The combination of electricity and water is dangerous. The safety of our people, of the public, and of our network are our priority. We have created a list of 10 important safety tips you should know for flooding and electricity.

1. If your property is at risk of flooding, we recommend that you get a licenced electrician to disconnect your power supply well before the flood is expected to reach your property.
2. Never stand in water and touch powerlines, electrical cables or your meter board; you may experience shock including serious injury or death.
3. Never assume powerlines are not energised; if you see fallen powerlines, you can report them to us 24 hours per day on 13 13 66.
4. Stay at least 150 metres away from powerlines that touch flood water.
5. Do not assume it is safe to work on the electrical wiring at your property when there is a power outage on our network; a licensed electrician should ensure your service fuse has been removed first, or otherwise safely isolated.
6. Even when we restore power to your area when floods recede, be aware your electrical wiring could have been damaged by debris.
7. If travelling by boat, do not attempt to touch wires or go under low powerlines and don’t take boats across fallen powerlines.
8. If you experience shock or tingles in shower, bath or kitchen, report it to us 24/7 on 13 13 66.
9. Do not stay in a building that is inundated with water while the electricity is connected.
10. If you have a portable generator, do not connect it to the switchboard unless a licensed electrician has installed an isolation switch.

More information

For more information about the steps you can take to be safe before, during and after flooding, read our Flood Safety page.