Who do you call if a tree falls on the road?

Posted 30 May, 2025 John Pedler

From fallen trees and damaged powerlines to gas leaks and water supply problems, who do you call when you need help? 

First, determine if the incident is an emergency. The Australian Government says to call the emergency triple zero (000) number if:

• Someone is seriously injured or in need of urgent medical help
• Your life or property is being threatened
• You have just witnessed a serious accident or crime.

When you call 000, the operator will ask whether you need police, fire or ambulance and transfer you to the appropriate emergency service. 

If the situation isn’t an emergency, there are several ways to get help.

Fallen tree or branch

If the tree or branch has fallen on a house or vehicle, and the situation isn’t life threatening, call the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500.

If power lines have been damaged by a fallen tree, call SA Power Networks (SAPN) on 131 366. Damaged power lines causing a potential life-threatening situation?  Call 000 before calling SAPN.

Don’t approach or touch fallen or damaged power lines.

If a tree has fallen on a local road, footpath or park, and the situation isn’t life-threatening, contact the local council.

Electricity

If you come across fallen, low hanging or damaged power lines, call SAPN on 131 366. If the situation is life-threatening, call 000 first.

Don’t approach or touch fallen or damaged power lines.

If you feel a shock or tingle from a tap in or around your home, call SAPN on 131 366 immediately.

In the event of a power blackout, check the SAPN power outage map to see if there’s a problem in your area.

Water

For a burst water main or blocked or overflowing sewer pipe, call SA Water on 1300 729 283.

If you’re experiencing a water outage, check the SA Water outage map to see if there’s a problem in your suburb and/or call 1300 729 283.

Check the SA Government website for other handy contact numbers.

If there’s no outage shown in your suburb, you may need to check your switchboard. 

Gas leak

A gas leak should be reported to Australian Gas Networks immediately on their 24-hour number, 1800 427 532.

The emergency operator will give you instructions on what to do.

If you encounter a major gas leak that could be life-threatening, call 000.

If you smell gas inside your home, Australian Gas Networks advises to:

• Turn off all appliances and pilot lights
• Turn off your supply at the gas meter
• Open all doors and windows for ventilation
• Contact your licensed gas fitter to investigate the leak*.

* Australian Gas Networks doesn’t repair appliances or gas pipes in your home, but they can make the situation safe until a licensed gas fitter fixes the problem.