No power Kāore he hiko
What would you do if the power was out for days? How will you see, cook, keep warm?
Power cuts could affect EFTPOS and ATM machines, so make sure you have some cash at home, or enough supplies to see you through three days or more.
Light up
Your emergency supplies don’t have to be in a kit, but you might have to find them in the dark. Make sure everyone knows where the torches and batteries are.
Work out what supplies you need
Stay tuned in
Have a solar or battery powered radio so you can keep up with the latest news and alerts. Know which radio stations to tune in to for information during an emergency.
Stock up
Have a stock of food that doesn’t need to be cooked (canned is good) or something to cook your food on (gas barbecue or camp stove). Don’t forget food for babies and pets.
Fridge first
If the power goes out, eat the food from your fridge first, then your freezer. Then eat the food in the cupboard or your emergency kit.
Plan for your medical needs
If you rely on power for medical reasons, contact your power company to register as a medically dependent consumer. Your power supply cannot be guaranteed in an emergency. Your power company can help you put an emergency response plan in place so you know what to do if the power goes out.
Ask your life-sustaining equipment providers/suppliers how to get support from them in an emergency.
Talk to your neighbours
Talk to your neighbours about what they’ll do if the power is out. You might find they have a gas barbecue and you have enough food and water to share (or the other way round).
If you or someone at home relies on electricity to prevent serious harm to health, let you power company know. They must help you get registered as a medically dependent consumer.
Learn how you can prepare for power cuts if you rely on electricity for medical reasons on the Electricity Authority's website.
Talk about the impacts
Understanding the impacts of an emergency can help you get through. Have a chat with the people in your household and work out what you’ll do in these situations.
