Cooking food without power
Fireplace or firepit
Cast iron cookware can be used on fireplaces or firepits to heat water or cook food. Always supervise, use a fire screen and do not keep flammable items nearby
Electric battery stoves
Electric battery stoves are safe to use indoors are ideal if you have backup battery power. They are great for boiling water or cooking small meals. Make sure to check its battery capacity before relying on it for longer outages.
Outdoor barbecues (gas or charcoal)
Only use a barbecue in an open, well-ventilated space. Never use it indoors or in a garage and have water or a fire extinguisher nearby just in case. Always keep it away from walls, fences and overhanging trees.
Portable gas stoves
Portable gas stoves (camping stoves) should only be used outdoors. Using one inside, even in a garage or near an open window, can be very dangerous.
Food safety
Food safety is important during power outages. Avoid opening your fridge or freezer often while the power is off. For more information, visit the Department of Health website.
Staying safe
Electrical equipment
You can protect sensitive electrical and electronic equipment by switching them off and unplugging them at the wall. Switch off stove hotplates, ovens and any other small appliances in case you are not home when the power comes back on. Turn all power points off at the wall during an outage and leave one light on so you know when your power is back on.
If you experience loss or damage related to an unplanned power outage, you may be eligible to claim compensation from us. To understand the process and how claims are assessed, download our compensation factsheet (PDF, 795KB).
Generators
Use generators with extreme caution, they should only power appliances that are directly plugged into them. Don't connect the output to the house switchboard or wiring as this can cause a safety risk. To find out more about generator safety, visit the Energy Safe website.
Choose battery-operated lights
Flameless candles are safer than traditional candles because they are battery operated and can be left unattended. If you use traditional candles, never leave them unattended, especially around pets and children.
Electric gates, doors and garages
Make sure you know how to manually open and close your electric gates, doors and garages so you can leave your property during an outage. Some systems have an override (key or lever) that allow you to manually operate it. Others have a back-up battery that will keep the system working for a short time. Check your user manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions.
Hazards
Stay away from all fallen and damaged powerlines and always assume they are live. Don't swim in floodwaters – live wiring or fallen powerlines may be in or around the water.
Take extra care around your switchboard, particularly if it’s outdoors – wear synthetic or rubber-soled shoes to reduce your chance of electric shock. Don't use damaged or wet appliances. Contact a registered electrical contractor to repair or investigate any electrical hazards.
Staying cool
Clothes to wear and exercise
You can spritz your skin with a spray bottle filled with water and your sheets before you go to sleep. Wear light, loose-fitting clothes in natural materials and avoid strenuous activities like exercise, gardening and renovating.
Cooling your home
Use window coverings to keep the heat out during the day, especially windows facing. If it’s safe to do so, cool your home by opening your windows during the night and early morning when the outside temperature is lower. Move to the coolest room in the home, especially at night. Hang damp towels to cool down the air in the room.
Keeping warm
Clothes to wear
Wearing many layers of clothing is more effective than one thick layer. This helps to trap more heat around your body. Wool is an excellent fabric to keep you warm because it absorbs and removes moisture from your skin. Even if wool gets wet, it still keeps you warm. Sleep with a double layer of blankets to trap heat more effectively. For more tips, visit the Better Health website.
Warming your home
Seal doors and windows to prevent draughts (air) coming in. Read Sustainability Victoria’s guide to draught proofing a home. Rooms with north-facing windows will be warmer during the day. Because heat rises, rooms upstairs will be warmer too. Insulate your floor by laying rugs, mats, towels and blankets.
