Guide, Australia

Blackout kit for Australian homes

How we wrote this: researched from the public sources listed at the end of the page. General information, not medical or legal advice. Last checked 2 November 2026.

A power cut in summer heat or a winter storm is the most common emergency most Australian households will face. Distributors like AusNet Services publish their own outage kit lists, and they line up neatly into three jobs: stay comfortable, stay connected, stay prepared.

Stay connected: radio and charging

AusNet's list starts with fully charged power banks with the right cables, and battery torches and radios with spare batteries. The ABC is the emergency broadcaster in many areas, and a battery or crank radio keeps you on its local station when the phone network is busy.

Light that does not need a candle

A rechargeable lantern for the lounge and a torch by each bed covers most homes. USB-C rechargeable lights can be topped up from the same power bank.

Stay comfortable and prepared

From the AusNet list, keep these with the lights and radio:

A first aid kit, blankets and essential medicines.
Non perishable snacks, a manual can opener, bottled water, and dry food for pets.
Cash, in case card machines and ATMs are down.
Written steps for opening an electric gate or garage door by hand.
Printed phone numbers for your distributor, your doctor, family and friends.

If anyone at home relies on powered medical equipment, register with your electricity retailer as a life support customer and keep that plan current, as AusNet advises. Ask the treating provider about backup power.

The one box answer

The Power outage kit packs a solar and crank radio, a 50,000 mAh power bank, two USB-C lanterns and a rechargeable torch. The Power, light and water filter drop adds a water filter and two filter straws.

Get the free 72-Hour Family Plan to write down who does what, and watch warnings near home on the Situation screen. For radios in depth, read the emergency radio guide.

FAQ

What goes in a blackout kit? Charged power banks and cables, torches and a radio with spare batteries, a first aid kit, medicines, snacks, water, cash and printed phone numbers. That is the AusNet Services outage kit list.

How do I hear emergency updates without power? A battery, solar or crank radio tuned to your local ABC station.

Do I need to tell anyone about medical equipment? Register with your retailer as a life support customer and keep your plan up to date.