Disaster Guides

Blackout Guide

Practical steps to prepare for a power outage, manage safely without mains power and get your household back to normal afterwards.

PrepMates preparedness resource

Printable Guide

Printable Blackout Guide

Save it, print it or keep a copy with your emergency supplies.

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Before

Prepare lighting, backup power, food, water and a household plan.

During

Conserve power, stay informed and use backup equipment safely.

After

Check food, reconnect safely and reset your emergency supplies.

Be Ready

A blackout affects more than the lights.

Power outages can interrupt lighting, internet access, communications, refrigeration, cooking, heating or cooling, electronic payments and other everyday services. Preparing ahead can make even an extended outage much easier for your household to manage.

Plan for anything that depends on electricity.

If someone in your household relies on powered medical equipment, mobility equipment, security systems or powered access, organise an appropriate backup plan before an outage occurs.

01 — Before

Get ready before the power goes out.

Have the basics ready so your household can still see, communicate, eat, drink and access important information without relying on mains electricity.

Prepare backup lighting.

Keep torches, lanterns or other battery-powered lighting somewhere easy to reach in the dark.

Keep torches in known locations
Store spare batteries
Keep a light near beds where practical
Check emergency lighting regularly

Prepare backup power.

Keep portable power banks charged and make sure you have the correct cables for phones and other essential devices.

Charge portable power banks
Keep charging cables together
Know how to conserve phone battery
Consider solar or other off-grid charging options

Think beyond electricity.

Longer outages can affect more than your home power supply.

Keep drinking water available
Store food that does not require cooking
Keep some cash available
Know how powered doors or gates operate manually
Keep essential medications accessible

Have another way to stay informed.

Internet and mobile services may be affected during a wider emergency. A battery, solar or hand-crank radio can provide another way to receive information.

Blackout Preparedness

Prepare for life without mains power.

Start with a dedicated blackout setup for lighting and backup power, or choose a broader emergency kit for longer or more complex disruptions.

Dedicated Blackout Kit

Blackout Bucket

A compact emergency setup designed specifically for power outages, keeping practical blackout supplies together and ready when the lights go out.

View Blackout Bucket

Broader emergency preparedness.

For households wanting supplies that can support blackouts as well as storms, evacuation and other emergencies.

2-Person Emergency Kit

Buddy Emergency Kit

A portable two-person emergency backpack with supplies for power outages, evacuations and other unexpected disruptions.

View Buddy Kit →

Family Emergency Kit

Crew Emergency Kit

A four-person emergency backpack with practical supplies for families preparing for blackouts, severe weather, evacuation and other emergencies.

View Crew Kit →

Large Household Setup

8-Person Mega Emergency Kit

A larger household emergency setup with substantial lighting, backup power, first aid, water, shelter, tools and supporting emergency supplies.

View Mega Kit →

Severe Weather & Blackout Setup

Ultimate Storm Bucket

A four-person emergency setup with lighting, radio, backup power, first aid, water storage and other practical supplies suited to storms, blackouts and service disruptions.

View Storm Bucket →

Build Your Own Setup

Blackout Essentials

Already have some emergency supplies? Add backup power, emergency lighting, radios, first aid, water storage and other practical blackout gear.

Shop Essentials

Shop All Emergency Kits

02 — During

Stay safe and make your backup power last.

Conserve phone power.

Reduce screen brightness, use low-power mode and avoid unnecessary streaming or background activity. Save portable charging capacity for communication and important information.

Keep fridge and freezer doors closed.

Opening refrigeration unnecessarily allows cold air to escape. Keep doors closed as much as possible and check official food safety guidance if the outage continues.

Protect electrical equipment.

Switch off or unplug sensitive appliances where appropriate. Power may return unexpectedly and electrical surges can damage equipment.

Stay informed.

Check your electricity provider and official emergency sources for outage updates. Use a battery, solar or hand-crank radio if normal communications are unavailable.

Use alternative power and cooking equipment safely.

Portable generators, barbecues, camp stoves and other fuel-burning equipment can produce dangerous gases. Never use equipment designed for outdoor use inside your home, garage or other enclosed areas. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and current local safety advice.

03 — After

Reset your home and get ready again.

Power returning does not always mean the disruption is completely over. Take a few minutes to check food, appliances and your emergency supplies.

Check food safety.

Refrigerated and frozen food may no longer be safe after an extended outage. Follow current food-safety guidance and discard food if you are unsure whether it has remained safe.

Reconnect carefully.

Power may be unstable immediately after an outage. Follow local provider advice and reconnect electrical devices carefully where appropriate.

Recharge everything.

Recharge phones, power banks, rechargeable lights and other backup devices as soon as practical so they are ready for another interruption.

Restock what you used.

Replace batteries, food, water, first-aid items or other supplies used during the outage and return your emergency equipment to its normal storage location.

Review what worked.

Think about what your household needed during the blackout. If you ran short of lighting, charging capacity, water, communications or other essentials, update your emergency setup before the next outage.

Quick Reference