Safety in an emergency
Fallen powerlines
During storms and high winds, unsecured items can be blown into overhead powerlines, causing electricity interruptions or live powerlines to fall to the ground.
Always stay safe during times of extreme weather by remaining indoors.
After a storm make sure you:
- Be mindful of the hidden dangers of fallen powerlines when moving branches or debris.
- Stay away from fallen powerlines.
- Alert people of any dangers.
- Call Energex on 13 19 62 to report any fallen powerlines or network damage.
Visit our power outages page for latest power restoration updates.
Electric shocks and tingles
Call our emergency line on 13 19 62 if someone experiences a tingle from an electricity source.
Call Triple Zero (000) if someone suffers an electric shock. The operator will report it to Energex. Do not attempt to touch or rescue a person until the power has been cut off and the situation has been made safe.
If a shock or tingle occurs, do not touch electrical equipment, appliances or metal fixtures. An Energex representative will attend as a priority.
In the event of an electric shock:
- Turn off the electricity to the building at the main switch and call for help.
- Call Triple Zero (000).
- If it is safe to do so, turn off the power, unplug the appliance and give the victim first aid.
- Do not touch burns, break blisters, or remove burned clothing.
- Always seek medical advice after an electric shock.
Electrical fires
Electrical fires may be caused by electrical system failures and appliance defects. Electrical fires may also be caused by the misuse and poor maintenance of electrical appliances, incorrectly installed wiring, and overloaded circuits and extension cords.
Energex advises that customers arrange for regular safety checks, especially where old wiring has deteriorated and become unsafe. This also applies when purchasing an existing premise. This is to ensure there is no faulty wiring due to deterioration or defective workmanship.
In the event of an electrical fire, never throw water or use a water based extinguisher. Call Emergency 000 and if possible, turn off the electricity to the building at the main switch.
Surges and spikes
Electricity surges and spikes occur when there is a sudden increase in voltage in the electricity network.
Surges and spikes can occur from any number of causes including lightning strikes, accidents or in some cases simply switching the on/off button on an appliance.
Surges and spikes have the potential to damage or destroy appliances or even cause fires.
State Emergency Service (SES)
Call the State Emergency Services (SES) on 132 500 from anywhere in Queensland for their assistance in a flood or storm.
Fact Sheets
- Stay safe around powerlines - Look up and live (PDF 124.9 kb)
- Working near powerlines - Look up and live (PDF 124.7 kb)
- Recreation around electricity - Look up and live (PDF 126.4 kb)
- Working near power cables - Dial before you dig (PDF 201.5 kb)
Contact us
Phone:
13 12 53
Disclaimer
This is not an exhaustive list of all safety matters that need to be considered. Whilst care is taken in the preparation of this material, Energex does not guarantee, to the extend permitted by law, the accuracy and completeness of information.
To the extend permitted by law, Energex will not be responsible for any loss, damage or costs incurred as a result of any errors omissions or misrepresentations in relation to the material in this document or for any possible actions ensuing from information contained above.
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