Flood safety
Know how to stay safe from electrical hazards and emergencies after a flood and how to report damage.
Storms and floods can damage the electricity network and interrupt your power supply. They can also create electrical hazards.
Advice for customers leaving a property due to flooding
Should you switch off electricity if you receive an evacuation order?
- If your property is NOT flooded and it is safe to do so, switch off the power points and unplug devices and appliances from the wall.
- In wet weather or if your property is already flooded, DO NOT approach the main switch board. In many cases, this switch is inside a metal enclosure which can be extremely dangerous in flood conditions. In these cases, we recommend you call in an electrician if you are concerned.
- Remove or relocate all portable electrical appliances away from areas that may be impacted by water, particularly those on the ground.
Check for updates
Check the power outage map for updates for your area and report power outages. Call 13 13 88, available 24 hours, to report power outages, emergencies and hazards.
Staying safe during the flood
- Be aware of damage to the electricity network, both above and below ground.
- STOP and STAND BACK. It's tempting to jump in to clean up but tackling trees and storm debris on and around powerlines MUST be left to the professionals. If you see fallen powerlines stay at least 8 meters away and call us on 13 13 88.
- Physical contact with, or even close proximity to, live equipment has the potential to cause an electric shock, which may result in serious injury or death.
Report fallen and damaged poles and wires
- Call 13 13 88, available 24 hours, for power outages, emergencies and hazards, or report online.
- If powerlines have been damaged by floodwater, they can be dangerous. If powerlines are touching the ground or are closer to the ground due to damage or flood heights, it is important to keep well away. Always assume fallen powerlines are live after a flood or storm. Do not approach them or walk under them.
- Beware of underground conduits and pipes, as they may contain live cables.
- Trees that have fallen across powerlines could also be live. Do not try to pull trees or branches clear. It is not safe to lift or move branches entangled in powerlines or to move powerlines themselves.
Report a problem online
Fallen and damaged poles, powerlines and network equipment can be reported online.
Returning home after flooding
Once you have access to your property, we understand you need to get the electricity reconnected as soon as possible to start clean up activities. In some cases, there are multiple steps we need to take before power can be restored.
The process we follow to restoring power to the community after a flood:
Clear away debris
Ausgrid will work with other emergency services to clear debris around the network in order to make repairs.Make the area safe
Our Emergency Service Officers will make the area safe and advise crews on the repairs that are needed.Organise access for equipment and crews
After a flood, it is likely that we will need to repair and replace overhead powerlines in multiple locations across our network. We can only do this when the floods recede and we have access for specialised equipment and crews to work safely.
Repair and rebuild the network
After flooding it make take time to rebuild parts of the network damaged by storms, lightning and flooding. Our crews are out 24/7 across our network and will access areas to make repairs as soon as it is safe to do so.Restoring power to properties
Flood damaged properties will need to be checked by a qualified electrical professional before power can be switched back on. Large electrical equipment located close to the ground, such as air conditioning units and pool pumps, may be damaged by flood waters and should not be switched back on until a professional inspection has taken place.