# Is it safe to use power after a storm or flood in Queensland? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. Is it safe to use power after a storm or flood in Queensland? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Is it safe to use power after a storm or flood in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safe-to-use-power-after-storm-or-flood-queensland/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) Do not switch power back on or use wet appliances after a storm or flood until a licensed electrician has checked. Here is what to note. By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy 5 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Why is electricity a risk after a storm or flood? 2. What should I do first? 3. Can I use my appliances if they only got a little wet? 4. Do I need an electrician before my power is reconnected? 5. What if the street has power but my house does not? 6. How do I know the electrician is licensed? 7. What to note while you wait for the electrician 8. Frequently asked questions No. After a storm or flood, do not switch the power back on or use appliances that got wet until a licensed electrician has checked your home. Water can damage wiring, power points and the switchboard in ways you cannot see. If there is smoke, sparks, a burning smell or flooding near electrics, leave and call 000. ## Why is electricity a risk after a storm or flood? Water and electricity do not mix, and the damage is often hidden. Wiring inside walls, power points, light fittings, the switchboard and appliances can all be affected, even after things look dry. Power that was off during the event can come back on when the network is restored, so a damaged home can become live without warning. - **Hidden damage.** Moisture and mud can get into places you cannot see. - **Sudden return of power.** Your street may be reconnected while your home still has a problem. - **Solar and batteries.** A solar or battery system can be a source of electricity of its own. Keep away from it and ask a licensed installer to check it. ## What should I do first? - **Stay out of floodwater.** It can hide electrical hazards and contamination. - **Do not go near a wet switchboard.** Do not touch it or anything connected to it. - **Do not use wet equipment.** That includes power boards, extension leads, appliances and lights. - **Look, do not touch.** Note what you can see from a dry, safe spot. - **Call a licensed electrician.** Tell them what was wet and what you noticed. Our article on [what to do in a power outage in Brisbane](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/power-outage-what-to-do-brisbane/) covers outages more generally. Leave and call 000 if you see danger If there is smoke, sparks, flames, a burning smell, a shock, or water around electrical equipment, leave the area and call 000. Do not go back inside to check. Our article on [what to do in an electrical emergency](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-emergency-what-to-do/) has more. ## Can I use my appliances if they only got a little wet? Do not use wet items, and do not touch anything that is wet or near water. Even a small amount of water can leave an appliance or power point unsafe. Call a licensed electrician and tell them what was affected. Items that looked fine at first can fail later. Let a licensed electrician decide what is safe to use again. ## Do I need an electrician before my power is reconnected? After flooding, a licensed electrical contractor generally needs to check the affected electrical work before reconnection. In Queensland the network provider may also need paperwork, such as an Electricity Defect Report or a Certificate of Test and Compliance. The process can change, so check the current rules on the [Energex page on getting reconnected after severe weather](https://www.energex.com.au/outages/storms-and-disasters/getting-reconnected-after-severe-weather) and the Queensland Electrical Safety Office page on [electrical safety during storms](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/electrical-safety-home/electrical-safety-during-storms). Your electrician can tell you what applies to your home. ## What if the street has power but my house does not? That can happen when the network is restored but your home has a fault, or when a safety device has operated. Do not try to fix it yourself. Note what you can see, such as which rooms have no power, and call a licensed electrician. Our article on [power outages in Brisbane](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/power-outage-what-to-do-brisbane/) may help you sort out where the problem is. ## How do I know the electrician is licensed? In Queensland, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. See our article on [how to check an electrician’s licence in Queensland](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/). ## What to note while you wait for the electrician 1. Which areas got wet — Write down which rooms had water or leaks, and whether it came through the roof, walls or floor. 2. What you can see — From a dry, safe spot, photograph visible damage to power points, lights, the switchboard and appliances. Do not move closer or touch anything to get a better photo. 3. Which items were wet — List the appliances, power boards and leads that got wet, with their make and model if you can read the labels. 4. What changed — Note when the power went off, whether neighbours are also without power, and any buzzing, burning smell or flickering you noticed. 5. Records for insurance — Keep your photos and notes together, and contact your insurer about what they need. 6. Questions for your electrician — Ask what needs to be checked, what paperwork is needed before reconnection, and when it is safe to use each part of the home. Talk to the Arlite team Not sure whether it is safe to use your power? Call **(07) 3062 9299** or use the [Arlite contact page](https://arlite.co/contact/) and the team will get back to you. Arlite’s licensed electricians do repairs and call-outs, and can look after existing electrical systems they did not install. Ask the team what they can help with for your situation. See also our [electrical maintenance](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/maintenance/) page. ## Frequently asked questions - No, not until a licensed electrician has checked your home. Water can cause hidden damage to wiring, power points and the switchboard. - Do not use wet items, and do not touch anything that is wet or near water. Call a licensed electrician to check what is safe. - You may need paperwork such as an Electricity Defect Report or a Certificate of Test and Compliance from a licensed electrician. Check the current rules on the Energex website. - Keep away from it and do not touch it, because it can be a source of electricity. Ask a licensed installer to check it. - Call 000 if there is smoke, sparks, flames, a burning smell, a shock, or flooding near electrical equipment. Leave the area first. [Learn about Maintenance](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/maintenance/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalWhat do I do in a Brisbane power outage?In a power outage, check whether it is street-wide, report it to your network provider and stay clear of fallen lines; call 000 if life is at risk.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/power-outage-what-to-do-brisbane/) - [SolarShould I turn off my solar before a cyclone, flood or storm?Energex has published shutdown guidance for cyclones; follow it with your installer's advice, never go on the roof, and get storm damage inspected.](https://arlite.co/support/solar/shut-down-solar-before-storm/) - [ElectricalWhat do I do in an electrical emergency, fire or shock?For fire, smoke, sparks, a shock or anyone hurt, get everyone out and call 000, and do not touch the equipment or the person.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-emergency-what-to-do/) - [ElectricalHow do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?Ask for the electrician's licence number and look it up on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland's online licence search before work starts.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Why is electricity a risk after a storm or flood? 2. What should I do first? 3. Can I use my appliances if they only got a little wet? 4. Do I need an electrician before my power is reconnected? 5. What if the street has power but my house does not? 6. How do I know the electrician is licensed? 7. What to note while you wait for the electrician 8. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safe-to-use-power-after-storm-or-flood-queensland/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).