Electricity, water and sewerage services after a cyclone

Immediately after a cyclone, people should listen to public advice regarding restoration of services. 

In the event of a Category 1 or 2 cyclones, reports of damage to electricity and water services to Power and Water will greatly assist us to identify and prioritise damaged areas to be repaired and restored.

In the event of more severe cyclones with widespread damage, communication services are likely to be interrupted or difficult and people are asked to limit immediate reports to Power and Water to only emergency or life-threatening situations.

Following a cyclone, under no circumstances should people approach or touch downed powerlines or exposed electrical cabling, or turn on mains power to damaged houses or buildings.

If water supplies have been damaged or compromised, people may have to utilise their own stores until supplies are safely restored.  Water supplies may be rationed or restricted for a period.  People should not use or access water immediately after cyclones or flooding, for hosing and clean-up until advised that normal supplies can be maintained.  Consumers may also be advised to boil any tap water until the safety of the water can be assured. 

In the event of a severe cyclone and widespread damage, restoration of water supplies to individual households may be interrupted for an extended period.  In this instance, public water collection points will be established.  People should listen to public advice regarding the location of these.

Cyclones and storms may be associated with heavy rainfall, flooding and storm surge.  The sewerage system should not be used to provide drainage for this excess water.  It is strictly prohibited to open access chambers to provide drainage and directing of roof downpipes to the sewer.  This can cause overloading of the system and increase the potential for sewage overflows into homes, businesses and the environment.

In the event of a severe cyclone restoration of essential services will be the main priority.  However, these may take a considerable period to be restored and people should prepare themselves and their families adequately for an extended period without these services.

Priority will necessarily be given to restoration of services to Hospitals, emergency services, and cyclone shelters.  It is important that people remain calm and patient and listen to and follow any public advice and announcements by Power and Water or Emergency Services.

Contact:
Judie Brennan
Media Manager,
Corporate Communications
Power and Water Corporation
0401 117 599 or 8985 8481