Storm has damaged the house

What to do, in order

1. While the storm is on, stay inside and away from windows.
2. Call VICSES on 132 500 if a tree has fallen and damaged the house or a car, the roof is damaged or leaking badly, a fallen tree or branch is blocking you in or out, or the house is flooding.
3. Stay more than 10 metres from fallen powerlines and assume they're live.
4. Don't go into a badly damaged building until authorities say it's safe.
5. Don't touch a storm-damaged switchboard. If wiring or electrical equipment is damaged, leave the power off and call a licensed electrician.
6. If the house was damaged, have power, gas and water checked by licensed tradespeople before you use them.
7. Photograph the damage and call your insurer.
8. Wear strong boots, gloves and protective clothing when cleaning up.

Who to call

Electricity, gas and water faults go to whoever owns the network in your street, so only one of these regional numbers is yours. It is also printed on your bill. Find your electricity distributor by postcode.

• Triple Zero (000) 000

  Anyone's life is in danger.

• VICSES (storm and flood emergency help) 132 500

  A tree has fallen and damaged the house or a car, the roof is damaged or leaking significantly, a tree or branch is blocking you in or out, or the house is flooded or about to flood.

• VicEmergency Hotline (information during emergencies) 1800 226 226

  Information about an emergency such as a storm, flood or fire in your area.

• CitiPower (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 12 80

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: Melbourne's CBD and inner suburbs

• Powercor (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 24 12

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: Melbourne's western suburbs, and central and western Victoria out to the SA and NSW borders

• Jemena (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 16 26

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: North and western Melbourne

• United Energy (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 20 99

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula

• AusNet (electricity faults and emergencies) 13 17 99

  Report a power outage, a fallen or damaged powerline, dim or flickering lights, or tingles/shocks from taps or appliances.

  Covers: Eastern and north-eastern Victoria, and Melbourne's north and east

When you need a carpenter

For minor leaks, superficial damage and clearing debris, VICSES asks you to call a professional tradesperson and your insurer rather than VICSES. VICSES may make emergency temporary repairs; permanent repairs go through your insurer or a tradie. Renting? Serious storm damage is a legally urgent repair: call your rental provider or agent on the emergency number you were given and confirm it in writing.