Storm Safety Guide: How to Protect Your Property & Electrical Systems from Severe Weather

⚡ Storm Safety Guide: How to Protect Your Property & Electrical Systems from Severe Weather

Why Storm Safety Matters

Australia’s storm season brings severe weather, lightning strikes, power surges, and electrical hazards that can cause property damage, disrupt businesses, and pose safety risks.

Whether you're a homeowner, business operator, or facility manager, ensuring your electrical systems are storm-ready is essential to preventing costly damage, downtime, and insurance complications.

🚨 Did you know? A single lightning strike can deliver over 1 billion volts of electricity—enough to fry your entire electrical system if it's not properly protected!

🌩️ Understanding Storm-Related Electrical Risks

Severe storms can wreak havoc on electrical systems in multiple ways:

🔴 Lightning Strikes: Direct or indirect strikes can cause fires, power failures, and surge damage to appliances and electrical circuits.

🔴 Power Surges & Outages: Voltage spikes from grid fluctuations can destroy expensive equipment, IT systems, and smart lighting controls (CBus, KNX, DALI).

🔴 Flooding & Water Damage: Exposed electrical panels and wiring can become live hazards, leading to electric shocks, short circuits, and fires.

🔴 Tree & Debris Damage: Falling trees or flying debris can knock down power lines, damage switchboards, and disrupt electrical connections.

🔌 How to Prepare Your Electrical System for Storms

✅ 1. Install Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)

• Protects sensitive electronics, smart lighting, and appliances from sudden voltage spikes.

• Use whole-house or business-level surge protection to safeguard critical systems.

✅ 2. Lightning Protection System Maintenance

• Ensure your lightning rods, earthing systems, and surge protectors are in top condition.

• DFE Electrical offers AS/NZS 1768-compliant lightning protection testing & certification.

✅ 3. Secure Backup Power Solutions

• Install uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and generators to prevent business downtime.

• Ensure emergency lighting and exit signs remain operational during outages.

✅ 4. Waterproof & Elevate Electrical Panels

• If your property is in a flood-prone area, relocate or waterproof switchboards, wiring, and outlets to avoid water damage.

✅ 5. Perform an Electrical Safety Audit Before Storm Season

• Regular inspections can identify loose wiring, outdated surge protectors, and weak grounding before they cause failures.

• DFE Electrical offers storm preparedness audits to ensure your business or home is protected.

⛈️ What to Do During a Storm to Stay Safe

🚨 If a storm is approaching, take these safety precautions immediately:

⚠️ Unplug sensitive electronics – Disconnect computers, TVs, security systems, and lighting controls to prevent damage.

⚠️ Avoid using wired appliances – Lightning can travel through power lines, phone cables, and plumbing.

⚠️ Stay away from electrical panels – If water enters your electrical system, it can become a live shock hazard.

⚠️ Never touch downed power lines – Report them to emergency services immediately.

⚠️ Switch off the main power – If flooding occurs, turn off the main circuit breaker to prevent electrical fires.

🚧 Post-Storm Electrical Safety Checklist

After a storm passes, check for these warning signs before restoring full power:

✅ Flickering lights or buzzing outlets – Could indicate damaged wiring or power fluctuations.
✅ Burning smells or scorch marks – Signs of electrical fires or overheating circuits.
✅ Flooded switchboards or water-damaged outlets – These must be inspected by a licensed electrician before use.
✅ Tripped circuit breakers – Indicates a potential power surge or faulty wiring.

If you notice any of these issues, contact DFE Electrical immediately for an inspection.

💡 Why Choose DFE Electrical for Storm Safety & Electrical Protection?

✔ Expert Surge Protection & Lightning System Testing – We ensure your business or home is AS/NZS compliant.
✔ Emergency Electrical Repairs & Post-Storm Inspections – Fast response times to minimize downtime.
✔ Preventative Electrical Maintenance & Risk Assessments – Identifying potential hazards before they cause failures.
✔ Smart Lighting & Automation Troubleshooting – Protect your CBus, KNX, and DALI systems from damage.

🚨 Don’t wait for the next storm to test your electrical safety!

📞 Call 0413 778 015 to Book a Storm Safety Audit Today