ELECTRICITY, FLOODS AND YOUR SAFETY
Flooding can have major impacts on the electricity network and your home. Electricity can kill, so it is essential that you take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety, and that of those around you. While it is not always easy to be prepared for flooding, here are some helpful tips:
During the flood:
- Never operate appliances in or near water. Do not operate electrical appliances or switches while standing in water or when you have bare feetTurn off your main switch (at the meter box) before the water arrives – if you can do so safely. If your safety switch or circuit breakers have tripped during the flood, do not reset them but call an electrical contractor to test the wiring
- Turn off your main switch (at the meter box) before the water arrives – if you can do so safely. If your safety switch or circuit breakers have tripped during the flood, do not reset them but call an electrical contractor to test the wiring
- Take extra care around your switchboard if it’s outdoors and wear synthetic or rubber-soled shoes. Unless you are completely sure of your switchboard’s safety, stay clear and call your licensed electrical contractor.
After the flood: Wait
- Wait until the house and appliances are totally dry before using anythingIf your premises has been inundated over electrical wiring, power outlets or other electrical installations (including switchboards), organise a licensed electrical contractor to check the premises as soon as flooding has abated
- If your premises has been inundated over electrical wiring, power outlets or other electrical installations (including switchboards), organise a licensed electrical contractor to check the premises as soon as flooding has abatedAll electrical appliances affected by water should be inspected by a licensed electrical contractor before use.
- All electrical appliances affected by water should be inspected by a licensed electrical contractor before usef your electricity was disconnected during the flood, the Distribution Entity (Ergon Energy, Energex etc) will need a certificate of
- f your electricity was disconnected during the flood, the Distribution Entity (Ergon Energy, Energex etc) will need a certificate of test, clearing the premises for safety, from an electrical contractor before they will reconnect the power.
Your Distribution Entity is only responsible for the wiring up to the connection to the house. From that point on it is the premises owner’s responsibility to ensure wiring is safe. You must engage an electrical contractor to ensure that your home is electrically safe. Never try to undertake this work yourself.
