Spring Storm Season: Electrical Safety Checklist for Moreton Bay & Sunshine Coast Homes
Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office and WorkSafe Queensland both issue the same reminder every year: storm season, which runs roughly September through November, is when the state sees the sharpest spike in electrical incidents — downed lines, water-damaged switchboards, and DIY “fixes” attempted in the aftermath that turn a repair job into an emergency. The checklist below follows the official before, during and after structure, with a Moreton Bay or Sunshine Coast homeowner’s solar and battery system specifically in mind.
Storm Season Quick Facts
What actually matters before, during and after severe weather.
Sep – Nov
Queensland's storm season peaks across these three months, per the Electrical Safety Office.
Assume It's Live
Solar panels and batteries stay electrically live even when the grid goes down.
Licensed Only
DIY repairs after storm damage are illegal and dangerous — always call a licensed electrician.
Before the storm arrives
- Install a safety switch (RCD) at your switchboard and test it — most modern Queensland homes have one, but it is worth confirming
- Know where your power, gas and water shutoffs are, and make sure everyone in the household does too
- Pack away or secure electrical equipment that is not in use
- Bring outdoor TVs, aerials and portable equipment indoors
- Switch off and unplug non-essential electrical equipment as the storm approaches
- Have your solar PV system safely isolated if severe weather or flooding is forecast
While the storm is happening
Keep a battery radio or your phone on for local weather updates. If you lose power, switch off and unplug electrical devices at the wall rather than leaving them connected — a power surge on reconnection can damage anything still plugged in. The Electrical Safety Office is specific on one point that catches people out: do not use a fixed (corded) telephone during a thunderstorm, as lightning can travel through the line and cause a shock. If flooding threatens, move electrical items to higher ground, and stay well clear of powerlines, trees and any water that could be in contact with fallen cables.
After the storm passes
Keep listening to local radio for official updates, and report any damaged or downed powerlines to emergency services immediately — treat every fallen line as live until a professional confirms otherwise. Stay away from electrical signs, street lights, cables, foil insulation, or anything else that could be conductive, and warn others to do the same.
This is also where the single most important rule applies: do not attempt your own electrical work after a storm. It is illegal without a licence, and it is genuinely dangerous — always call a licensed electrician for repairs, reconnection, or an assessment of anything that got wet or was hit by debris.
Solar, batteries and generators need a professional look first
After a storm, assume your solar panels and any battery system remain electrically live, even with the grid down — do not go near the roof or the battery enclosure until a licensed technician has inspected the system. If you run a backup generator, it must be connected through a licensed electrician-installed changeover switch; backfeeding a generator into your home through a standard power outlet is illegal and can electrocute utility workers repairing the street’s lines. Any appliance that got wet should be treated as unsafe until a licensed electrician has checked or repaired it — our electrical contracting team handles storm-damage inspections and switchboard repairs across Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to check my switchboard myself after a storm?
No. If a switchboard has been exposed to water or storm damage, do not open or touch it. The Electrical Safety Office is explicit on this point — always have a licensed electrician inspect and clear a damaged switchboard before it is used again.
Can I run my solar system during a blackout?
Not without the right equipment. A standard grid-tied solar system automatically shuts off during a blackout for safety — it will not power your home. Only a system with a battery and an approved backup circuit can do that, and even then, a storm-damaged system should be inspected before you rely on it again.
What should I do with a portable generator during an outage?
Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet to power your home — this can backfeed electricity into the street and endanger utility workers. A generator must be connected through a licensed electrician-installed changeover switch.
When does storm season typically affect Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast?
Queensland’s storm season generally runs from September through to November, ahead of the wetter summer months, which is when the Electrical Safety Office and WorkSafe Queensland issue their annual preparedness reminders.