Electrical Safety Tips During Severe Weather: What You Can Do Right Now

With heavy rain, strong winds, and storm warnings not uncommon across the Sunshine Coast, it’s a good time to check that your home and electrical system are safe and ready.
Even if you haven’t had time to prepare ahead, there are still simple, practical steps you can take today to reduce risk and protect your home during extreme weather.

Here are a few things you can do right now:

1. Secure Outdoor Wiring and Outlets

Outdoor outlets and exposed wiring are especially vulnerable during heavy rain and wind. Securing them now helps prevent short circuits and potential electrical hazards.

What You Can Do:

• Check outdoor electrical devices or exposed outlets.

• Use waterproof covers or plastic sheeting to protect outlets and cords.

• Make sure all connections are properly sealed to keep out moisture.

This small step can make a big difference in preventing water damage and power faults.

2. Unplug Non-Essential Appliances

Power surges often happen when electricity is restored after an outage — and they can fry your electronics in seconds.

What You Can Do:

• Unplug non-essential appliances like TVs, computers, and kitchen gadgets.

• Keep only essentials plugged in, such as your fridge and phone chargers.

Unplugging helps protect your valuable devices from sudden power spikes.

3. Move Power Boards and Devices to Higher Ground

If flooding becomes a concern, keeping your electrical items dry is key.

What You Can Do:

• Move power boards, extension cords, and electronics off the floor or onto benches.

• If you’re in a low-lying area, relocate them upstairs or to higher shelves.

Keeping cords and equipment elevated can prevent serious water-related electrical damage.

4. Check Your Smoke Alarms and Batteries

Storms can increase fire and electrical hazards. Working smoke alarms are your best early warning system.

What You Can Do:

• Press the test button on each smoke alarm to ensure it’s working.

• Replace batteries if needed, especially if you can’t remember when you last changed them.

Fully functional smoke alarms can save lives — especially during unpredictable weather.

5. Prepare Backup Power

Power outages are common during storms. A working generator or backup power system can keep essential items running safely.

What You Can Do:

• Check that your generator is fuelled and working.

• Keep extension cords, flashlights, and battery-powered lamps handy.

If you rely on medical equipment or need to keep food cold, this step is especially important.

Extra Electrical Safety Reminders

• Avoid water: Never touch electrical outlets, cords, or appliances if you’re standing in water.

• Use flashlights, not candles: Reduce fire risk by relying on torches or battery-powered lanterns during outages.

Even when storms arrive unexpectedly, a few simple checks can go a long way in keeping your home and family safe.
If you notice flickering lights, damaged wiring, or exposed outlets after the weather passes, contact a licensed electrician before turning power back on.

Stay safe, stay prepared — and take a few moments today to make sure your home’s electrical system is storm-ready.