Water's got into the electrics

What to do, in order

1. If you can reach the switchboard with dry hands, standing somewhere dry, switch everything off, including the main switch.
2. If the switchboard itself is wet or damaged, don't touch it.
3. Unplug appliances and lift them clear of the water if you can do it safely.
4. If you feel a tingle or shock from a tap, sink, bath or appliance, stop using it and call your electricity distributor.
5. Don't turn the power back on until a licensed electrician has tested the wiring.
6. Don't use any appliance that got wet until a licensed electrician has tested it.

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

  Someone has had a shock or is in danger.

• 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 electrician

Call a licensed electrician before switching back on if water reached the switchboard, a light fitting, power points or appliances, or if switches won't turn on or keep turning off. Renting? A dangerous electrical fault or flooding is a legally urgent repair: call your rental provider or agent on the emergency number you were given and confirm it in writing.