Ready together for a safe summer
Extreme heat, storms, fires and other weather conditions can sometimes affect electricity supply. That's why we're preparing our electricity network and response teams for the months ahead. You can prepare too with our practical steps to help your household or business stay safe, informed and connected if the power goes out.
Be prepared for if the power goes out
Watch this short video for simple steps to help you prepare for a power outage and make sure you have the essentials ready to go.
Make a plan. Pack the essentials. Stay connected.
A little preparation can make a big difference during an outage. Make a plan, have the essentials ready and know how you’ll stay connected and informed if the power goes out.
Make a household outage plan
Talk with your household about what you’ll do if the power goes out, including how you’ll stay connected and support anyone who may need extra help. Check on family, friends or neighbours who may need additional support.
Prepare for essential needs and stay connected
Keep essential supplies ready, devices charged and a backup plan in place for medical or life support needs. Plan ahead for how you’ll stay connected and manage essential equipment during an outage.
Prepare and stay informed during an extended outage
If an outage lasts longer than expected, conserve essential supplies and stay informed with the latest outage and emergency updates. Check the Power Outage Map regularly and keep your electricity retailer contact details up to date.
Download our Outage Kit Checklist
Keep this handy checklist in an easy to access spot to help you plan for a power outage
Summer weather can change fast
Summer can bring extreme heat, storms, fires and other weather conditions that may affect electricity supply.
The long-range forecast for this summer from The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) suggests a heightened risk of heatwaves, bushfire conditions and volatile storm activity. It is always sensible to check current weather warnings and forecasts, and follow advice from emergency services. Preparing early can help you know what to do if the power goes out, and stay safe and connected during periods of extended outage.
The long-range forecast for this summer from The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) suggests a heightened risk of heatwaves, bushfire conditions and volatile storm activity. It is always sensible to check current weather warnings and forecasts, and follow advice from emergency services. Preparing early can help you know what to do if the power goes out, and stay safe and connected during periods of extended outage.
Do you rely on life support equipment?
If you or someone in your household relies on electricity-powered life support or medical equipment:
- Register with Jemena or your electricity retailer.
- Keep your contact details up to date.
- Have a backup plan for planned and unexpected outages.
- Plan for any medication or medical equipment that requires refrigeration.
- If someone's health or safety is at immediate risk, call 000. Don't wait for power to be restored.
Register now
Know what to do during a power outage
Watch this short video to help you stay safe and informed during severe weather and outages, and know what to do when the power returns.
Stay safe during severe weather
Stay indoors, avoid electrical hazards, keep essential devices charged and follow emergency services advice.
If the power goes out
Check outage updates, use torches, keep fridge and freezer doors closed, and follow your outage plan.
When power is restored
Wait before turning appliances back on, switch them on gradually and check essential equipment and food.
Stay away from electrical hazards
Always stay safe around powerlines and treat fallen powerlines and anything touching them as live and dangerous.
• Stay at least eight metres away.
• Keep other people, children and pets clear.
• Do not touch anything in contact with a powerline.
• Report the hazard to Jemena immediately on 131 626.
• Call 000 if there is immediate danger.
• Stay at least eight metres away.
• Keep other people, children and pets clear.
• Do not touch anything in contact with a powerline.
• Report the hazard to Jemena immediately on 131 626.
• Call 000 if there is immediate danger.
How we prepare and respond
As your electricity distributor, we own and maintain the poles, wires and underground cables that deliver electricity to homes and businesses in your local area, every day.
When severe weather is forecast, we prepare our network, crews and response teams. If the network is damaged, our first priority is to make the area safe. We then assess the damage, complete repairs and restore power as safely and quickly as possible.
During major weather events, repairs may take longer if there are multiple faults, widespread damage, unsafe conditions or limited access. Restoration estimates may also change as our crews assess the damage.
When severe weather is forecast, we prepare our network, crews and response teams. If the network is damaged, our first priority is to make the area safe. We then assess the damage, complete repairs and restore power as safely and quickly as possible.
During major weather events, repairs may take longer if there are multiple faults, widespread damage, unsafe conditions or limited access. Restoration estimates may also change as our crews assess the damage.
