Severe Weather
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7 Tips for Summer Storm Safety View
There are a number of simple steps home owners can take to protect personal safety, preserve electrical equipment, and deal with potential damage to the home’s electrical system.
Follow the checklist below to help get yourself and your property ready ahead of storm season.
#1 – Put safety first
Don’t attempt do-it-yourself repairs if your property suffers storm damage, including your home’s electrical system and any electrical appliances affected. Call a qualified electrical contractor to help.#2 – Protect the system.
Ask an electrician about having lightning protection installed in your switchboard to protect all appliances. A small investment in surge protection could save you thousands of dollars to replace electrical items.#3 – Go offline before the storm.
Unplug all sensitive appliances, such as computers and TVs, and disconnect the telephone and TV antenna before the storm arrives.#4 – Don’t connect during the storm.
Don’t use equipment directly connected to electricity, including the stove, during a severe storm.#5 – Be wary of wires.
Don’t go outside to check the damage before an electrician arrives, especially during a storm, as fallen power lines are easily concealed and can be deadly.#6 – Call an electrician before your energy distributor.
If the wires have been torn down in a black out, most houses will require internal repairs before the power can be reconnected. In those cases, you need to contact an electrician before the distributor is called out, as your electricity distributor will be unable to assist until the wiring is fixed.#7 – Be confident in your contractor.
If you suffer storm damage, Master Electricians Australia can connect you with a local electrical contractor. Call 1300 889 198 or use the online electrician booking system and an accredited electrician will provide urgent assistance -
What To Do During A Flood View
If your property is in danger of flooding it is essential you take precautions to avoid the risk of electrocution.
The three key precautions to keep in mind are:
- Ensure the main switch has been turned off
- Ensure appliances are unplugged and removed from power outlets
- Contact an electrician to check for damage prior to restoring the electricity.
Appliance safety
Ensure any appliances are clear of any electrical faults to avoid any further loss or damage. A wet toaster or a damp hairdryer can give an electric shock or spark a fire so make sure all electrical appliances are declared 100 percent safe before they are plugged back in. These kinds of checks should be routine during flood clean-ups.
A Master Electrician will be able to accurately assess any electrical risks in your home, including testing household appliances for electrical faults or water damage.
Power lines
Take care for fallen or damaged power lines. Fallen power lines are very dangerous and can be especially hard to see at night and when hidden in trees or other flood debris. Always assume fallen power lines are ‘live’, keep away and warn others to do the same. Report fallen power lines and trees or branches in contact with power lines to your electricity provider.
Safety switches
Have a Master Electrician test your safety switches, and if you don’t have one, your Master Electrician can install one for you. A safety switch is designed to cut the power off before electrocution can occur. More information on safety switches can be found at www.switchthinking.com.au. -
Important information for flood-affected residents View
Before a Flood
If your property is in danger of flooding it is essential you take precautions to avoid the risk of electrocution.
The three key precautions to keep in mind are:
- Ensure the main switch has been turned off
- Ensure appliances are unplugged and removed from power outlets
- Contact an electrician to check for damage prior to restoring the electricity.
Generator Safety
Electrical generators can pose a threat in floods
After a Flood
- Contact a qualified electrician to check for damage prior to restoring the electricity.
- Ensure any appliances are clear of any electrical faults to avoid any further loss or damage. A wet toaster or a damp hair-dryer can give an electric shock or spark a fire so make sure all electrical appliances are declared 100 percent safe before they are plugged back in. These kinds of checks should be routine during flood clean-ups.
- An Accredited Master Electrician will be able to accurately assess any electrical risks in your home, including testing household appliances for electrical faults or water damage.
- Take care for fallen or damaged power lines. Fallen power lines are very dangerous and can be especially hard to see at night and when hidden in trees or other flood debris.
- Always assume fallen power lines are ‘live’, keep away and warn others to do the same. Report fallen power lines and trees or branches in contact with power lines to your electricity provider.
Flood Repair Factsheet
Master Electricians Australia has developed the following factsheet to assist you in assessing your electrical components after a flood.
Download the Flood Repair Factsheet
Emergency Contact Numbers
000
Dial Triple Zero (000) for Police, Fire and Ambulance in an emergency.
State Emergency Service
132 500 for help with a damaged roof, rising flood water, trees fallen on buildings, or storm damage.
Non-urgent medical help
13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
Useful Links and Information
Weather Warnings
Bureau of Meteorology
Disaster Welfare Services - Information about disaster relief grants for contents and structural repairs, available to low income earners with no insurance.
1800 018 444
http://australia.gov.au/content/disaster-assistance
NSW Government
Flood Updates
Repair advice for homeowners & tenants
VIC Government
Flood Updates
Qld Government
Flood Updates
RTA
NSW Road Closures
Legal Aid
Summary - Storms, floods, insurance and you - A guide to getting your insurance paid
Detailed Guide - Storms, floods, insurance and you - A guide to getting your insurance paid
Master Electricians Australia
1300 889 198
Master Electricians Online Booking Service
