Brisbane Storm Season Ready: Protecting Your Home’s Electrical System in Summer
- nick45506
- Dec 18, 2025
- 2 min read
Brisbane storms are no joke.
Lightning, damaging winds, flash flooding and downed trees can take out power fast and leave hazards behind.
Summer is the time to prepare your home’s electrical system so you can ride out storms safely — and reduce the risk of damage.
Surges: the silent electronics killer
Storms can create surges that damage appliances and electronics even if the lightning strike isn’t near your home.
What to do:
Use surge-protected power boards for TVs, computers and routers
Consider whole-home surge protection at the switchboard
During severe storms, unplug high-value items if possible (and safe)
Outdoor fittings: water and electricity don’t mix
Brisbane storms drive rain sideways. Outdoor fittings can fail if seals are old or covers are cracked.
Check:
outdoor power points have weatherproof covers and intact seals
exterior lighting fittings are secure and properly rated
no exposed wiring, cracked conduits, or loose fittings
Switchboard safety
Know where your main switch is. In storm damage situations, turning off power quickly can prevent shock and fire.
If there’s water entering the home near outlets or wiring, turn off power and call an electrician.
Be prepared for outages
Storm outages happen. A calm plan beats scrambling in the dark.
Have ready:
LED torches/lanterns
charged power banks
battery radio (useful when internet is out)
spare batteries
printed key phone numbers (Energex, emergency contacts)
If you rely on powered medical equipment, plan for backup options and talk to your electrician about safe solutions.
After the storm: treat hazards like they’re live (because they might be)
If you see a downed line:
stay well clear
keep others away
report it immediately
Report downed powerlines in SEQ: Energex: 13 19 62 If it’s life-threatening or someone is in danger: 000
Never touch lines, trees, fences or anything in contact with a fallen line.
