Storm Damage Electrical Checklist for Sydney Homes

First: Stay Clear of Fallen Lines

Treat every fallen or sagging power line as live and dangerous, even if it looks harmless. Stay at least eight metres away, keep children and pets back, and never drive over a downed line. If a line is across your car with you inside, stay in the vehicle and call for help unless there's a fire.

Report downed network lines to your distributor immediately and, if there's any danger to life, call emergency services first.

Check Your Point of Attachment and Mains

From a safe distance, look at where the service line meets your home. A wind-loaded branch can rip the point of attachment from the wall or pull the overhead mains loose. A leaning private pole after a storm is a serious hazard and needs professional attention.

Do not attempt to reattach, pull or touch any part of the service line yourself — this is live network infrastructure and Level 2 ASP territory.

Inside the Home

Once the storm passes, check whether your safety switches have tripped and whether the switchboard or meter box shows any signs of water ingress, scorching or burning smells. If water has entered the switchboard or you smell burning, keep the power off and get it inspected before switching anything back on.

If flooding has affected powerpoints or wiring, don't use those circuits until an electrician has checked them.

When to Call for Emergency Help

Call for urgent help if your service line is down or damaged, your private pole is leaning, your point of attachment has come away, or your switchboard has taken water. These are unsafe conditions that shouldn't wait. For 24/7 storm response across Greater Sydney, call Sydney Power Group on 0466 125 125 or book a free on-site quote for follow-up repairs.