Power Outage in Brisbane Guide with Preparations & Strategies

Brisbane Power Outages Facts 

In Brisbane, power outages can happen suddenly without warning and cause significant damage. Power outages in Brisbane can occur for many reasons, but the most common causes are lightning and storms. High winds can also cause power outages by downing power lines or causing trees to fall on them.

Electrical faults, equipment failures, cyber-attacks or other unexpected events can cause power outages. The western and northern suburbs, including Bunya, Ferny Grove, Warner and Cashmere, are most affected by Brisbane's recent power outages.

The following are some real-life examples of power outages in Brisbane.

On December 15, 2023, a major storm hit Brisbane. Severe thunderstorms hit Brisbane with wind gusts of 169km/h. Towns south of Brisbane were hit by heavy hail, strong winds and rain, forcing residents to seek shelter. The weather's power outages affected around 20,000 people in south-east Queensland.

On December 24 2023, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology issued a Severe Storm Warning for Queensland. As of 11:45 on the 24th, about 24,000 homes in south Brisbane were without power due to severe weather.

If there is a power outage in Brisbane, you can check its status on the Energex website. Energex's new outage tracking map provides a comprehensive list of outages, their causes and how to track them in real-time. Using this tool, residents can prepare in advance when outages are expected.

How to Report A Power Outage in Brisbane

There are various causes for power outages in your area, including scheduled network maintenance, unforeseen outages caused by severe weather, car accidents, strong winds, hot weather, wildlife, or technological problems. Call the following numbers to report a power outage in Brisbane.

Electricity

In case of fallen power lines

• Brisbane: call Energex on 13 19 62
• All other Queensland areas: call Ergon Energy on 13 16 70

Power Outages

• Brisbane: call Energex on 13 62 62
• All other Queensland areas: call Ergon Energy on 13 22 96

How to Prepare for A Brisbane Power Outage?

Although power providers do their best to maintain electrical equipment, power outages may occur, especially during inclement weather.

You don't want to be stuck in the event of a power outage, so it's best to plan. Also, consider what you can do now to prepare for a power outage. Here are some tips on what to do before a power outage in Brisbane.

Step 1: Pay Attention to Power Outage Info  

It's a good idea to charge your phone, laptop and tablet to make emergency calls or contact loved ones during a severe weather alert or power outage. Try to memorise some emergency phone numbers or write them down and post them in a conspicuous place, such as your electricity supplier, fire department, police department, etc.

Step 2: Prepare for Emergency Kit  

An emergency kit should include flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, candles, nonperishable food, and bottled water. This kit must be kept in a designated area and easily accessible.

Searching for essential items in the dark during a power outage is inconvenient. Prepare a basic first aid and tool pack in case of a power outage.

When the electricity goes out, your first line of defence is an emergency kit. By regularly reviewing and replacing your emergency supplies, you can ensure that they are up to date, in good working shape, and ready for consumption when needed.

Cleaning solutions and hand sanitisers can help you stay healthy and avoid illness. Keep screwdrivers, wrenches, and other tools in your tool kit for power outages and emergency repairs.

Home backup power tools like Jackery Solar Generators should be on standby to offer extra power for a set period. This allows us to meet our backup power and lighting requirements when the electricity goes out. Allows vital devices such as cell phones and Wi-Fi routers to be charged. So, even if the power goes out, we can still use these devices and communicate with each other.  

Step 3: Ensure Security in Your House

No matter how old or new the house is, its weaknesses can become apparent when the power goes out. It's important to carefully check your home to find places that could be damaged during an electricity blackout.

This could include places that are dangerously dark, with no artificial lighting or rooms that depend too much on electric air and get stuffy when the power goes out in the summer. Think about other things outside the house, like trees that could fall on power lines or how close it is to flood zones.

Know where your home's main circuit breaker is and how to turn it off in an emergency. Ensure any outdoor furniture or equipment is securely secured, and move your car to a sheltered location if possible. 

Install surge protectors to protect delicate electronic equipment from power surges when the electricity is back on.  Keep heavy furniture and other things that could fall over in a power outage or other emergencies locked up. Learn the locations of your main gas and water shutoff valves and your circuit breaker.

You can ensure your home is secure and comfortable during a Brisbane power outage by taking the precautions listed here. Recall that you may have the peace of mind you require during power outages with a dependable backup power option like Jackery. 

Step 4: Water & Food Storage

Even city dwellers need to store three days' worth of water, which is more than you think (about 10 litres per person). Water is necessary for many reasons, from irrigation to cooking, disinfection and hygiene. You can also fill a bathtub or cooking pot with water to store large amounts of domestic water.

Check your fridge and freezer with device thermometers to ensure they stay below 40 ºF and 0 ºF for the freezer. This will keep food safe for longer during a power outage. This will help food stay safe longer when the power goes out.

Ensure there is ice, freezer packs, and frozen water in the freezer if the power goes out. This will keep food cold. It is advisable to purchase dry or block ice to maintain the lowest possible temperature in the refrigerator during an extended power outage.

An 18-cubic-foot freezer completely loaded should remain at a low temperature for two days when equipped with 50 pounds of dry ice.

Step 5: Know Your Medications

Talk to your doctor about a plan for when the power goes out for medical devices that use electricity and meds that need to be kept cold. Find out how long medicines can be kept at higher temperatures and get specific advice for any needed medication.

A lot of our gadgets, like CPAP machines, home ventilators, and continuous oxygen monitors, need to be charged with energy. Because of this, preparing your home medical device to keep treating you even if the power goes out is essential.

First, you need to know everything there is to know about your home medical gadget. You must also know the details to get your supplies again and place another order.

After gathering your home medical device's details, examine how a power outage can affect it. Then, you can consider investing in a portable power supply, like Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus and 2000 Plus, to charge your medical devices safely at home.

Jackery Solar Generators for Brisbane Power Outages

The Jackery Solar Generator can be used as a backup power source if the power goes out, making life much easier when you don't have control.    

When there is a power outage, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus will keep you and your family running. Both comprise SolarSaga solar panels and portable power stations from the Explorer series.

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus has an expandable capacity of 1.25-5 kWh battery, which can power 99% of your household appliances.

Besides, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has a battery that can be expanded from 2 kWh to 12 kWh. For this reason, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus and 2000 Plus are better choices for extra power at home.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is the best home backup power supply due to its exceptional output. It can aid in home emergencies and other emergencies. It is the all-in-one solar generator for your life due to its versatility and size.      

Supports up to three additional battery packs, bringing the total capacity to 5kWh and providing 1-3 days of home backup power. A solar generator can power your communication devices, medical equipment, refrigerators, etc., bringing reliability and convenience.  

Stay connected and keep critical devices running with reliable backup power, assuring safety and convenience in an emergency.

The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station, with a 10-year lifespan and a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, provides a consistent voltage and pure sine wave to ensure the safety of all your electrical gadgets. Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Solar Generator 2000 Plus by Jackery significantly enhances the available choices for portable electricity with its exceptional performance. With its substantial capacity and formidable power output, this device can provide electricity for basic home needs. 

Adding battery cells to the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus enhances its capacity from 2 kWh to 12 kWh, leading to a significant transformation in providing backup power for households.

The Explorer 2000 Plus has a maximum power output of 3000W, 30% greater than other 2 kWh models with similar specifications. Also, the Solar Generator 2000 Plus is commonly used, it can achieve a complete charge within 6 hours by utilising six SolarSaga 100W solar panels. The power source achieves self-sufficiency by harnessing solar energy rather than relying on the power grid for charging.

The supplementary battery pack can be recharged using solar panels, offering increased versatility while enhancing charging efficacy and reducing time consumption. Jackery Solar Panels have an impressive solar conversion efficiency of up to 25%, generating more energy during its lifespan.

What to Do During A Brisbane Power Outage?

Even if you prepare before a power outage, there are many things to pay attention to during the power outage. In the event of a sudden blackout, please refer to the following and take action.

Step 1: Confirm The Power Outage Situation

Find out if your home security switch has tripped. From the safety of your own home, look outside your window or contact your neighbours to check whether the outage is just more widespread. If the outage is widespread, visit your local power provider's website for the latest information on outages and when power is expected to be restored.

Step 2: Turn off Appliances

To avoid damage caused by power surges, turn off electrical appliances and equipment, such as televisions and computer equipment.

If you use an electric oven or stove to cook while the power is out, turn it off. Because appliances such as electric ovens or stoves turned back on unattended can pose a hazard when power is restored.

Step 3: Lighting Settings

Turn off all light switches and fixtures except one light so you know when power is restored. If it doesn't come back on while you sleep, turn on the lights in your bedroom so you can wake up and check the safety of the electrical equipment in your home.

Try not to use candles for lighting. Candles can quickly catch fire or cause burns if you accidentally knock them over.

Step 4: Ensure Food Safety

The safety of perishable foods in your refrigerator or freezer after a power outage depends on the duration of the outage and the outside temperature. There are ways to keep food fresher and ensure it's safe when your refrigerator is back in operation.

Keep the refrigerator and freezer door closed and open when necessary. Generally, a closed refrigerator can keep food cold for several hours, depending on the outside temperature.

Putting some ice cubes in the fridge or freezer will keep food colder for longer. If a power outage is expected to last more than two hours, stock up on chilled milk, dairy products, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, medicinal herbs, leftover rice, etc., in a cooler filled with ice. Frozen foods can be packed into another cooler.

Your food will be safe if power is restored within 24 hours and your refrigerator or freezer is full. If your refrigerator has been without power for more than 24 hours, throw away the perishable food.

Step 5: Use Generator Safely

Generators can be extremely helpful lifesavers during a blackout, offering a backup electricity supply to keep homes lit and necessary appliances operating. Nonetheless, their authority entails obligations.

First and foremost, to avoid carbon monoxide buildup inside your home, place generators outside and away from windows. Ensure the generator is distant from possible water sources and on a firm, dry surface.

Use heavy-duty extension cords made especially for outdoor use when connecting equipment. Avoid hooking the generator straight into your house's primary electrical system without a professionally fitted transfer switch, as this can result in potentially hazardous backfeeding. Check the generator's fuel levels frequently, and never add gasoline while operating.

Like Jackery Solar Generator, a solar generator is safer and quieter than gasoline or diesel. Also, the solar generator has enough power to charge essential appliances.

Step 6: Keep Personal Safety

Try to stay home and not go out during power outages. After confirming the power outage, gather your family members to ensure personal safety. If you see downed or hanging power lines or hear loud noises while you're outside, stay away to avoid electrocution.

Power Outage in Brisbane FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the power outages in Brisbane:

1. Can I do anything to prevent the power failure?

While there's no foolproof way to avoid a power outage, the above is one way to ensure you're prepared for the next unexpected (or expected) power outage. Personal safety is the most important thing to remember in an unexpected power outage.

Operating damaged electrical equipment without proper training or safety equipment can result in death. Therefore, if the power cord falls or the electrical box is damaged, please contact the nearest power supply company or the appropriate maintenance department.

2. How long does repairing a broken power line take?

It is difficult to determine the exact time required. However, every effort should be made to ensure personal safety during this time.

The procedure for repairing a broken power line is as follows.

• Protecting and repairing damage to three components: high-voltage transmission lines, substation equipment, and primary distribution lines is a top priority. High-voltage transmission lines provide power to many customers and large areas. Distribution substations and main distribution lines perform essential interconnection and transmission functions in the electrical system.

• Restoring power to critical community facilities, including emergency services and vital community infrastructure such as hospitals, police, ambulances, firefighting, water treatment facilities and pumping stations, is a priority.

• Restore power to the maximum number of customers as quickly as possible, which includes connecting distribution lines to different locations, such as local streets. Then, the distribution transformers are repaired, and finally, the service lines to each household are restored.

3. How do I know my food is safe during a power outage?

For perishable foods, follow the 2- and 4-hour rules for food safety.

• If the blackout lasts less than 2 hours, food can be refrigerated or eaten.
• If the power is out for 2 to 4 hours, food can be eaten, but do not put it back in the refrigerator to continue refrigeration.
• If the blackout lasts more than 4 hours, please discard the food.

Once power is restored, throwing away any food that shows signs of spoilage, especially raw meat, is recommended.

Check for frozen items. If the item freezes hard and there are still ice crystals inside the package, the food may not have spoiled and can remain frozen. Discard frozen foods that have begun to thaw.

Final Thoughts

Sudden power outages are common today. However, the lives of the residents will be significantly affected. Power outages can happen for several reasons, including bad weather, equipment failure, and a poor power transmission system. Whatever the reason, a power outage can cause more trouble in people's lives.

This article explains the power outage in Brisbane and offers some practical advice and tips. Following the steps and tips listed will help you and your family in an emergency. Most importantly, invest in a Jackery Solar Generator as the backup power for your home's electricity.