Summer on the Tweed brings long beach days, and it also brings storms. Heavy rain, strong winds and lightning can roll in fast across the Northern Rivers, and power outages are a regular part of the season.
Most homes come through a storm with nothing more than a few hours without power. But storms can also damage appliances, wiring and switchboards, and some of that damage is not obvious straight away. As a local, family-owned electrical business, we get plenty of calls after big storms, and many of the problems we fix could have been avoided with a little preparation. Here is how to protect your home before, during and after a summer storm.
How Storms Affect Your Home's Electrical System
There are a few ways a storm can cause electrical problems:
- Power surges. Lightning strikes nearby, or the power coming back on after an outage, can send a spike of electricity through your wiring. This can damage TVs, computers, air conditioners, solar inverters and appliances.
- Water getting in. Wind-driven rain can enter outdoor power points, meter boxes, light fittings and roof spaces, causing short circuits and corrosion.
- Fallen trees and branches. These can bring down the power line running to your home or damage outdoor wiring.
- Repeated outages. Frequent on and off cycles during a storm put extra stress on electrical equipment.
Before the Storm: Get Your Home Ready
Install Surge Protection
A surge protection device installed at your switchboard protects every circuit in your home, not just the appliances plugged into a power board. It is one of the most effective ways to protect expensive electronics during storm season. Our guide to surge protection for homes in Tweed Heads explains how whole-house protection works.
Test Your Safety Switches
Safety switches cut the power quickly if they detect a fault, which helps protect your family from electric shock. Press the test button on each safety switch at your switchboard every few months. If one does not trip, or you do not have safety switches on all your circuits, get it checked by an electrician.
Check Outdoor Power Points and Lights
Make sure outdoor power points have weatherproof covers that close properly, and that outdoor lights are sealed and in good condition. Cracked covers and old fittings are common entry points for water.
Keep Trees Away From Power Lines
Overhanging branches near the power line to your home are a risk in strong winds. Never trim trees near power lines yourself. Use a qualified arborist who is authorised to work near live lines.
Prepare for an Outage
Keep torches, spare batteries, a charged power bank and a battery-powered radio somewhere easy to find. If anyone in your home relies on powered medical equipment, have a backup plan ready before storm season starts.
During the Storm
When lightning is close, unplug sensitive electronics such as computers, TVs and gaming consoles. Avoid using corded phones and appliances that connect to the mains, and stay out of the shower or bath until the storm passes.
If you notice water near your switchboard, power points or appliances, do not touch them. Keep everyone well clear and call for help once it is safe.
When the Power Goes Out
First, check whether the outage is just your home or the whole street. If your neighbours still have power, look at your switchboard. A tripped safety switch or circuit breaker is often the cause, and it may have tripped because of water or a faulty appliance. If it trips again straight after you reset it, leave it off and call an electrician.
If the whole area is out, check Essential Energy’s outage map for updates. While you wait:
- Switch off major appliances, such as the air conditioner and pool pump, to protect them from a surge when the power returns.
- Leave one light switched on so you know when power is back.
- Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed to hold the cold in for longer.
Using a Generator Safely
Generators are handy during long outages, but they must be used correctly. Never plug a generator into a power point to run your home. This can send electricity back into the network and put line workers and your neighbours at serious risk. Always run generators outside in open air, away from doors and windows, because of the carbon monoxide they produce.
If you want to run your home from a generator, a licensed electrician can install a proper changeover switch at your switchboard so it can be connected safely.
After the Storm: Stay Safe
Stay clear of fallen power lines. Always treat them as live. Keep at least 8 metres away and report them to Essential Energy on 13 20 80. If someone’s life is in danger, call 000.
Do not use anything that got wet. Power points, switches and appliances that have been in contact with water need to be checked before they are used again, even if they seem to work.
Watch for warning signs. After a storm, look out for:
- A burning smell from power points, switches or the switchboard
- Lights that flicker or dim
- Breakers or safety switches that keep tripping
- Scorch marks, buzzing or sparking
- Appliances that stop working properly
When to Call an Electrician
If you notice any of these signs, or your home has been affected by water, it is time for a professional check. Our emergency electrician service in Tweed Heads can inspect storm damage, find faults and make your system safe before you start using it again. We can also help you get ready for next time with surge protection, safety switch checks and outdoor power point upgrades.
Book an Electrician With Blue Ridge Electrical
A little preparation now can save you from damaged appliances and costly repairs later in the storm season. Blue Ridge Electrical is a family-owned, licensed team with upfront, fixed pricing, servicing homes across Tweed Heads, Banora Point, Kingscliff and the wider Northern Rivers.
Want your home storm-ready this summer? Contact Blue Ridge Electrical or call 0490 420 106 to book an inspection.
About the Author
The Blue Ridge Electrical Team are licensed, family-owned electricians serving homes and businesses across Tweed Heads and the Northern Rivers, NSW. From safety switches to full switchboard upgrades, they focus on safe, reliable workmanship and honest, upfront pricing.