Across nearly 150 T20 matches in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Adelaide Strikers all-rounder Jemma Barsby has some impressive cricket stats to her name. The 30-year-old also has the rare ability to bowl both left and right-handed.

But it’s her courage and ability to stare down multiple sclerosis (MS) that’s arguably her biggest achievement so far. We chat with Jemma to learn more about her battle and her special cause, Whack MS for 6.

How long since your diagnosis and how has it impacted your cricket career?

I was 19 when the doctor told me I had MS, so it’s been about 11 years now. I have my good and bad days, and on the bad ones I’m in bed most of the day with extreme fatigue.

During cricket season, we might be playing and training for more than 20 hours a week. Add to that the hectic travel schedules and it can be pretty draining. So far, my MS hasn’t meant missing any games though, and I count myself lucky I can still play professional cricket and do the other things I love. I have to say, the support I’ve received from the cricketing world since my diagnosis has been incredible.

Tell us about Whack MS for 6

It all started when my manager met Dr Steven Petratos from Monash University, who’s a global leader in MS research. We’d already been doing some MS fundraising, but when Dr Petratos told us about a promising new drug called Dioprotectome, it kickstarted our foundation, Whack MS for 6.

The current drugs help people living with MS to manage their symptoms and delay the progress of the disease. Dioprotectome is different because it has the potential to halt or perhaps even reverse MS by repairing nerve fibre damage among other things.

Through Whack MS for 6, we’re aiming to raise $6 million to help get the drug to the human trial stage and then hopefully approval and manufacture. It’d be pretty special if we can play a part in helping more than 33,000 Aussies living with MS.

What do you find rewarding about your charity work?

I love talking to people and hearing their stories. In the past, I’ve tended to hide from it a bit because it’s an invisible disease and if you looked at me you wouldn’t know I had it. I’ve mainly focused on just getting on with things, but over time, I’ve become better at communicating how I’m feeling and helping educate others about MS along the way.

As both a person living with MS and a professional athlete, I can use my voice to start conversations and raise awareness and break down the stigma. Unfortunately, not all workplaces are as understanding as mine and some people face additional issues.

I love helping other people and the more I do it, the more rewarding it is. Sometimes people reach out to me and say, “I’ve just been diagnosed, and your story’s inspirational.” You don’t always think of that during your own struggles, but when you hear it, it makes you reflect not just on your own path but on others’ as well. Cricket’s a big part of my life and being able to use it to raise money and help people is amazing.

How can people help?

You can donate online directly to Whack MS for 6 to help us reach our fundraising goal. We really appreciate your support.

Reaching out to people you know who are living with MS can also make their day. Don’t be afraid to ask them how they’re going and if there’s anything you can do to help them. Just asking how they are can lead to deeper conversations and a better understanding of what they’re going through.

Some people find it hard to bring up the topic, but from a personal perspective, it’s wonderful to chat with caring people who have a genuine concern about your wellbeing.

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Preparing your home for winter can go a long way to keeping you toasty day and night – and maybe a lower power bill too. Here are five ways to prep your home for winter.

1. Swap out the summer bedding

Good sleep is vital to our health and wellbeing, so it pays to get your sleep environment right. In winter, that means staying warm without overheating, to prevent disrupting a good night’s rest.

That thin quilt, doona, duvet – whatever’s your preferred term – might cut it in February, but it won’t fit the bill when the mercury dips closer to zero. You can buy a huge range of quilts (that’s what this author calls them) in materials including wool, cotton, bamboo and goose down. Check the GSM (grams per square metre) rating – the higher the number, the warmer the quilt. A GSM of 500 or more is a solid winter choice.

As with dressing for the cold, layers give you options. Combine your comfy quilt with flannelette, cotton or linen sheets and a removable blanket until you find your ideal setup. An electric blanket is also worth considering because it heats your bed rather than the whole room, making it cheaper than running a heater. Just remember to switch it off before you drift off to sleep.

2. Check your smoke alarms

Colder weather means you’re using heating appliances and fireplaces more often, so now’s the time to check your battery powered and hard-wired smoke alarms. Vacuum them to remove sensor-blocking dust, change the battery, then press and hold the test button for five to ten seconds. No loud siren means the alarm’s expired or faulty and needs replacing. If the alarm is at least ten years old, install a new one, as sensors lose sensitivity over time. Get a qualified professional to help you if you’re unsure how to install a fire alarm.

For fireplace owners, have the chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional before first use, as creosote build-up can create a fire hazard. Check the damper opens and closes properly and look for any cracks in the flue. It’s also worth stocking up on firewood early and storing it somewhere dry. Demand for wood picks up quickly once the cold sets in, and so do wait times.

3. Clear your gutters

Despite being Australia’s driest state, SA gets its share of heavy downpours. Clogged gutters, downpipes and drains can overflow and cause internal water damage, so clear out any autumn debris, or hire a professional to do it for you.

While you’re outside, trim any tree branches that could come down in high winds and check exterior timbers for cracking or rot. Barbecues, outdoor furniture and anything else you’d rather keep dry should be moved undercover where they’re less likely to take a battering.

4. Wake up your heating from its long nap

Like a car, your heater needs regular servicing to perform at its best. Before winter arrives, have your heater professionally serviced to ensure filters are clean and it’s running efficiently. If you have a gas heater, have a qualified gasfitter inspect the appliance to make sure it’s working effectively and there aren’t any carbon monoxide leaks.

If you have ceiling fans, see if they have a winter mode and switch them over. This’ll help keep the warm air closer to the floor where you need it most and will also help cut your energy bills by increasing your heater’s efficiency.

5. Say goodbye to draughts

Draughts are prolific heat thieves, making your heater have to work harder – hello higher power bills. Look for gaps around windows, doors, skirting boards or anywhere else the cold air could be coming in the house. A candle can help here. If it flickers, you’ve probably found a draught. Reseal gaps with a caulking gun or attach self-adhesive weather seals around window frames to help block draughts. A door sweep with a rubber guard is one way to reduce the amount of air rushing under the doors from outside.

Inside, use door snakes or rolled-up towels to block cold air from unheated rooms. Consider rugs and carpets to cover gaps in the floorboards and ventilation covers that help stop warm air escaping through vents and exhaust fans.

Get some trusted help

Don’t want to do it yourself? RAA Trade Assist can connect you with qualified tradies for gutter cleaning, roof checks, smoke alarm installations, painting, air-con servicing, general maintenance and more.

The post Winter’s coming; is your home ready? appeared first on samove.com.au.

Each month, sa move brings you our pick of SA events that everyone should have on their calendar.

May 2026

Dusky autumnal days giving way to long, starry nights can only mean one thing: May has arrived. But that’s no excuse to stay indoors. In fact, it’s the perfect time to check out this great lineup of events happening across SA this month.

1. South Australia’s History Festival

When: 1–31 May
Where: Various locations

An oldie but a goodie. South Australia’s History Festival shakes off the dust to take you on a month-long voyage into the archives of SA’s past.

Discover the people, stories and vehicles behind the 1970/80s-era ambulances at the free St John Ambulance Museum. Be front and centre at the start line as Old Crock’s Run – now in its 92nd year – kicks off with a Roaring Start on Hutt Street. Or join author Gavin Farmer as he shares insights about The Days of Chrysler and the Cars of the Rising Sun. With hundreds of events across the state, there’s a chapter of SA’s bygone days to suit any interest.

2. Adelaide Hills Garden Affair

When: 3 May
When: Stangate House and Gardens, Adelaide Hills

Calling all green thumbs and budding enthusiasts! An event for the love of gardening, the biennial Adelaide Hills Garden Affair really is the pick of the bunch.

Set against the backdrop of autumn colour the Adelaide Hills is renowned for, you’ll find over 60 stalls, speakers, demonstrations and children’s activities celebrating the joys, art, science and history of gardening. Watch as your little one’s inspiration grows wild, getting their hands dirty learning about bugs, bees and seedlings and hear how to future proof your garden against climate extremes from ABC radio’s horticulturalist Sophie Thomson. You can even take home the perfect potted plants your garden has been waiting for.

3. Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond

When: 8–17 May
Where: Various locations

Rain or shine, it’s a fine time to dine. Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond (pictured at top) returns to serve up South Australia’s best, from award-winning wine tastings to cooking workshops and sumptuous long lunches.

Discover a new level of indulgence aboard Tasting Australia by Train as it unfolds over four days between Darwin and Adelaide. Celebrate some of the prestigious Adelaide University alumni winemakers with free tastings at the National Wine Centre’s Meet the Maker afternoon. Or stretch your appetite with a five-course dinner, The River’s Bounty, featuring the quality meats, fish and fresh produce of the Murraylands. It’s sure to leave you with a lot on your plate, in the best possible way.

4. Chasing the Sun Golf Tournament

When: 14–23 May
Where: Nullarbor Links, Ceduna to Kalgoorlie

Part golf tournament, mostly epic road trip, this is a journey that’ll take adventure seekers from SA’s outback across state lines chasing glory – and golf balls. Tee off and try your best at Nullarbor Links’ one-of-a-kind Chasing the Sun Golf Tournament.

Play on the world’s longest golf course; an 18-hole par 72 course spanning 1365km with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway. Along the way, look out for majestic whales along the spectacular Nullarbor coastline, shuck an oyster or 12 at Ceduna and discover the historic remains of crash-landed NASA Skylab space station.

5. Clare Valley Gourmet Festival

When: 15–18 May
Where: Various locations in the Clare Valley

The road to gourmet is lined with award-winning wine and mouthwatering flavours, leading straight to the Clare Valley Gourmet Festival. With claims to fame as Australia’s longest running wine and food festival, Clare Valley comes alive with a jampacked four-day program.

Don your double denim, devour your tiger prawns and tiramisu then hit the dancefloor at Eldredge Wines’ 90s party. Earn your tastes and tipples as you hike the trail with Walk, Wine and Dine or, for a touch of elegance, savour a vertical tasting of Jim Barry’s flagship wines. RAA members are in for a tasty treat with exclusive savings on curated Gourmet Bus Trails itineraries, as well as shuttles and transfers on both the Saturday and Sunday during the festival. You can also try your luck to win one of six festival packages – but be quick, entries close 29 April.

6. Adelaide Thunderbirds Member Recognition Round

When: 17 May
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Better follow the three-second rule – you don’t want to pass up the chance to see these superstars in action. The Adelaide Thunderbirds – who are celebrating 30 years of netball history this year – are defending the court and chasing success this season, which wraps up on Sunday 31 May.  

Cheer on the team as they confront Melbourne Mavericks at the RAA member recognition round on Sunday 17 May. Enter exclusive game day experiences, access hospitality ticket discounts and game day giveaways. Can’t make it to the member round? RAA members can save 10 per cent on Gold and Silver tickets for home games all season.

The post Events around South Australia in 2026 appeared first on samove.com.au.

American statesman Benjamin Franklin once wrote that death and taxes were the only two certainties in life. If he were still with us, he’d probably add a third – electricity bills.

We can’t help with the first two, but you can save energy and money with these 20 tips.

1. Switch off

Switch off unused appliances at the wall. They’re secretly using energy, even in standby mode, so unplug appliances such as TVs, microwaves and gaming consoles when they’re not being used.

2. Upgrade your pump

If you have a pool, upgrade to a more energy-efficient pump, particularly if it’s getting a bit old. Look for one with dual, multi or variable speeds and run it outside of peak hours if possible.

3. Cold wash

Most laundry detergents work just as well – if not better – in cold water. Wash your clothes on the cold setting where possible; as a bonus, you’re less likely to shrink them or dull their colours.

4. Shorter showers

Hot water is a big energy hog, so try to limit your showers to four minutes and install low-flow shower heads. With some models, you wouldn’t even know they’re low flow.

5. Solar savings

If your bills are soaring, consider whether a rooftop solar system (with or without battery) is right for your circumstances. RAA provides free quotes and members can save 10 per cent.

6. Don’t overboil

Don’t overfill the kettle before you boil water. Only add the amount you need; and if you’re making a nice cuppa for one, don’t fill the kettle past the minimum level indicator.

7. Energy ratings

When buying a new appliance, choose one with the highest number of stars on its Energy Rating Label. The more stars an appliance has, the more energy efficient it is compared to similar products.

8. Dryer limits

Drying your clothes in the open air is free (and quick in summer), so avoid overusing your dryer. Try to limit the dryer to items you need quickly or that take longer to dry, such as bedding and towels.

9. Seal the gaps

Keep the hot air out in summer and the warm air inside in winter by stopping draughts. Seal gaps around doors, skirting boards, floors and windows and use door snakes where you can.

10. Thermostat tweaks

Heating and cooling contribute about 40 per cent to your electricity bill. In summer, set the thermostat between 23C and 26C and in winter between 18C and 20C. Each degree either way can increase your bill by about 15 per cent.

11. Rug up inside

When it’s cold, reach for a jumper instead of the heater’s on switch. Dress warmer inside and you can turn the heating down or off. At night, use thicker bedding instead of having the heater on while you sleep.

12. Dishwasher demeanour

Run your dishwasher with a full load. See if eco-mode will wash the dishes to your satisfaction or let them air dry with the door slightly ajar.

13. Fridge efficiency

Buy a suitably sized fridge for your space and needs. For maximum efficiency, it needs a gap around the sides, back and top of between 5cm and 8cm and should be about 80 per cent full. Ditch the drinks fridge if you don’t need it – it’s probably costing you a small fortune to run.

14. Tariff timing

If your electricity contract has a time-of-use tariff, use energy outside peak times. It’s typically cheaper to run appliances, like your washing machine or dishwasher, during the shoulder (10am to 4pm) and off-peak (12am to 6am) periods.

15. Close them up

Use your curtains and blinds to keep heat out, or in. In summer, up to 30 per cent of unwanted heat can enter through windows, so your air-conditioner will have to work harder to keep the house cool.

16. Insulation ideas

Insulation in your roof and walls helps keep in the heat in winter and out in summer and generally has a 15 to 20-year life span. Have someone inspect your insulation thoroughly and replace any that’s wet, dirty, dusty or compressed.

17. Meal methods

Avoid using the oven where possible, especially if you’re cooking something small. Microwaves, air fryers and slow cookers are a considerably more energy-efficient way to cook or reheat your meal.

18. LED logic

Install light emitting diode (LED) bulbs or downlights. They use about 75 per cent less energy than halogen light bulbs and last much longer.

19. Fan philosophies

Ceiling and pedestal fans can cost peanuts to run and may be enough to cool you down. You can also use them with your air-conditioner to make it work more efficiently.

20. Shop around

Don’t assume your current energy contract is the best you’ll find. In 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that 79 per cent of residential customers could be paying less for their electricity. So, jump online or pick up the phone to shop around.

The post Power savers appeared first on samove.com.au.

Art is everywhere, whether it’s a vibrant mural on a wall or an oil painting in a gallery. It can even be sculptures doubling as bike racks or shiny silver spheres in a mall. These are the stories of some of the people who’ve created street art here in SA.

A connection to country

“I love being able to paint and honour people, to show how they’ve dedicated their whole lives to their own practice,” says Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Arrernte artist Thomas Readett.

We’re standing on East Terrace at Tandanya at Thomas’ mural of well-known Indigenous actor David Gulpilil. The mural was commissioned by ABCG Film in collaboration with Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute. Thomas says he wanted to show David’s journey from the start of his career to the end.

“The portrait on the left is from his first movie, and the landscape next to it is Yolngu Country, which is at the top end of the Northern Territory – that’s where he’s from,” Thomas says.

“I’ve then used a horizon line to connect it to the Riverland on the other side, and the landscape on the right is Murray Bridge on Ngarrindjeri Country, which is my country and where David lived for the last part of his life.

“I think it’s nice to think about the journey in terms of the Country, the scale of where [David] started and finished, and also the scale of his career.”

Thomas has completed dozens of murals across South Australia, collaborating with communities to create art that reflects the local area. While painting, Thomas enjoys interacting with the public and discussing what the art means to him.

“I do a lot of lived experience stuff as well about mental health, and take inspiration from lots of different things.”

Benches creating changes

The humble bench is a place to sit, relax and rest one’s weary legs. It’s even where you can sit and have a chat. But with a bit of paint, creativity and plenty of talent, they can become an object for change and awareness.

South Australian street artist Leah Grant has turned several benches across Adelaide into art to help promote respect, equality and safety for women in our community. The artwork was part of a project on the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women in 2022.

Leah partnered with women from Catherine House, a not-for-profit that provides crisis accommodation and support services to women experiencing homelessness. The project also involved students from Sturt Street Community School.

“I really loved this project because I had ladies from Catherine House talking and painting with me… it was really interesting and educational,” Leah says.

“We talked to school kids about what symbol they’d like to put on the bench to show what love and safety means to them.”

Five benches on Sturt Street were painted in various colours and included messages of hope and butterflies – the symbol for the day.

“I think we need to talk about [violence against women] more, but it’s one of those things where we have to protect the privacy of these women, so their stories aren’t always shared,” Leah says.

“So how do we also raise awareness without jeopardising their safety?

“Having these benches in a public space shows the power of art. Even when we were installing them, people were stopping and asking questions, so that helps raise awareness.”

The little mural town

In 2016, Kapunda, on the outer reaches of the Barossa Valley, had a problem. Like a lot of smaller regional towns across South Australia, many of the main street shopfronts were empty.

A group of concerned locals came together and formed the Kapunda Mural Town Project committee. They started to research how they could use art and murals to encourage visitors and increase business in Kapunda. Then, they started painting.

Kapunda Mural Town Project and Silo Art Committee Chairperson Maxine Donald says the murals depict the town.

“A lot of the art relates to the history of the town, because we have a very rich history in mining, particularly copper,” Maxine says. “While most of it is historically based art, there are also decorative murals.”

A mural on the local post office was the first to be painted and was nominated for the Australian Street Art Awards.

There are currently 14 pieces of art scattered around the town’s main street, and visitors can use a map available from the local visitor centre to follow a Kapunda mural trail.

“A lot of visitors have started coming to look at the murals,” Maxine says. “We’ve seen an influx of people coming up for the day from Adelaide because we’re only an hour from the CBD.

“There aren’t so many empty shops, and there’s been an increase in development and housing, that’s not just due to the murals but the art has improved morale in the town.”

In 2024, the committee started its biggest project yet – painting the town’s decommissioned silos.

A little more than a year later, the 30-metre-high silos were painted by renowned street artist Sam Bates, also known as Smug.

Depicting the town’s copper mining history, the mural features a miner standing in a tunnel with a candle attached to his helmet.

Maxine says there was a huge response from the town.

“It was such a community effort, and because we kept the concept under wraps, people watched it evolve,” Maxine says. “But once it was finished the response was positive and everyone was rapt.”

The post Behind the art: SA artists uncovered appeared first on samove.com.au.

Is there a community cause you care about? RAA’s Grassroots Giving program is now receiving applications.

Since 2019, Grassroots Giving has supported communities across South Australia. In 2025, disadvantaged South Australian children and babies, and orphaned kangaroos were just some of the recipients who benefited from the annual grants program.

And, in 2023 RAA focused on helping communities rebuild after the summer floods, with eight groups in the Riverland receiving funding.

Key areas where RAA looks to support local community groups include helping disadvantaged and/or vulnerable South Australians, assisting youth development, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and reconciliation activities, reducing inequalities in the community, innovation, and environmental sustainability.

RAA Grassroots Giving funding pool has been boosted to $150,000 by the new Community Impact Fund. Applications close 6 April 2026, and each successful applicant will be awarded up to $5000 in funding.

The post Giving back in 2026 appeared first on samove.com.au.

Like all living organisms, ants play a role in our ecosystems. But they belong outside – not scurrying around the kitchen sink or setting up camp in the bathroom.

SA has several species of space-invading ants, including the black house ant, the ghost ant and the coastal brown ant.

Ants aren’t just annoying; they can contaminate your food and even start electrical fires. But you can take steps to prevent them from coming into your house or booting them out if they’ve made themselves at home.

Ants not welcome here

Common to all ants is their ongoing need for water and food, especially sugary and fatty foods. Leave traces of their favourite foods and they might start marching into your house and putting down chemical trails so their mates can join the party.

First, the kitchen. Keep the floors and benches crumb-free and clean up spills immediately. Try lemon and vinegar sprays as they’re natural deterrents and help break up the chemical trails.

Put sweet items, such as sugar, honey and maple syrup, and fatty foods, such as peanut butter (an ant favourite) in an airtight container. Place fried foods, nuts, and meat in the fridge to protect them from ants. Empty your rubbish bin regularly and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink.

If you feed your dog or cat inside, only give them an amount of food they’ll eat in one go, and if it’s outside, keep the feed bowl well away from the house. If your pet has leftovers (no such thing if you own a golden retriever), surround the feed bowl with a moat to help prevent ants from accessing it.

Get plugging

According to Complete Pest Control, ants can enter your home via cracks and crevices, especially during the warmer months. They can also establish nests in the ceiling or wall cavities before long.

Try to follow the ant trails to see where they’re entering your house. Check doors, windows, walls and any other gaps where they could be or are getting in and seal them. Silicone is ideal for smaller gaps but if you find bigger entry points, you may be able to use an expanding polyurethane spray foam.

Ants are attracted to damp areas, so repair any leaking taps or pipes. They can also nest in mulch and woodpiles so keep them away from your house’s foundations. Another trick is to keep tree branches and shrubs trimmed and at least 30cm from the house – any closer and tree-based ants can build a bridge to gain access.

Eradicate the ‘ten-ants’

When all else fails, it’s time to pull out the big guns. The only way to get rid of ants permanently is to destroy the nest and, depending on the infestation’s severity, a do-it-yourself solution is worth a try first.

You’ll find a variety of ant baits and treatments at your local hardware store or nursery, so try a few to see which works best. Dust and spray-based treatments can be applied directly to the nest; spraying windows and doors with insect sprays can also be done to prevent ants from entering the house. Granular, liquid and gel-based baits attract ants with the aim of destroying the queen and larvae.

If you’re looking for a home remedy, mixing borax with sugar and water to create a paste can be effective. The ants will take the mixture back to the nest and the borax will kill them. If you find the nest outside, pouring boiling water into it can help, but it may only be a temporary solution.

If you’re still having trouble with ant infestations, it may be best to call a pest control company to assess your property and provide a targeted solution.

The post 3 ways to an ant-free home appeared first on samove.com.au.

Oh, no, the power’s out. No heating or cooling, no Wi-Fi (the horror) and only candles to light the darkness. What about all the food in the fridge and freezer?

Along with the inconvenience, blackouts create health risks because fridge and freezer temperatures slowly rise. Bacteria and other nasties can start to grow and the risk of food poisoning increases. To improve your chances of staying healthy, follow these important steps.

Check the time

When the power goes out, note the time and record how long the outage lasts. The Australian Institute of Food Safety says your food will remain safe in the fridge during an outage for about two hours. If the outage lasts four hours or longer, you’ll need to throw out certain foods, but more on that later.

Generally, the following rules apply.

• If the power was out for less than two hours, you can use or refrigerate the food immediately.
• Between two hours and four hours, use the food immediately but don’t refrigerate.
• If the power was out for more than four hours, you must throw the food out.

If you’re unsure how long the blackout lasted, throwing out the food is the safest option.

During the outage

These tips will help preserve the food in your fridge and freezer while the power’s out.

• Avoid opening your fridge and freezer doors to help the appliance stay colder.
• If there’s space in the freezer, stock it with food from the fridge after two hours.
• If your freezer’s full, use a sealed esky filled with evenly placed ice bricks or frozen gel packs.
• If practical, take your food to a relative or friend and store it in their fridge or freezer.
• If you’re using an electric stove when the power goes out, throw out any partially cooked food if cooking can’t be completed within two hours; if the food was already properly cooked, either eat it within two hours or throw it out.

After the blackout

Thank goodness, the power’s back on. Now that you’re back in the 21^st century, it’s time to carefully check the food items in your fridge and freezer.

Fridge

• Throw out any food – particularly raw meat – that shows any signs of spoilage, such as discolouration, a slimy texture or putrid odours, regardless of the length of the blackout.
• Discard potentially hazardous food that’s been in the fridge for four hours or longer. This includes raw and cooked meats, dairy, poultry, seafood, creamy dressings, dips, soft cheeses, leftovers and processed meats, such as ham.
• Refrigerated items such as hard cheeses, salted butter, ketchup, mustard, fruits and vegetables are usually safe to use – regardless of the blackout time – but always err on the side of caution
• Never taste food to check whether it’s safe to eat.

Freezer

Frozen food in a full, properly sealed freezer at minus 15 degrees Celsius or below can keep for up to 48 hours. That time reduces to 24 hours if the freezer is only half full. 

• If the items in your freezer are still frozen hard and have ice crystals on the inside of the packaging, you can refreeze them.
• If any frozen food has signs of freezer burn from being thawed and then refrozen, discard the item.

Planned outage

If an extended outage is scheduled for your area, plan ahead.

• If possible, store your food with friends or relatives before the outage begins.
• Avoid buying food – or consume any that you already have – that needs freezing or refrigeration until your power is back on.
• Set your fridge and freezer to their coldest settings but remove fruit and vegetables from the fridge first to avoid spoilage.
• Have ice bricks or large blocks of ice in the freezer ready to use.
• Put appropriate items from your fridge into the freezer for later use.

Remember, if in doubt throw it out. It might seem wasteful but it’s better than making yourself or others sick.

Note: This article is a guide only. You’ll find plenty more information at SA Health or the Food Safety Information Council.

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