How to prepare for extreme weather
This short video includes practical steps that make preparation easier, helping you stay in control when severe weather hits.
Have you got a home emergency kit ready?
A home emergency kit is designed to help keep you and your family safe while we work to get the power back on. Make sure everyone knows where it is kept and that the kit includes:
A torch
Know where your spare batteries are too.
Power banks or portable battery packs
Make sure they are charged!
A portable radio
Listen out for updates from your local radio station.
Spare cash
To use in shops if card machines are down.
A first aid kit
Keep this topped up with essentials you might need in an emergency.
Warm clothing
Or extra blankets for cold nights.
Could an extended power outage catch you off guard?
If extreme weather damages key parts of the electricity network, power may be out for several days. This short video shows you how you can prepare for extended power outages.
Prepare your home for extended power outages
- Keep phones, laptops and power banks charged, especially if you see extreme weather warnings for your area.
- Store non-perishable food items like canned food in your pantry. Remember to prepare for everyone in your household, including dietary requirements, baby formula and pet food.
- Keeping frozen bottles of water in your freezer can help keep food cold for longer and provide drinking water.
- Portable BBQs and camp stoves are good backups if you rely on electric appliances for cooking.
- Know how to operate electric garage doors, gates and water pumps manually.
- Keep 3-7 days of medication on hand. If it needs refrigeration, plan how to keep it cool without power.
- Share your power outage plan with family and friends.
- Use surge protectors for sensitive electrical equipment like computers, TVs and sound systems.
How do you keep life support equipment powered?
If you use electricity powered life support equipment, this short video shows why registering as a life support customer and having a clear backup plan are essential to your extreme weather preparation.
Need more help?
The Power Outage Plan website has step-by-step guides and checklists to help you plan. Download or print the template to create your own personalised plan today. Keep it somewhere safe and easy to find. Remember to update your plan and check your emergency kit regularly.
Checking and reporting power outages
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Look out the window and check your street
Are the streetlights out or do your neighbours have power? If you have power to some parts of your home, or your neighbours have power but you don’t, the problem might be inside your home.
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Check your phone for an Ausgrid message
When Ausgrid are aware of a power outage on our network we send a power outage SMS notification to the primary account holder (the person named on the bill) within 15 minutes. We will also send you a message to update you on changes to the restore time, and to notify you that power has been restored.
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Check and report outages or damage.
Check our outage map to see if there’s a known outage in your area. If you’re without power and it’s not showing on our outage map, you can report it here. If you see damaged poles or wires on your street, report this hazard to Ausgrid here, or call 13 13 88. Stay at least 8 metres away from any dangerous situations.
How climate resilient is your home?
Climate change means extreme weather is becoming more common, making long power outages more likely. Learn what makes a home climate resilient, and what that means for you.