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Home>Emergencies> Power Failure

Power Failure

What you need to know when the power goes out unexpectedly

Power outages can occur at any time.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, use generators, outdoor heaters and similar items outdoors only.
Check with local authorities to be sure your water is safe to drink.
In hot weather, stay cool and drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat-related illness.
In cold weather, wear layers of clothing to help keep in body heat.
Avoid downed powerlines. If a powerline falls on a car, you should stay inside the vehicle and wait for help.

What if you have special needs?

If you require an uninterrupted supply of power because you:

Are on life support equipment;
Have a medical condition that requires continuous power supply; or
Have any other special needs;

You should report your needs to your electricity retailer so they can contact you in the event of an outage. Make sure they have your up-to-date contact details.

Food Safety during a Power Failure

Here are some useful tips on how to keep your food safe during a power blackout or download the document below.

Before and After a power failure:

Try to keep cold and frozen food cold. If food is still cold to touch, less than 5°C, it is safe to use.
Once cold or frozen food is no longer cold to touch, 5°C or above, it can be kept and eaten for up to 4 hours and then it must be thrown away or, if it is raw meat, it should be cooked and eaten.
Eat hot food within 4 hours of it being hot or throw it away.
If power is restored when frozen food is still cold to touch, less than 5°C, the food is safe to refreeze.

Things I can do during a power failure:

Move food from the fridge to the freezer.
If available, put bagged ice under food packages and trays stored in freezers and fridges if power failure lasts more than 1 hour.
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.