Stay safe in severe weather

Switch off and unplug any sensitive electronic appliances like computers, TVs, game consoles, air-conditioners, heaters, microwaves etc. to protect your equipment against possible power surges. Unplug TV aerials to prevent damage from lightning strikes.

Adjust your fridge and freezer to the coldest setting to prepare for the outage. Try to keep the doors closed as much as possible when the power is off. Visit the HealthyWA website for tips on reducing the risk of food-related illness during power outages.

Power interruptions can affect water supplies. Fill your laundry tub or bath with water if a cyclone or severe storm is imminent. Have bottles of drinking water ready to use and freeze water for alternative refrigeration.

Charge mobile phones, laptops and portable back-up batteries. Keep them charged so that you can still communicate with friends and family, get updates about when the power will be restored or reach emergency services when needed.

Have a torch handy and some spare batteries, in case you need extra lighting. Should your power go out, turn off all lights except one so that you will know when power has been restored.

Download the app so you have it handy if the power goes out. You can easily stay informed of any planned and unplanned outages in your area and find out when we expect to restore power.

Keep away from windows and doors. If the storm escalates, shelter in the strongest, safest part of the house (normally the hallway or bathroom) or go immediately to the closest community shelter. Turn off your gas supply in case leaks are caused by storm damage.

Wait until the storm has passed before using a landline. Use a mobile, but only in emergencies. You can receive a deadly electric shock or deafening sound blast when using a landline during a thunderstorm.

If the wind drops, don’t assume the cyclone is over, as fierce winds will shortly start again from another direction. Listen to a battery-operated radio for weather updates and don’t venture outside until the 'All Clear With Caution' alert is given.

Turning off the lights and lamps in your home will reduce the risk of damage from possible power fluctuations. Just leave one light switch on, so you’ll know when power is restored.

If the power goes out, power fluctuations may occur when the power comes back on. It’s a good idea to unplug sensitive appliances such as computers, TVs, game consoles, air-conditioners, heaters, microwaves and reticulation systems to reduce the risk of damage. 

Try to keep the doors closed as much as possible when the power is off. Visit the HealthyWA website for tips on reducing the risk of food-related illness during power outages.

Do not leave your house after a cyclone until the official 'All Clear With Caution' is given. This ensures that crews can focus on restoring power without endangering themselves or the public.

Check your family and pets are out of harms way. Touch base with your neighbours to see if they need any help. Remember to heed all warnings and do not go sightseeing.

If you need to go outside, be careful because there may be fallen powerlines and trees, broken water and sewage lines, loose roof sheeting and other material.

Don't use any electrical appliances that have been damaged from leaks or flooding. After the storm has passed, have a licensed electrician inspect water-damaged appliances to make sure they are safe.