Print Post - Stay Ahead of the Storm with These Essential Electrical Safety Tips

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Living here in Queensland we can experience unpredictable weather such as storms and floods. Be storm-ready with these tips to ensure you and your home stay electrically safe. Here is our storm season electrical safety checklist to keep on hand.

✨ Preparation is Key: Before a storm or wet season hits:

✔️ Install a safety switch and test it regularly.

✔️ Know where to turn off power, gas, and water in emergencies.

✔️ Pack up unused electrical equipment; store it in a safe place.

✔️ Unplug outside TVs and non-fixed aerials; keep them dry.

✔️ Switch off and unplug electrical devices when a storm is imminent.

✔️ Shut down your solar PV system using the safe isolation procedure.

⚠️ During the Storm or Flood: Follow these simple steps to stay safe:

✅ Listen to your local radio for weather updates.

⚡ Turn off power points; unplug electrical devices if power is lost.

☎️ Avoid using fixed telephones during thunderstorms to prevent electric shock.

✨ Move electrical equipment to higher locations if floods are expected.

⚠️ Stay away from powerlines, trees, and watercourses.

✔️ Clean-Up After the Storm: Post-storm cleanup is crucial for safety:

✅ Listen to local radio for warnings and advice.

⚠️ Report damaged power lines; stay away from them.

⚡ Avoid electrical signs, streetlights, cables, or conductive materials.

✋ Don’t touch damaged switchboards; it’s dangerous. Use a licensed electrician.

✋ Don’t attempt DIY electrical work – it’s illegal and unsafe. Hire a licensed electrician.

☀️ If you have a solar PV system, stay clear during cleanup. Call an electrician to check it for safety.

✖️ Property or Connection Damage:

If your property or connection line is damaged by a storm or flood, you may need verification tests on your switchboard, wiring, equipment and appliances prior to reconnection to ensure the electrical circuits are still working and safe.

✅ Hire a licensed electrician for verification tests before reconnection.

✅ Get a certificate of test for reconnection approval.

✅ Check Queensland Disaster Management for comprehensive storm safety info.

Queensland Disaster management has more information about storm safety and actions to take before, during and after a storm.

☀️ Solar PV Systems: For damaged solar PV systems:

⚠️ Do not attempt to turn off the system after a storm/flood/cyclone.

⛔ Stay away from solar panels and wiring.

⚡ Have an electrician inspect, repair, and ensure safety before re-commissioning.

✖️ Electrical Appliances and Equipment: Using water-damaged equipment can be dangerous:

⚡ Dispose of or have a licensed electrician repair water-affected electrical item.

⚡ Have an electrician check water-damaged hard-wired appliances before reconnecting power.

For more information visit the electrical safety office and click on the link below: https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/electrical-safety-home/electrical-safety-during-storms

Contact a Licensed Electrician in Brisbane for Your Home Electrical Maintenance, repairs, installations, upgrades, electrical inspections, safety checks and lighting advice for your home and outdoor spaces. No matter what your home renovation plan calls for, you can trust Allyn White.

With over 45 years of experience in all aspects of domestic, industrial, commercial and emergency electrical work, Allyn will be able to assist with your electrical needs in Brisbane.