Emergency Tips

Electrical emergencies require calm decisions and a strong bias toward personal safety. This collection explains warning signs that can follow storms, water ingress, equipment failure and damaged wiring, with a focus on what householders can observe without approaching or dismantling electrical equipment. It is not a substitute for emergency services or an on-site electrical assessment.

Start by keeping people away from fallen lines, exposed conductors, sparking equipment, smoke, fire and any electrical fitting affected by significant water. Do not touch a switchboard or appliance when the surrounding area is wet, and do not repeatedly reset a protective device that continues to trip. If there is an immediate threat to life or property, contact the appropriate emergency service. Western Power should be contacted for hazards involving its network or fallen powerlines.

The guides also cover the less dramatic situations that still need prompt attention, such as storm-related tripping, burning smells, heat damage or partial power loss. A licensed electrician can determine whether the fault is within the property, make the installation safe and explain the repair scope. Providing clear observations, photos taken from a safe position and details about when the problem started can help the initial conversation. When in doubt, stay back and call for help.