comfortable during a power outage.

JUST LIKE A CAMPING TRIP

Some Aussie kids really enjoy power outages, it's almost like a camping trip but at home. This is an easy way to get prepared, what would you pack on a camping trip? Batteries, torches, canned food, radio, clean water, matches, lighters etc. Think of this as an emergency kit — ABC Emergency has a full list of what it should contain — starting with a battery-powered radio, LED-battery-powered and waterproof torches (strap a glow-in-the-dark sticker/tape on items to see them in the dark) and a first-aid kit.

TIP: We also recommend having cash on hand, if you need food, water or petrol a power outage will cut off wifi, eftpos and atm machines.

According to government water agency Queensland Urban Utilities, gathering water containers to last you at least three days is also a major essential.

DURING A BLACK OUT

When a power outage hits, it is important to unplug sensitive electrical appliances such as televisions, fridges and computer equipment and make sure electric ovens and stovetops are all turned off, this can help prevent issues with your equipment. 

TIP: A great way to spread light throughout a room is to strap a headlamp or LED torch to a translucent container of water. Another way that was used a long time ago was candles near a mirror.

HOW LONG WILL FOOD KEEP FRESH

Food can last up to four hours in the fridge before it can start to spoil and 48 hours in a freezer, according to the Australian Institute of Food Safety.

Australia's national science agency, the CSIRO, points out that any goods nearing their use by date (like deli meats and dairy products) are more susceptible to the growth of food-poisoning bacteria than things like fruit and vegetables, which survive warmer temperatures.

If in doubt, throw it out, the CSIRO recommends.

TIP: We like to have chicken stock, rice and canned good in our cupboards as well as a little veggie patch growing in the backyard with a few chickens for eggs.

HOW TO KEEP COOL DURING A BLACKOUT IN SUMMER

When you power goes out you will have no access to cooling systems and fans. Something else to consider is that a power outage during a heatwave can exacerbate dangerous conditions, especially for children, elderly and pregnant women.

TIP:

• Think back to that camping trip and consider low-cost items like battery-powered fans, wet cloths, sponges and spray bottles for use on the body.
• Consider using the little shell pools from Bunnings for the kids or even a blow-up pool to sit in.
• Hose down your tin roof.
• Sit in the shade of a tree and keep hydrated.
• We close our blinds and curtains during the heat of the day and moving into the coolest part of your home and limiting physical activity
• put your feet in cool water
• Keep in mind to wear light, loose-fitting clothing with good materials such as linen and cotton.
• Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty (cucumber and watermelon are also very hydrating, if you have them in your fridge or garden then use them.

These are some easy ways to keep cool in a blackout or a hot summer's day.

Elderly people, pregnant women, babies and children are particularly susceptible to the heat, so keep an eye out for signs of heat stress. More information on what to look out for and how to stay cool can be found on the ABC website.

We hope we have helped you in some way to prepare for power outages this summer.

Keep cool and keep safe.

JNL SPARKS ELECTRICAL