Bushfire Preparation: An Electrical Checklist for Surf Coast and Bellarine Homes
With the Surf Coast and Bellarine surrounded by bush and coastal scrub, bushfire preparation is part of summer life here. Most plans cover water, gutters and leaving early, but your home’s electrics deserve a place on the list too.
Smart Green Electrical helps homes across Geelong, Ocean Grove, and the Bellarine Peninsula prepare for summer, from 24/7 emergency electrical work to surge protection and safe backup power.
Quick answer: Bushfire preparation for your home’s electrics means planning for long power outages, keeping trees clear of the power line to your house, and replacing damaged outdoor fittings. Have a battery radio, charged power banks and non-mains options for fire pumps, and never connect a generator to your switchboard without a changeover switch installed by an electrician.
Plan for Power Outages
Power often goes out during bushfires and extreme weather, sometimes for days.
Be Ready With:
- A battery-powered radio to follow emergency broadcasts
- Charged power banks and torches for every member of the family
- A plan for anyone who relies on powered medical equipment
- Petrol or battery options for fire pumps, as mains-powered pumps stop in a blackout
On fire danger days, keep the VicEmergency app and local radio on, and make sure your bushfire survival plan is up to date.
Electrical Checks Around Your Home
A few checks before fire season reduce the risk of an electrical fault starting a fire.
Electrical Checks Outside:
- Keep trees and branches clear of the power line running to your house, and never trim near lines yourself
- Replace damaged outdoor lights, cables and power point covers
- Clear dry leaves and debris from around outdoor power points and the meter box
- Test sprinkler and pump circuits before the first hot day
If you have a private power pole or line on your property, keeping vegetation clear of it is your responsibility.
Generators and Backup Power
Backup power helps, but only if it’s used safely.
Use Them Safely:
- Never run a generator indoors, in a garage or near windows
- Never connect a generator to your switchboard without a changeover switch installed by a licensed electrician
- Store fuel safely, away from the house
- Consider a battery system with backup capability to keep essentials running
Storms often arrive in the same hot spells. Our guide to storm season electrical safety covers surge protection and fallen powerlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the power during a bushfire?
Power outages are common during bushfires and extreme weather. Follow VicEmergency advice and your bushfire survival plan, and keep battery radios, torches and power banks ready.
Can I connect a generator to my house?
Only through a changeover switch installed by a licensed electrician. Never plug a generator into a power point or switchboard.
Who is responsible for trees near power lines on my property?
If you have a private power pole or line, keeping vegetation clear of it is your responsibility. Never trim near lines yourself.
Why Choose Smart Green Electrical?
With more than 20 years of experience across Geelong, Ocean Grove, and the Bellarine Peninsula, Smart Green Electrical knows the risks local homes face each summer. We’ll check your outdoor electrics, install safe backup power connections, and help you prepare properly.
Get Started Today
Prepare before the fire danger days arrive. Call Smart Green Electrical on 0483 939 131 or email service@smartgreenelectrical.com.au to book a pre-summer electrical check.
A prepared home is a safer home.
