Prepare for the storm season ahead

Queensland’s weather can be unpredictable, with storms, floods, and cyclones a regular reality. Get prepared now, to ensure your home is protected.

Download the Electrical Safety Office Get Storm Ready toolkit and make sure you’re ready for storm season - download a copy at Electrical safety during storms.

Quick tips to prepare your home and business:

• Install a safety switch and test it regularly. Find out more about safety switches
• Know where to turn off your power, gas and water supply in an emergency.
• Pack up electrical equipment not in use and store in a safe place.
• Unplug outside TVs and non-fixed aerials and store in a dry area.
• Switch off and unplug electrical equipment when a storm approaches.
• Shut down your solar PV system using the safe isolation procedure.

What to do if your home or business has been damaged in a storm?

• Get a licenced electrical contractor to inspect and repair your solar PV system or battery energy storage system if it’s been damaged. This needs to be done prior to other clean-up work starts around the PV cells, batteries and associated electrical wiring. Once your system has been checked and is safe, follow the start-up procedure.

Go to Solar PV systems for more information.

• If your property or any electrical connections have been affected by a storm or flood, it’s important to have a licenced electrician to test your switchboard, wiring, equipment, and appliances before reconnection to ensure the electrical systems are safe and functioning properly.

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

• Don’t use water damaged equipment! Have a licenced electrician check all water damaged hard wired appliances, such as air-conditioners and stoves.

Further information

For more information on electrical safety and storms in your area, contact your local distribution entity:

• Ergon Energy
  • Life threatening emergencies (24hr line) - 000 or 13 16 70
  • Residential and general enquiries - 13 10 46
• Energex - 13 12 53
• Essential Energy - 13 23 91

Read more information for workers and employers about being prepared for natural disasters.