What is a blackout?

Blackouts (or power outages) occur when the electricity supply to an area or building is cut.

Causes of blackouts

• Most blackouts are caused by the effects storms, or damage to the electricity supply system by motor vehicles. Other likely causes are equipment failures, bushfires and operation of protective equipment.
• During extreme weather conditions, on very very hot days with strong wind conditions when there is a extreme risk of bushfire, ETSA Utilities may shut down sections of their power grid to reduce the potential of bushfires being started by electrical sparks.
• If a home's wiring is found to be unsafe Authorised Officers appointed under the Electricity Act may disconnect supply to the premises as a saftey measure until the usafe wiring is repaired.
• If the electricity account for the property is not paid the retailer may organise for supply to be disconnected until the account is paid.

Likely impact of blackouts

• No electrical item in your house will work, this includes lights, stoves, electric clocks, TVs, computers, video players and radios.
• No power will mean no internet or email and some phones particularly chordless may not operate.
• Most commercial business in the area will be effected the same as households. This may mean shops will have to close, there may also be no EFPOS or Automated Banking Terminals available, it is also possible srvice stations will not be able to pump fuel.
• Communications in general may be difficult with mobile phones not working because of conjestion on the network and failure of the sytem if the power outage lasts for several hours
• Bugular alarms will only continue to operate for the life of their batteries which may be only a few hours.
• Street lights and some traffic lights will not work, increasing safety hazards at night and causing traffic disruption.
• Receiving news broadcasts and bushfire warnings will be impossible unless the household has a battery operated radio or telivision. (and the batteries are in good condition - always have a spare set.)

Warnings

• If power authorities are planning remedial work which will result in a blackout, they usually notify you ahead of time.
• However, most blackouts occur because of a breakdown or accident, so warnings are unlikely.
• Most power authorities will warn householders who live in high fire-risk areas of the potential for blackouts when summer commences. This is because power sometimes has to be cut without, or with minimal warning. Heatwaves may cause blackouts which may last for a number of hours at a time and reoccur over several days.

Emergency action: blackouts

Before

• Blackouts can happen anytime. Be prepared.
• Keep a torch in the kitchen and bedroom and regularly check it to ensure that the batteries are fresh.
• Consider the risk of using candles, which are cheaper. Remember that candles can trigger battery-powered smoke alarms and are a fire risk. Candles are particularly risky to use during a blackout if young children can reach them.
• Store a battery-powered radio and maintain fresh batteries in it. This will be useful to monitor news bulletins and bushfire warnings in the event of a blackout.
• If people live in a bushfire prone area or are dependent on electricity for emergency medical equipment then they should consider the installation of a back up generator.
• People in bushfire areas should also seek advise on the installation of alternative watersupply sytems for both potable and fire fighting water particularly if they are reliant on tank or bore water.
• If there are infants, infirm or elderly people in the household plans need to be developed to ensure that in the event of a power failure alternative heating and cooling systems are available. Alternative means of cooking or heating foods also need to be considered.

During

• If a blackout occurs first check your home's elcectricity switchboard to ensure no fuses have blown or circuit breakers have operated. If there is no evidence of this contact:

ETSA UTILITIES
Power Failures and Emergencies
Telephone 13 13 66

• A refrigerator will keep food cold longer if you do not open the door. Resist the temptation to open it and check the contents. This particularly applies to the freezer.
• If the weather is hot, keep young children and the frail elderly inside the house and take the usual precautions as you would during a heatwave.
• Remember that although the water supply will not be affected, if your home has an electric hot water system, supply of hot water will diminish if you keep using it. The water will simply go cold. Consider this if you anticipate a long wait before the blackout ends. If water supply is from tanks or bore then alternatives to the normal electical pressure pump should be investigated.
• Garage electric roller doors will not work during a blackout; however, there is usually a facility to manually open them. To find out, read the manufacturer's instructions.
• If driving during an evening when there is a blackout, be aware that the risk of an accident is higher when street lights and traffic lights do not work. Take extra care.
• At the office: don't use the lifts. If you are in a lift which has stopped because of a blackout, follow the emergency procedures advice. There is often a telephone inside the lift for this purpose.

After

• Check that electrical appliances such as stoves and heaters are switch of as there is a significant risk of fire when electricity supply is restored. if these are left unattended
• Make sure that all taps are switch off if you use an electrical pressure pump. This may prevent flooding if supply is restored and the room is left unattended.
• If the blackout has lasted for a long time, food in the freezer may have started thawing. Consider whether to save it or dispose of it.