Storm season is here: how to protect your home and stay safe

With spring marking the start of storm season, Endeavour Energy is urging Illawarra residents to prepare their homes before severe weather hits.

Each year, strong winds, thunderstorms, heavy rain and falling trees are capable of damaging powerlines, poles and other network equipment, leading to power outages.

As the electricity distributor for some of NSW fastest-growing regions, Endeavour Energy supplies electricity to around 2.8 million people across Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, the Illawarra and the South Coast. 

Endeavour Energy reliability and resilience engagement lead Anthony Baerwinkel said coastal areas were particularly vulnerable to storm damage. 

“When severe weather impacts part of the network, it can affect thousands of homes and businesses, particularly in coastal areas that can experience damaging winds and intense storm activity,” he said.

“These events are more common from October to March. That's why preparation, community awareness and a rapid response are so important during storm season.”

A recent incident at Stanwell Tops on September 23 highlighted these risks when a large tree fell across powerlines on Southview Avenue, cutting power to several neighbouring properties.

Firefighters established a safety zone, assisted residents and remained on scene until Endeavour Energy crews used a crane to remove the tree.

Last year also offered a reminder of how quickly conditions can change, with wind gusts exceeding 100km/h and a challenging period of storm activity throughout June and July.

Anthony said that during major storm events, Endeavour Energy crews prioritised work based on safety and community impact.

“When storms cause damage, the first priority is responding to hazards such as fallen powerlines, damaged electrical equipment and situations that pose an immediate risk to public safety,” he said.

“Crews also focus on restoring power in a way that returns electricity to the greatest number of customers as quickly as possible, while considering critical community infrastructure and emergency situations. 

“Safety remains our first priority with assessments being completed before restoration work begins.”

Prepare before a storm

Although residents cannot control the weather, there are practical steps they can take to protect properties.

“Secure or store loose outdoor items that could become airborne in strong winds, clean gutters and check roofs for damage or leaks, safely trim vegetation around the property where appropriate and maintain clearances from powerlines,” Anthony Baerwinkel said.

Preparing for a potential outage is equally important and makes them easier to manage.

“Charge mobile phones, batteries and essential devices, have torches, spare batteries and emergency contact numbers readily available and know where your fuse box and main switch are located,” Anthony said.

Endeavour Energy also recommends having an emergency supply of drinking water, non-perishable food and essential medications.

Families should also consider the needs of anyone who relies on powered medical equipment or other essential electrical devices.

What to do about storm-related electrical damage

Anthony said residents should keep their distance from fallen powerlines and avoid contact with anything that may be connected to them.

“People should treat all powerlines as live and dangerous and stay at least eight metres away from any fallen or damaged powerline,” he said.

“You should also keep others away from the area and never touch powerlines, equipment, trees or objects that may be in contact with them – also never drive over fallen powerlines.”

Portable generators should never be used inside homes, garages or other enclosed spaces because they can produce dangerous carbon monoxide. 

They should also never be connected directly to a household switchboard unless an appropriate isolation switch has been installed by a licensed electrician.

These precautions can help prevent an already disruptive weather event from becoming a serious safety incident.

Who to call

• Report the incident immediately to Endeavour Energy on 131 003.
• For life-threatening emergencies, call 000.

Find out more

For Illawarra residents, being prepared also means knowing where to find reliable information when outages occur.

Residents and customers can access real-time outage information, report network issues and view estimated restoration times through Endeavour Energy's outage map. 

As severe weather becomes a possibility over coming months, Endeavour Energy is encouraging residents to think ahead rather than wait until a warning is issued or the lights go out.

Preparing now can help keep households safer and reduce disruption when storms hit.