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Don’t Get Left In The Dark: Aussies Urged To Check Emergency Kits

Don’t Get Left In The Dark: Aussies Urged To Check Emergency Kits

Objects useful in emergency situations such as a mobile phone, torch and food

Storm season is already making its presence felt across Australia, with severe weather events causing widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes.

Recent severe storms across southeast Queensland and Tropical Cyclone Fina have left families without power, serving as a stark reminder that extreme weather can strike with little warning. But it's not too late to get your emergency preparedness kit together.

With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting above-average temperatures, increased extreme heat events, and heightened risks of heatwaves and tropical cyclones this summer, now is the time for families across the country to ensure their emergency supplies are ready to go.

Why batteries are your emergency lifeline

When severe weather hits, many families are caught unprepared. Batteries might not seem like a priority until you're in the dark without power, trying to get updates on the emergency or charge your phone to contact loved ones.

The reality is that in an emergency, you need reliable power sources that don't depend on the grid. That's where battery stations become essential.

Emergency services recommend every household be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours during a major weather event or natural disaster.

Portable power solutions for every situation

Battery World recommends every household invest in a portable power solution or battery back-up system to keep essentials running when the grid goes down.

Portable power station options are perfect for running multiple appliances at once, including a small camping fridge or freezer – ideal for transferring perishable food like meat during a power outage.

The beauty of portable power setups like EcoFlow is they're not just for emergencies. Use your system for camping, road trips, or even when you're out at the beach and want to charge your phone or speaker.

Multiple power options for extended outages

For those sheltering at home during extended power outages, preparation is key. When you're stuck at home without electricity, having multiple power options becomes crucial.

Battery World offers solar-powered generator systems that can keep essential devices running – particularly important for anyone who relies on medical equipment.

Keep critical equipment running

For households with critical equipment or those working from home, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system provides instant backup power to run essential medical equipment like CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, or medication refrigeration.

A UPS can also keep your home's internet router, computer and communication devices running during brief power interruptions, ensuring you stay connected to emergency services and can continue monitoring weather updates online.

The advantage of a UPS is that it kicks in automatically the moment power drops out – there's no gap, no resetting equipment, and no lost data. When you're in the middle of an emergency situation, that seamless transition can make all the difference.

Don’t forget your car battery

Battery World urges residents to conduct a car battery check as part of their emergency preparations – especially if a quick evacuation is needed. Your car battery needs to be in good condition so you can evacuate safely if required.

These checks are quick and easy, and available at any Battery World store nationally.

Battery World's Emergency Kit Battery Checklist

Essential powered items:

  • Waterproof torch with spare batteries (AA/AAA)
  • Portable battery-operated AM/FM radio with spare batteries
  • Portable phone chargers and cables
  • Extra batteries (variety of sizes)
  • Portable battery bank/power bank
  • Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for critical equipment
  • Solar-powered generator (optional but recommended)
  • Lithium jump pack for vehicles

Food & water:

  • Water for three days (10 litres per person)
  • Non-perishable food for three days
  • Can opener, cutlery and plates

Medical & personal items:

  • First aid kit
  • Medications and prescriptions
  • Warm protective clothing and sturdy shoes
  • Gloves
  • Toiletries (toilet paper, sanitiser, face masks, toothpaste, soap, baby nappies)

Important documents:

  • Emergency phone numbers
  • Passports and identification
  • Cash
  • Insurance papers and property deeds
  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • Photographs and keepsakes
  • Store documents in sealed plastic bags or keep digital copies on USB/secure cloud storage

Pet supplies:

  • Food and water
  • Toys
  • Bedding
  • Medication

Battery World recommends checking emergency kits annually and replacing batteries before they expire.