Don't rely on your energy supply during a storm

It is recommended that people living in areas widely and regularly impacted by storms have a storm preparedness plan in place at all times. To assist with this, SP AusNet has developed three checklists for helping you to deal with storms - ‘before,' ‘during' and ‘after' a storm.

If you notice any hazards such as fallen powerlines or tree branches on powerlines, it's important to keep a safe distance, and then report the hazard as soon as possible.

Before a storm - View the Before a storm (PDF 216.7KB) checklist in full

• Maintain Private Electric Lines on your property. Residents must take responsibility for ensuring trees are kept well clear of private electric lines on their property and have an appropriately qualified contractor prune vegetation
• Customers who rely on electricity for life support equipment are encouraged to have a plan of action in place to address supply interruptions during storms
• You may wish to turn your fridge to a cooler setting to help keep food fresh in case there is a power outage
• Charge mobile phone batteries in full and have a phone WITH a cord on hand - cordless phone base stations don't work without electricity
• Have a battery-operated radio and spare batteries
• If your garage door is electric, ensure you know how to open it manually
• Consider making the autosave function on your computers more frequent, to ensure important documents aren't lost during a power interruption

During a storm - View the During a storm (PDF 217.9KB) checklist in full

• Stay well away from fallen powerlines - always assume they are live and dangerous and report immediately to SP AusNet's faults line
• Use a torch to find your way around and be careful if using candles
• Don't use any electrical appliances that have been wet or damaged
• Don't use a landline phone during a storm as it is possible to get an electric shock
• If you are without power, turn all power points off at the wall and leave one light switch turned on so you know when the power comes back on

After a storm - View the After a storm (PDF 265.2KB) checklist in full

• If your house or business sustains damage preventing the reconnection of power, you must have a licensed electrical contractor carry out an inspection and repair any electrical damage. Notify SP AusNet's faults line when repairs are complete so power can be restored
• Take extra care around your switchboard if it is outdoors - wear synthetic or rubber-soled shoes to reduce the chance of receiving an electric shock
• Listen to a portable radio for official advice and power restoration information
• Alert neighbours if you think there may be any danger
• Don't connect a portable generator to the electrical wiring of your house or office unless an isolating switch has been permanently installed by a licensed electrical contractor - appliances can be plugged directly into the generator
• Do not to swim in floodwaters - there may be live electrical wiring or fallen powerlines in or around the water
• If you require emergency relief or support contact your local council or the Victoria State Emergency Services