Storm safety
During a storm, high winds, lightning, rain, and hailstones can damage electricity and gas equipment which may result in blackouts.
Fallen, low-hanging or damaged powerlines are dangerous and should always be treated as live. Stay at least 10 metres away and call us immediately on 13 10 93.
Before a storm
Prepare for a possible power outage, and ensure your emergency plan is ready if you rely on life support equipment.
Keep trees on your property clear from powerlines.
Secure loose items around the house that could become airborne in high winds.
Unplug electronic equipment that may be affected by a power surge.
Know the location of your fuse box or main switch and make sure it is covered to prevent water damage.
Charge your mobile or tablet device, and follow our Twitter for updates.
During a storm
Stay at least 10 metres away from fallen or low powerlines and objects touching them.
Seek shelter in a safe place, away from windows.
Listen to your local ABC radio station for updates and warnings.
Avoid using landline telephones and never use electrical appliances that are damaged or wet.
For safety, your solar system will automatically switch off when the electricity supply is interrupted.
After a storm
Check your property and home for damage. If you see low or fallen powerlines stay clear and call us immediately on 13 10 93.
Bushfire safety
In the ACT, the bushfire season typically begins in spring and runs through the summer months. Bushfires can cause damage to electricity and gas equipment which may result in blackouts.
If you see damaged electricity or gas equipment during a bushfire, call us on 13 10 93 for electricity or 13 19 09 for gas.
We regularly inspect powerlines to maintain fire safety clearances, and power supply reliability.
Before a bushfire
Prepare for a possible power outage, and ensure your emergency plan is ready if you rely on life support equipment.
If it is not dangerous, turn off the main power switch in your electricity meter box and/or switch off your gas supply with the valve on your gas meter.
Keep trees on your property clear from powerlines.
If you see vegetation that is overhanging powerlines in parks and reserves that have a high fire danger, complete the Vegetation reporting form.
Remove combustible material from around your home, and regularly clean your gutters and roof.
Check the ACT ESA website for reports on total fire bans, weather warnings, and fire danger ratings.
Charge your mobile or tablet device, and follow our Twitter for updates.
During a bushfire
Listen to your local ABC radio station for updates and warnings.
Stay at least 10 metres away from fallen or low powerlines and objects touching them.
If the fire is near powerlines, stay at least 25 metres from them. Smoke can act as a conductor, and a fire burning on or near powerlines can increase the chances of electrical explosion.
For safety, your solar system will automatically switch off when the electricity supply is interrupted.
After a bushfire
If you have gas at your home, do not turn on the gas supply until a technician has tested it – they will need to check for leaks before it can be turned back on.
Beware of trees that could fall, and if you see fallen power poles or powerlines stay at least 10 metres away and call us immediately on 13 10 93.
If your property has been damaged by fire, a qualified electrician should check your home and appliances before Evoenergy is contacted to restore power.
Flood Safety
Water and electricity are dangerous when they combine. While floods are not common in the ACT, it is important you know how to stay safe to avoid electric shocks or electrocution.
Floods generate debris that can damage the electrical wiring on your property, so it is not only important to keep safe when the water rises, but it is also essential to take the appropriate actions once the water decreases.
Before a flood
Prepare for a possible power outage, and ensure your emergency plan is ready if you rely on life support equipment.
Unplug and turn off electrical devices and raise them above expected flood levels.
If it is not dangerous, turn off the main power switch in your electricity meter box and/or switch off your gas supply with the valve on your gas meter.
Check the ACT ESA website for flood advice.
Charge your mobile or tablet device, and follow our Twitter for updates.
During a flood
Do not stay in a flooded building that has power connected.
If you feel a shock or tingling sensation from taps, baths, or sinks – avoid using them and call us on 13 10 93 to report it.
Stay in your vehicle if powerlines have fallen on it and call 000. Do not leave your vehicle unless you are in immediate danger.
Stay a significant distance away from electricity poles, substations, fallen powerlines, and anything in contact with them. If electrical infrastructure is in contact with flood water, keep at least 150 metres away and call us on 13 10 93.
For safety, your solar system will automatically switch off when the electricity supply is interrupted.
After a flood
Do not attempt to handle switches or electrical appliances if there is water damage, be cautious, and do not assume your power is disconnected.
Your electricity supply may be temporarily disconnected if you are in an area that has been flooded.
Wear shoes made from rubber if you need to walk in areas impacted by water.
After a flood, it is important to get a qualified electrician to assess damage to electrical infrastructure on your property.
Get your electrician to:
Evaluate your switchboard and appliances for damage and determine if they are safe to use.
Examine rooftop solar infrastructure on your property, and ensure any necessary repairs are made.
Check the extent of the damage to electrical appliances and determine if they need to be disposed of.
Natural gas:
If you have gas at your home, do not turn on the gas supply until a technician has tested it – they will need to check for leaks before it can be turned back on.
