What to Do When Your Power Goes Out After a Storm A Complete Guide to Staying Safe, Minimising Damage, and Getting Help Fast When wild weather hits and the lights go out, panic often sets in. But in moments like this, what you do next matters — not just for your safety, but for the long-term condition of your home. At Make Safe Oz, we’ve seen the aftermath of hundreds of storms and natural disasters, and we know how overwhelming it can feel. That’s why we’ve created this simple but powerful guide for what to do if your power goes out unexpectedly during or after a storm. Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Immediate Danger Your first job is to stay calm and get a clear picture of the situation. Are there visible signs of danger — like fallen power lines, burnt smells, or sparks? Has water entered your home or switchboard? Has any part of your roof or solar panel system been damaged? If you see or suspect any of the following, call emergency services or a licensed electrical make-safe team immediately: Exposed or fallen wires Smoke, arcing, or burnt smells from outlets or the switchboard Water near electrical systems Flickering lights or zapping noises In any of these cases, do not touch anything. Stay away from wet areas, especially near power points or light switches. Evacuate if necessary. Step 2: Don’t Try to Fix the Problem Yourself In an emergency, many people instinctively go looking for the switchboard or try to reset the power. But during or after a storm, this is dangerous. Water can seep into your switchboard or behind walls, and even if everything looks normal, the system may be compromised. Important: Do not attempt to reset breakers or touch the switchboard. Do not climb onto the roof to inspect solar panels or aerials. Do not plug in a generator unless it has been professionally installed and isolated from the grid. This is where a professional electrical make safe is essential. Make Safe Oz electricians are trained to isolate, inspect, and make systems safe before any repair work begins — preventing further damage or injury. Step 3: Log and Report the Incident If you're safe and there are no immediate hazards, begin to document what’s happened. This will be crucial for your insurance claim and for the electricians who will inspect your system. Take note of: When the power went out What you heard or saw (e.g., lightning strike, power surge, noise at the switchboard) Visible damage to solar systems, switchboards, or cabling Water levels if flooding occurred Any steps you’ve taken (e.g., turned off main switch) Take clear photos and write brief notes. This helps when talking to your insurer or make-safe team. Step 4: Call a Licensed Electrical Make Safe Team Calling a qualified and fully licensed team like Make Safe Oz ensures you’re not just getting the power back on — you’re making sure the property is truly safe to re-energise. Our in-house electricians are available 24/7 and handle everything from isolation and inspection to generator setup and switchboard repairs. We arrive quickly, assess the risks, and liaise directly with insurers. No subcontractors. No delays. Our typical storm response includes: Site-wide electrical isolation Generator or temporary power installation Switchboard and cabling inspection Solar disconnection (if needed) Compliance reporting for insurance Step 5: Follow Through with Repairs and Reinstatement Once the make safe has been completed, your insurer and repair team will take over the rebuild or electrical reinstatement process. Make Safe Oz can remain involved to complete any necessary rewiring, switchboard upgrades, or solar re-commissioning. Throughout the process, remember: Keep a record of all communication with your insurer Do not allow unlicensed trades to work on electrical systems Ask for a Certificate of Electrical Safety before any system is re-energised Final Thoughts Storms are unpredictable — your response doesn’t have to be. By following the steps above, you reduce the risk of injury, limit property damage, and speed up the path to recovery. And remember: power outages are more than an inconvenience — they can signal serious electrical danger. Make Safe Oz is here 24/7 to make your property safe, powered, and ready to rebuild. If you’re in distress, don’t wait. Call the team who specialises in fast, professional electrical make safes.