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.
- 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: Simplified Chinese, Traditional 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 Ausgrid online at ausgrid.com.au/hazards or by calling 13 13 88 (24hrs).
- Prioritise going indoors. When indoors, stay towards the middle of the building you’re in and stay away from windows.
- Lightning can travel through electrical systems. Unplug sensitive appliances such as computers, video recorders and televisions.
- 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.
- for updates on power outages in your area check ausgrid.com.au/poweroutages.
In life threatening situations or in an emergency, call 000.
Translations
Our guide ' Be prepared for a Storm' is available in the following languages: