How to prepare for power outages this summer
<p>Summer has well and truly arrived, and unfortunately, with it comes the increased likelihood of power outages – there’s storms, heatwaves, and fans and air conditioners turned all the way up. But are you prepared if your electricity goes out for a few hours or even days?</p>
<p>Blackouts aren’t exactly avoidable, but you can make plans for when they do happen. Here’s everything you should have organised and what you need to do… just in case.</p>
<p><strong>Before a power outage</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Ensure you have a kit with all the essentials, like a torch, battery-powered radio, batteries, candles, matches or a lighter, plus your <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/insurance/2017/11/the-one-thing-every-home-needs-in-an-emergency/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">go bag</span></strong></a>.</li>
<li>Stock up on long-lasting food and drink supplies, like canned food, bottled water, long-life milk etc.</li>
<li>Invest in a portable charger so you can keep your mobile phone charged in an emergency.</li>
<li>If you have been warned a power outage may occur, fill an esky with ice in case you need to transfer any food from the fridge to keep it cold. Keep in mind a fridge full of food can stay cold up to 4 hours after a blackout (and a freezer up to 48 hours).</li>
<li>If you have an electric garage door, find out how to operate it manually.</li>
<li>Ensure your car is topped up with petrol – you never know when you might need it.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>During a power outage</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Don’t leave your house unless safe to do so, but do check if your neighbours have also lost power.</li>
<li>If possible, report the blackout to your energy provider using your mobile phone.</li>
<li>Do not open your fridge unless necessary – your food will remain colder if you keep the doors shut.</li>
<li>Switch off all power points and unplug any devices and appliances.</li>
<li>If you must leave the house, do not go near any fallen power lines.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>After a power outage</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Sort through your fridge and dispose of any food, drink or medications that may have spoiled.</li>
<li>Restock your emergency supplies for the next blackout.</li>
<li>Contact your energy provider. Customers in certain states may be eligible for compensation if the outage is unplanned.</li>
</ul>
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