Outage preparedness

Did you know sometimes unforeseen events such as storms, high winds, bushfires or traffic accidents can also affect the power supply to your home or business?

Here are some tips to make sure you and your community are prepared

Everyone in your home should know where to find flashlights, a first aid kit, and other emergency supplies.
If you see a fallen power line always assume that it is live, even if it's not sparking, smoking, or making a buzzing sound.
Stay back at least 10 metres (about the length of a bus) from a downed power line and call 000 to report it.

It can be difficult to predict how much damage a storm, high winds or bushfire will cause and how long a power outage will last. Altogether is not an electricity distributor, but we work with our communities to ensure any unplanned outages are communicated efficiently and effectively to all residents.

That's why we encourage all our customers and communities to be prepared for an outage that could last longer than a few hours, potentially even several days. –

Make sure you have a fully stocked emergency kit. This should include the basics such as a flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, water, and food, but also required medications, personal hygiene products, and some cash (in small bills) that can be used in an emergency. –
Check-in regularly with a friend or family member
A freezer that is fully packed will hold food safely for 48 hours. A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours, in most circumstances. –
Never use a portable generator, outdoor or charcoal barbecues indoors, and don't store fuel indoors.
We also recommend turning off any electronics and appliances that may have been running, as well as all lights. This will reduce the strain on the network when power is restored. You can leave one light on; this will help you and restoration crews know when the power is back.

It is also important if you rely on medical equipment to support your day to day life that you tell your retailer immediately and ensure you become a registered life support customer. In these circumstances your retailer will take extra care to notify you during an outage, but you should also take additional precautions yourself, such as…

Having an alternate power supply for your equipment.
Regularly check the back-up battery of your life support equipment so it's fully always charged and ready for use.
Have a plan if you need to relocate, how will you transport your equipment?
How will you contact people if the power goes out?
Who will you call? Keep the number for your doctor, the nearest hospital and someone who can help you in a spot you can find quickly.
Consider what additional measures you may need to take in relation to the current COVID restrictions.

If you want to learn more about the life support registration process, you can visit the Australian Energy Regulator website here.

If you are an Altogether customer and believe you may need to notify us about your medical equipment please read our FAQs on our website or contact us at 1300 803 803.

Your safety is our top priority – for more information about what to do in the event of a power outage if you’re an Altogether customer check out our help centre article ‘What should I do in the event of a power outage?’