Unpredictable weather like storms, floods and cyclones are all a part of life for Queenslanders!
According to BOM’s 2024 spring long-range forecast, Queensland is expected to experience warmer-than-usual spring temperatures and an increased likelihood of hot days and nights. Most of the state, particularly in southern and central areas, will likely receive above-average rainfall.
Considering this prognosis, storms and floods could affect our homes no matter how prepared we are. To ensure you are ready for storm season, here are some electrical safety tips on what to do before, during, and after a significant weather event.
Before the storm
Make your household emergency plan—The new Get Ready Queensland Severe Weather Household Emergency Plan helps Queenslanders prepare for extreme weather. This simple online form, which you can fill out, print, and share with family, helps you plan for an emergency, know what to do, and know who to contact quickly and easily.
Ensure you have safety switches installed and test them every three months.
Be prepared for extended power outages and ensure your mobile phone is fully charged for emergencies.
If you plan to use a generator, ensure it's in good working order and have a changeover switch installed.
Turn off your solar power system before a storm or flood.
Know how to turn off your mains power in an emergency and prepare an evacuation plan that considers the location of power lines so you can avoid them when you evacuate.
If anyone in your house relies on electrical equipment for medical reasons, have a plan in case of a power outage.
Check your home and contents insurance policy to see if it may cover electrical damage to your property or appliances due to unforeseen external events and severe weather. The success of electrical insurance claims depends on your insurance cover and the cause of the electrical damage.
During the storm
Turn off power points, unplug electrical equipment if it is safe to do so, and avoid going outside to turn off the power.
Do not use electrical equipment in wet areas.
If the storm causes damage, do not attempt temporary electrical repairs. Instead, turn the power off and call a licensed electrician after the bad weather has passed. If you cannot turn the power off, avoid damaged equipment and contact your electricity provider.
If you are in a flood, place electrical equipment as high off the ground as possible.
After the storm
If you’ve had property damage, get a licensed electrical contractor to test that your home is electrically safe and provide a certificate of test before restoring power.
If your property was flooded:
i) Be careful not to expose electrical fittings like power points or light switches when removing internal or external wall sheeting, as they can cause electric shock or fire.
ii) Have a licensed electrical contractor test any affected electrical equipment before using it again.
If you need to enter your ceiling space to inspect or repair, turn the power off at the main switchboard before entering the space.
Avoid damaged or flooded service pillars and report damage to the electricity entity. These are usually green or beige plastic boxes that sit on the fence line between houses where you have underground power.
Check the ‘point of attachment’ on your house for damage. Also known as the point of connection, this is where the service mains (overhead or underground cable) attaches to your property. A licensed electrical contractor must repair it if it's damaged before power can be restored. Your electricity provider must see the repair paperwork before reconnecting the power.
Need electrical assistance after a storm?
As experienced emergency-response electricians, we are here for you!
We're contactable 24/7 for emergency call-outs via 1800 940 413 across South East Queensland to keep you and your home electrically safe and reconnected again.
We can also help with:
Electrical insurance claim reports and carry out any electrical repair work associated with insurance claims.
Routine electrical inspections to identify any issues before they arise.
In the event of fallen powerlines, call 000 immediately and notify the relevant electricity provider for urgent assistance.
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Sources:
https://plan.getready.qld.gov.au/
https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/
https://media.bom.gov.au/releases/1230/bureau-of-meteorologys-2024-spring-long-range-forecast/
