Bushfires pose a very real threat to lives and property in South Australia. It’s everyone’s responsibility to be prepared.
Bushfires are a serious risk in South Australia and can threaten lives, property and essential services. They can also affect the electricity network, either through fire damage or safety measures we put in place during high-risk conditions. This means power may go out during bushfire weather, even if a fire isn’t nearby.
Being prepared before bushfire danger days is the best way to stay safe. That includes having both a Bushfire Survival Plan and a Power Outage Plan so you know what to do if conditions change.
Be ready with a Bushfire Survival Plan and Power Outage Plan
Bushfires and extreme weather can affect power at any time. Having both a Power Outage Plan and a Bushfire Survival Plan means you and those you live with know what to do — especially on Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger days.
Creating your Power Outage Plan
As part of getting ready for bushfire season, it’s important to think about how you’ll manage if the power goes out. Download the following checklists and plans to help you prepare — so you can stay safe, informed and ready, whatever the weather brings.
Setup your bushfire survival plan
Be prepared this bushfire season by setting up your Bushfire Survival Plan. Here are some key steps to help you prepare:
- Clear vegetation: Trim trees and shrubs around your property and clear gutters to reduce fuel loads and the risk of fire spread.
- Back-up power supply: If you rely on an electric water pump or other powered equipment, have a generator or backup ready and test it before fire danger days.
- Electric gates and roller doors: Learn how to switch them to manual so you can get in or out safely if the power goes out.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Include battery-powered torches, a radio, charged power banks, food, water and first-aid supplies so you can manage without power.
- Stay informed: Sign up for outage notifications and keep a battery-powered radio handy to stay updated if power or mobile networks go down.
Visit the CFS website for guidance on creating or updating your 5 Minute Bushfire Plan — and make sure it covers what you’ll do if the power is out.
How we prepare the network for bushfire risk
We work year-round to reduce the risk of bushfires starting from electrical infrastructure and to keep communities safe during high-risk weather conditions. Our bushfire safety program includes:
- Managing vegetation and keeping trees clear of powerlines
- Inspecting and maintaining poles, wires and equipment, particularly in bushfire-risk areas
- Upgrading and replacing network equipment to improve safety and reliability
- Working closely with the CFS, SES and other emergency services during fire danger season
- Applying Bushfire Protection Settings on high-risk fire days
Why is the power turned off on days of extreme fire danger?
Cutting off power to high fire risk areas reduces the change of a bushfire starting, particularly if a tree branch or flying debris comes into contact with our powerlines. We do everything we can in the lead up to summer to minimise the risk, and would only switch off power in extreme situations to protect lives and property. Any decision to turn off power is made in consultation with the Country Fire Service.
Learn how we do this by watching our bushfire danger explained video.
Before, during and after a bushfire – electrical safety
Bushfires can cause damage to the electricity network and private electrical equipment. Knowing what to do at each stage can help keep you and your family safe.
Before a bushfire
- Leave early if you plan to evacuate — fires can move quickly, and fallen or sagging powerlines can make travel unsafe.
- If you plan to stay, be aware you may lose power even if your home isn’t directly affected by the fire.
- Check your Bushfire Survival Plan and Power Outage Plan.
- Know where your local safe evacuation points are.
- Make sure your emergency kit includes essentials like torches, radios, spare batteries, and phone chargers.
During a bushfire
- Stay well clear of powerlines and electrical equipment — at least 25 metres away.
- Avoid areas where powerlines are sagging or damaged due to heat and wind.
- Treat all fallen or low-hanging powerlines as live and dangerous.
- Report hazards immediately on 13 13 66 or call 000 if life-threatening.
- Never approach or touch anything in contact with powerlines.
After a bushfire
Only return home when emergency services advise it is safe to do so. Bushfires can damage poles, wires and electrical equipment — both on the network and on private property — so take care when returning to your property.
- Do not reconnect power yourself. Contact a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring, meter box and appliances before switching anything back on.
- If water, smoke or fire damage has affected your home, wait until a professional confirms it’s safe.
- If you have solar panels, contact your installer or a licensed electrician to check panels and wiring before restarting the system.
- Stay away from fallen or damaged powerlines and anything in contact with them. Report hazards to 13 13 66 (or 000 in an emergency).
Stay informed
During bushfires and power outages, staying connected is vital:
- Listen to ABC Local Radio for emergency broadcasts
- Visit cfs.sa.gov.au for fire updates
- Check the Outage Map for interruptions
- Sign up for free SMS outage alerts
- Follow SA Power Networks on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) for updates