When water comes up through the street
Keep away from power points, extension leads and appliances sitting in water. Switch off at the main switch only if you can get to it from somewhere dry. After it drains, don't switch back on until a licensed electrician has tested the circuits that got wet. For storm and flood help, call the SES on 132 500.
What shapes electrical work in Woy Woy
Low and exposed
Central Coast Council studies found low-lying parts of the Woy Woy Peninsula will become increasingly untenable for homes as sea levels rise, with Woy Woy, Blackwall, Booker Bay and Ettalong of special concern.
Three kinds of flooding
The Woy Woy CBD floods from Brisbane Water during ocean storms, from local rain and from tidal inundation at high tide.
Townhouses and renters
At the 2021 Census, 29.0% of homes were semis, townhouses or terraces, 38.3% were rented and the median age was 48.
Fire, too
In the January 1994 bushfires, Woy Woy, Umina, Kariong and Ettalong were among the places evacuated.
Ausgrid
The Central Coast is on Ausgrid's network, and its outage line is 13 13 88.
Jobs that come up in Woy Woy
Flood-aware renovations. Council's adaptation study looks at raising land levels over time. If you're renovating now, ask the electrician to keep the switchboard and outdoor circuits as high as practical.
Townhouse and duplex boards. In a townhouse complex the main supply and meters can be shared, so check with the strata manager before changes.
Rental repairs. Any electrical fault in a NSW rental is an urgent repair, and a smoke alarm that isn't working has to be repaired within two business days.
If we lived on the peninsula
We'd ask a licensed electrician which circuits would get wet first in a flood, and have those split onto their own safety switches. Then water in the garage trips one circuit, not the fridge and the lights as well.
Want a specialist to sort it?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match the licence-checked local electrician who does this kind of work, and they call you. No ring-around, and your number goes to them alone.