Fixing Electrical Failures on the Sunshine Coast After Storms.
When you live on the Sunshine Coast, cyclones and wild storms are just part of life. And while we might be used to them, it’s still a good idea to get your home ready—especially when it comes to your electrical setup.
Whether it’s bracing for the wrath of Cyclone Alfred or dealing with power outages after the skies clear, a bit of planning can save you a lot of headaches.
As local electricians on the Sunshine Coast, we’ve put together some solid tips to help you stay safe and keep the lights on when Mother Nature decides to go a bit troppo.
1. Check Your Switchboard and Safety Switches
Before a cyclone hits, one of the first things you should do is check your switchboard. An outdated or overloaded switchboard can be a disaster waiting to happen during a storm. Make sure your safety switches are in good working order—these are your first line of defence against electrical faults. If you’re not sure, it might be time to call in the pros—like us, your friendly electrical contractors on the Sunshine Coast—for an inspection.
2. Secure Outdoor Power Points and Appliances
Outdoor power points, extension leads, and appliances are all at risk during a cyclone.
Water and electricity don’t mix, so make sure everything outside is either waterproofed or unplugged and brought inside. Use weatherproof covers for any outdoor power points that need to stay in use. This simple step can help prevent electrical shorts and fires when the rain starts bucketing down.
3. Invest in Surge Protection
Cyclones are notorious for causing power surges, which can fry your electronics faster than a snag on a barbie.
Installing surge protection at your switchboard can save your expensive gadgets and appliances. For extra peace of mind, grab some plug-in surge protectors for things like TVs, computers, and fridges.
This way, if Cyclone Alfred decides to get feisty, you won’t be left replacing half your stuff.
4. Prepare a Backup Power Plan
There’s nothing worse than being left in the dark—literally. A backup power plan is a must for every Sunshine Coast home.
Whether it’s a portable generator or a more permanent home backup system, having a way to power essentials like your fridge and a few lights can make a world of difference.
Make sure you’ve got enough fuel for a few days and know how to operate it safely. Better yet, have a licensed electrician on the Sunshine Coast install a proper switch to connect your generator to your home’s power grid without risking a backfeed.
5. Unplug and Power Down Before the Storm
As the clouds start rolling in and the weather warnings hit, it’s smart to unplug as many appliances as you can.
Fridges and freezers are the exception—they’ll stay cold for a good while if you keep the doors shut.
Everything else, from TVs to toasters, should be powered down and unplugged to avoid damage from power surges or flooding.
6. What to Do If Cyclone Alfred Hits Today
If you wake up to find Cyclone Alfred making a beeline for the Sunshine Coast, there are a few last-minute things you can do:
- Turn off the power: If the water starts creeping in, switch off the power at the main switchboard—but only if it’s safe to do so.
- Move electronics up high: Get valuable gadgets and appliances off the ground to protect them from floodwaters.
- Grab the torches: Make sure you’ve got fully charged torches and portable chargers ready to go.
7. What to Watch Out For After Cyclone Alfred Hits the Sunshine Coast
Once the winds die down and the skies clear, the danger isn’t over yet. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
- Fallen powerlines: Treat every downed line as live. Keep well clear and report it to Energex immediately.
- Water-damaged appliances: If anything electrical got wet, don’t plug it in until a qualified electrician on the Sunshine Coast gives it the all-clear.
- Flickering lights and tripping circuits: These are signs that water might have gotten into your wiring—definitely a job for the pros.
8. Book an Electrical Inspection Post-Cyclone
Once things settle down, it’s a good idea to get a professional electrical inspection. Water and storm debris can cause hidden damage that might not show up straight away.
As your trusted electrical contractors on the Sunshine Coast, we can give your home a thorough check-up to make sure everything’s safe and sound.
Preparing for cyclones on the Sunshine Coast might seem like a hassle, but a bit of effort now can save you from a lot of drama later on. Keeping your electrical system in top shape isn’t just about convenience—it’s about keeping your home and family safe when the weather gets wild.
If you need a hand getting your home cyclone-ready, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at DNA Queensland Electrical Pty Ltd. We’re here to help with everything from switchboard upgrades to surge protection and more.
Stay safe out there, legends—and remember, if in doubt, give us a shout!
Need help preparing for cyclones or fixing electrical faults?
Contact DNA Queensland Electrical Pty Ltd today!
Phone: 0418 118 989
Website:www.dnaqueenslandelectrical.com.au
