Preparing Your Home for Storm Season: Lighting and Electrical Safety Tips

Preparing your home for storm season is one of those things you know you should do, but often put off until it’s almost too late. Every year in Australia, storm season brings powerful winds, torrential rain, lightning and the occasional hail. While stocking up on essentials and securing outdoor items are musts, many homeowners overlook one vital area: electrical and lighting safety.

That’s where the real dangers lie. Power surges, outages and water damage to wiring can all pose significant dangers if you’re not adequately prepared. And who wants to deal with that kind of stress and potential damage?

Understanding the Risks

Storms can impact your home’s electrical system in several ways. You’ve probably heard of these risks before, but it’s worth repeating:

Lightning strikes can send surges through power lines, damaging appliances and wiring. Fallen trees and power poles can cause outages or live wires to become exposed. Floodwaters and leaks can reach electrical outlets or circuit boards, increasing the risk of fire or electrocution. And unstable weather can cause repeated blackouts or brownouts, stressing electrical equipment.

Being proactive reduces the chance of costly damage and keeps your household safe. That’s a pretty good reason to take these tips seriously.

Tip 1: Install Surge Protection

A lightning strike kilometres away can still cause a surge through the power grid. Surge protection is your first line of defence. Whole-house surge protectors are fitted at your switchboard and safeguard all circuits. Point-of-use surge protectors-add another layer for valuable electronics like computers, TVs and fridges.

Ask a licensed electrician to inspect your current protection and recommend suitable upgrades. That’s especially important if your home is older or has had recent renovations.

Tip 2: Use Outdoor-Rated Lighting and Fittings

If you’ve got exterior lighting-garden lights, porch lights, floodlights, or pool lighting-make sure they’re rated for outdoor use. They should carry an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of at least IP65, meaning they’re sealed against water and dust.

Replace any cracked or damaged outdoor fittings.
Ensure cables are properly insulated and not exposed to the elements.
Where possible, switch to low-voltage LED options-they’re safer and more energy-efficient.

Tip 3: Elevate and Waterproof Electrical Systems in Flood-Prone Areas

If you live in a flood-prone suburb or near waterways, elevate critical electrical components such as:

powerpoints,
circuit breakers,
air conditioning units,
solar inverters and batteries.

Electricians can relocate or raise outlets and systems above known flood levels. Use weatherproof enclosures rated for outdoor conditions to protect wiring and switchgear.

Tip 4: Check and Trim Trees Near Power Lines

Overhanging branches are a common culprit for storm-related power outages. If tree limbs contact overhead wires, they can spark fires or bring down lines. Hire a qualified arborist to trim back vegetation near power infrastructure. Never attempt to remove branches yourself if they are close to electrical wires.

Tip 5: Install Emergency Lighting

When the lights go out, stumbling through the dark isn’t just inconvenient-it can be dangerous. Battery-powered LED lights or rechargeable lanterns should be easily accessible. Consider installing hardwired emergency lighting with battery backup in stairwells, hallways or exits-especially in double-storey homes.

Tip 6: Unplug During a Storm

When a storm is approaching, unplug non-essential appliances like TVs, sound systems and desktop computers. Even with surge protection, a direct strike or severe surge could damage electronics.

Avoid using wired phones, computers or modems during active lightning. And remember: water and electricity are a dangerous combination-stay clear of damp areas where wiring or power points may be compromised.

Tip 7: Invest in a Backup Power Solution

In rural or regional areas, prolonged blackouts can be more than a nuisance-they can affect safety, food storage and medical devices. A portable generator can power essentials-but it must be operated outdoors, far from windows and vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Consider a battery backup system integrated with solar panels. These setups are becoming more affordable and provide clean, quiet power when the grid goes down. And that’s a big plus during a storm.

When you do install a backup system, make sure a licensed electrician does the job. They’ll ensure it meets Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000) and operates safely.

Tip 8: Conduct a Pre-Storm Electrical Inspection

Before the storm season starts, book an inspection with a licensed electrician. They’ll check the following:

your safety switches and circuit breakers
look for corrosion or damage in your switchboard
assess your home’s grounding and earthing system-and
identify areas where water could reach your wiring

Some insurers even require evidence of that kind of inspection in flood or cyclone-prone zones.That’s a good time to test and label all your smoke alarms too.

Stay Safe with This Storm Season Electrical Safety Checklist

Electrical safety should be part of every Australian household’s storm plan. While securing windows, clearing gutters and preparing emergency kits are common practices, it’s just as important to look inwards – at the systems powering your home.

Storms can strike without warning and their impact on your electrical infrastructure can range from annoying to devastating. Power surges can damage expensive appliances. Flooding can make outlets and circuit boards dangerous. And a lack of emergency lighting can turn a simple evacuation into a nightmare.

Proactive planning is your best defence. Simple steps like installing surge protection, waterproofing outdoor lighting, raising powerpoints in flood prone areas and booking a professional electrical inspection can reduce risk. It’s also a chance to make sure your home complies with current Australian Standards which is especially important for insurance claims.

For families, protecting young children and elderly members from electrical hazards during a blackout or storm adds another level of urgency. Safe lighting, clear exit paths and working smoke alarms are essential. And if you rely on powered medical devices, having a backup power source isn’t just convenient – it’s critical.

Wherever you live – whether it’s the cyclone prone north, the stormy east coast or a quiet inland town – storm season affects us all. By investing a little time and effort before the storms arrive you’ll be in a much better position to weather them safely and with confidence.

And remember: if in doubt always call a licensed electrician. Never attempt electrical repairs or inspections yourself, especially during or after a storm. Your safety and peace of mind are worth it.