Uh-oh, the power has gone out, and you’re left in the dark! However, you don’t need to panic. We understand that it can be confusing to figure out what’s going on when the unexpected happens. That’s why we’ve prepared the following 7-step checklist to help you stay calm and safe while preparing your home as you wait for the power to come back on.

Step 1: Check if the blackout is affecting your home or the whole street.

If the power outage is affecting your whole neighbourhood, a network-wide issue is likely causing it, and SA Power Networks needs to fix it. If it’s just your home, you’ll need to contact an emergency electrician.

You can often tell if the entire power network in your area is down by noticing that the streetlights are off or by asking your neighbours. Stay at least 8 metres away from fallen power lines. Check your phone to see if you’re using mobile data, as your Wi-Fi connection is likely down. Try to remember if the outage happened when you switched on a particular device or appliance in your home.

Step 2: Make a report to SA Power Networks.

Contact SA Power Networks by calling 13 13 66 or visiting the website to report your power outage online. The website features a live Outage Map that shows real-time power outage reports for areas, and you can track your local power restoration online using this feature. You’ll often receive updates via text message as well, so make sure your mobile phone is ready on standby.

Step 3: Inspect your switchboard.

Locate your switchboard and open the door. Before touching anything, check whether you can smell a burning or smoky odour or see sparks around the switches. Do not touch the switchboard in this situation. Instead, we recommend evacuating the area immediately and contacting emergency services on 000.

If the switchboard otherwise looks fine but you notice the safety switch is in the OFF position, you can reset it by flipping it back to the ON position. If it trips again immediately, you may have a faulty appliance or wiring issue, and you should contact a licensed electrician for assistance.

Step 4: Disconnect electronic devices.

Remember to switch off heating and cooling systems, stoves, barbeques, cooktops, ovens, and irons that were in use before the outage, as you may forget they were on much later or even be asleep when the power comes back on.

To avoid damaging your electronic equipment if a power surge occurs once your electricity is restored, we recommend unplugging computers, phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, gaming consoles and other sensitive equipment or devices.

Switch your mobile phone to low power mode and limit its use to optimise the battery life when you don’t have access to a charger.

Step 5: Practice food safety.

Most food will keep for a few hours in the fridge when it isn’t powered on, particularly if you avoid opening it unnecessarily to keep it chilled. Before consuming refrigerated food after an extended outage, make sure it is safe to eat, and discard any spoiled food that has come to room temperature. This includes meat, dairy products, eggs and leftover food.

If you’re using a portable power generator, it must be operated outside and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide buildup in an enclosed space.

Step 6: Maintaining safe lighting.

It can be uncomfortable to sit in the dark for hours. We recommend using torchlights, LED candles and headlamps rather than candles, which can be a fire hazard, especially if you have children or pets.

Step 7: Keeping you and your family healthy.

If you or a family member uses a medical device that requires electricity, we recommend ringing emergency services on 000 for assistance.

For an efficient and reliable blackout response, contact Renelec Electrical Services.

Lights out at home? Don’t worry, because at Renelec, we won’t leave you in the dark for long! Available 24/7 to all suburbs of Adelaide, our team is fully equipped and ready to assist with restoring your electricity supply. We offer honest, practical advice and effective solutions for homes and businesses experiencing supply interruptions, including fault isolation and repairs. Contact us today on 0457 640 265 for all your pressing electrical needs, and we’ll be there ASAP!