Storm safety

Storm safety tips

Storms can damage the electricity network and interrupt your power supply. They can also cause considerable damage and create electrical hazards. If you see fallen powerlines after a storm never approach them - stay at least 8 metres or 2 car lengths away and call us on 13 13 88.

Be prepared for a storm

  • tidy up loose items like garden furniture and building materials that could become missiles in strong winds and cause damage to property or powerlines. 
  • identify and prune trees that could come down in a storm. DO NOT attempt to trim trees near powerlines yourself. Always use a qualified contractor to trim branches on your property. You can also report potentially dangerous trees on your street here
  • keep a battery-operated torch and radio handy with spare batteries nearby.
  • keep your house weatherproof. Replace broken roof tiles, keep gutters clean and fix leaks to ensure water cannot access electrical systems or appliances.
  • know the location of your fuse box or mains switch and make sure it’s covered to prevent water damage.
  • Download our guide 'Be Prepared for a Storm'. Translations: Traditional Chinese | Simplified Chinese | Vietnamese | Arabic

During a storm

  • stay away from fallen wires or anything touching them
  • report any fallen powerlines, trees in contact with powerlines, fires or property damage to your local electricity distributor as soon as possible. For Ausgrid call 13 13 88.
  • unplug sensitive appliances such as computers, video recorders and televisions.
  • don’t use a landline telephone during an electrical storm.
  • check your phone, or listen to the radio for weather updates

After a storm

  • watch out for fallen powerlines, particularly those hidden in trees or other storm debris.
  • always assume fallen powerlines are “live”, don’t approach them, warn others to do the same and call Ausgrid on 13 13 88.
  • don’t swim in flooded creeks and drains as they could hide fallen powerlines.
  • check ausgrid.com.au/poweroutages for power restoration updates

Translations

Our guide ' Be prepared for a Storm' is also available in the following languages:

Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Vietnamese
Arabic