Australian winters might not be as brutal as the ones our mates in Canada or Scandinavia face, but they still throw us a few curveballs. Snowstorms in the high country, freak cold snaps, power outages, burst pipes, and wild weather can all turn a quiet winter’s day into a full-blown emergency. So, what do you do when the heater's off, the lights are out, and the roof is making ominous creaking sounds?
Whether you're in the Snowy Mountains or a chilly suburb of Melbourne, being prepared for winter emergencies is crucial. Here’s what to keep in mind—and how to get help fast when the unexpected strikes.
Power outages in winter can happen due to fallen trees, icy power lines, or heavy storms. If the lights go out:
Check your fuse box – You might be dealing with a tripped switch.
Look outside – Is it just your house or the whole street?
Report the outage – Contact your electricity provider to log the issue.
Unplug appliances – This helps prevent power surges when the electricity is restored.
Layer up – Wear thermals, beanies, socks, and use extra blankets.
If the outage lasts more than a few hours, you’ll want to avoid opening the fridge or freezer—most can keep food safe for a few hours if left shut. Candles are a bit old-school and risky in the dark; go for battery-powered lights or torches instead.
And if you’ve got a generator? Ensure it’s set up by a qualified electrician. Carbon monoxide is no joke.
While snowstorms aren’t common in most Aussie cities, regions like the Snowy Mountains, Tasmanian highlands, and Victoria’s alpine areas do get a decent dumping in winter.
If you’re snowed in:
Stay put unless necessary – Roads can be dangerous or blocked.
Keep walkways clear – Use a snow shovel or broom to clear exits and paths.
Check your roof – Heavy snow build-up can cause damage over time.
Ventilation matters – Don’t block vents with snow, especially if you use gas heating.
If your roof starts to sag or leak, that’s your cue to bring in a tradie. You don’t want to mess around with structural damage or frozen pipes—it’s safer (and cheaper) to sort it out early.
Cold snaps can catch plumbing off guard, especially if your pipes aren’t insulated. Burst pipes can cause significant water damage in a matter of minutes.
Here’s what to do:
Turn off the water main – Stop the flow immediately.
Switch off power – If water’s near any sockets or appliances.
Soak up water – Use towels or buckets to minimise damage.
Call a plumber as soon as possible – the longer you wait, the worse the situation will become.
Insulating exposed pipes is a good idea before winter hits. If you haven’t done that, it’s not too late. A local plumber can resolve the issue quickly.
Wood heaters, gas heaters, and fireplaces are staples of the Australian winter. However, if you notice smoke coming back into the house, strange odours, or your heater won’t start, it’s a potential safety risk.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is silent and deadly, so if your heater isn’t working as it should, call in a licensed gas fitter or heating technician. Regular servicing can prevent many headaches (and hazards) down the track.
Let’s be honest—when a pipe bursts at 2 am or your roof starts leaking mid-storm, you don’t want to be flicking through the phone book or Googling “emergency tradie near me” for half an hour. That’s where ServiceSeeking.com.au comes in handy.
With thousands of local tradies across Australia, you can:
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Whether you need an emergency plumber, an electrician to restore power, or someone to fix a broken heater, there’s a tradie ready to help—often within the hour.
A bit of prep can go a long way. Before the cold really sets in, consider:
Getting your heater serviced
Cleaning your gutters to avoid overflow
Checking your roof for cracks or weak spots
Sealing drafts around doors and windows
Having a list of emergency numbers handy
And if you’re not the DIY type? No stress. Simply visit ServiceSeeking.com.au, post a quick job, and let qualified locals come to you.
Winter emergencies can be stressful, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re dealing with no power, a plumbing disaster, or storm damage, the key is to act fast and call in the pros when needed. And lucky for us, finding a trusted tradie in your area is easier than ever.
So stay safe, stay warm—and bookmark ServiceSeeking.com.au just in case. Winter might bring the chill, but with the right help, you’ll stay cosy no matter what blows in.