Are Power Points Safe To Use After A Cyclone

No, power points are not safe to use right after a cyclone because the storm can damage electrical wiring and power lines. Always have a licensed electrician check your home before turning the power back on or using any outlets, especially if there is water damage.

NEVER try to fix electrical problems yourself, it is dangerous and in the best case scenario, severely injure you and in the worst case scenario it can kill you.

If Cyclone Alfred stays at category 2, with wind speeds between 89 km/h and 117 km/h, it will be the strongest storm to hit the southeast coast since Cyclone Zoe in 1974. Now with thousands of people in Queensland and NSW already without power because of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, here’s what you should do to get ready for the severe weather and after it passes.

What to do before you lose power?

The first thing you should do is make an emergency kit. ABC Emergency has a full list of what to include. Start with a battery-powered radio, waterproof LED flashlights (you can add glow-in-the-dark stickers to find them easily), and a first-aid kit.

What To Do If You Have Solar Panels Installed?

If a storm or flood is coming, it’s a good idea to turn off your solar power system if you can.

To do this, always follow the shutdown steps given by your installer. You can usually find these instructions near the inverter or on the main switchboard.

Most shutdown steps include:

• Turning off the inverter AC mains isolator (usually in the meter box).
• Turning off the PV array isolator (usually next to the inverter).

WARNING: If floodwater might reach your inverter or cables, ask a licensed electrician or solar installer to safely shut down your system.

If you’re unsure how to do this, contact your solar system’s manufacturer or installer for help.

What To Do During An Outage?

When a cyclone arrives, staying safe around electricity is very important. Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding can damage power lines and electrical systems, which can cause electric shocks or fires.

If the power goes out:

• Turn off power points and unplug appliances if it’s safe to do so.
• Stay inside, never go outside to switch off power during a storm.
• Keep electrical items like extension cords, lights, and generators away from water to avoid danger.

Generators And Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Having a backup power source can help you stay connected if the power goes out during a big storm. You can use a battery-powered Uninterruptible Power Supply, a small portable generator, or a larger generator, depending on what you need.

If you’re using a diesel, petrol, or gas generator, be extra careful about carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators release carbon monoxide gas, which is invisible, has no smell, and can be very dangerous without warning.

Stay safe by following these steps:

• Only use your generator outside.
• Keep it far away from open windows.
• Use a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm to warn you if the gas reaches dangerous levels.
• Read the generator safety guide from Energex before using it.

These steps will help keep you and your family safe while using a generator.

What to do after Cyclone Alfred?

Going back to your home or business after a cyclone can be stressful, and you might want to start cleaning up right away. But before you do, take a moment to look around and check for any dangers or damage.

Electrical safety

• Don’t turn on power or appliances until a licensed electrician or power company checks them.
• Never try to fix electrical issues yourself—it’s dangerous and illegal.
• Watch out for water damage, as it can make electrical systems unsafe.
• When using a generator:
  • A changeover switch must be installed by a licensed electrician to prevent electricity from going back into the power grid and causing danger.
  • Never plug a generator into wall sockets or connect it to your home’s wiring.
  • Follow the instructions from the manufacturer and don’t overload the generator or power boards.
  • Check for an Australian Standard mark (AS2970) to ensure the generator is safe to use.
  • Keep cords, power boards, and equipment dry and in good condition.

Final Thoughts: Be Storm-Ready and Stay Safe

Electrical dangers can happen before, during, and after a storm. Taking safety steps, following expert advice, and calling a professional when needed can help prevent serious accidents.

Whether it’s checking your generator, staying away from wet electrical appliances, or reporting fallen power lines, these actions help keep you, your family, and your home safe during extreme weather.

By staying informed and ready, we can all get through Tropical Cyclone Alfred safely!