Storm damage in Melbourne: who to call and getting repairs done

During the storm: 000 or 132 500

For a life-threatening emergency, call 000. For storm damage to your roof, a roof leaking significantly, a fallen tree that has damaged your home or car or is blocking you from getting in or out, or flooding, call VICSES on 132 500. VICSES makes emergency temporary repairs; it doesn't do permanent ones.

Minor leaks, cutting down standing trees and clearing debris are jobs for a tradesperson.

Power, gas and water

Stay at least eight metres (about two car lengths) from fallen powerlines, and treat every line as live. Call your electricity company. Don't touch a switchboard that's been damaged by the weather: call a licensed electrician after the storm. If you get tingles or shocks from an appliance or a tap, call your electricity company straight away.

Never run a portable generator indoors or in an enclosed space, and never connect one to a power point or the switchboard to power the house. If floodwater reached your gas appliances or meter, have a licensed gasfitter check the installation before the gas is turned back on. If a water pipe has burst, turn the water off at the stop tap beside the meter.

Insurance first

If you're insured, Consumer Affairs Victoria's advice is to contact your insurer before you hire anyone, to check what's covered and how repairs should be arranged. Take photos and video of the damage before anything is moved or cleaned up, and keep receipts for anything you spend making the home safe.

Watch out for fake tradies

Consumer Affairs Victoria warns that fake tradies, also known as travelling con men, turn up after disasters demanding cash up front for repairs or clean-ups. Be wary of door-to-door offers, ask for registration or licence details and check them yourself, and don't pay in full up front.

If someone comes to your door uninvited and you agree to a deal worth more than $100, you have 10 business days to change your mind, and they can't take payment or start work in that time. More in paying a tradie.

Which tradie fixes what

• Roof tiles: a roof tiler. Metal roofing, flashings, gutters and downpipes: a registered roof plumber. See roof leaks and gutters
• Water through the ceiling: fix the roof first, then see plaster repairs
• A wet or damaged switchboard, or power that won't come back on: a licensed electrician. See switchboard upgrades
• A burst pipe: see burst pipes and leaks
• A fence blown down: see fences, including what your neighbour pays
• A cracked or leaning brick wall: keep clear, then see brick walls
• Older homes: damaged roof sheeting, eaves or fences may contain asbestos. See asbestos before anyone breaks it up

Renting?

Serious storm damage, a serious roof leak, a burst water service and a dangerous electrical fault are all urgent repairs in a Victorian rental. Tell your rental provider or agent straight away. If you've told them and they haven't responded promptly, you can arrange the repair yourself, up to $2,500, and claim it back. See rental repairs.

After the storm

• 000 if life is at risk; VICSES on 132 500 for storm damage
• Eight metres from fallen powerlines
• A licensed electrician for a damaged switchboard
• Photos, then the insurer, before booking repairs
• No cash up front to door-knockers

Need someone today? See emergency tradies in Melbourne. For the permanent fix, describe the job and compare quotes. Availability depends on real postings, and registration must be enabled to submit.