How Can You Stay Safe From Electrical Hazards During A Storm?

 The east coast of Australia is known for its wild weather, not only floods and fires, but also spectacular thunderstorms. While these events may be breathtaking to view, lightning strikes and high wind can pose a threat to property and your own life.

One of the most common questions our electricians are asked is “how do I stay safe during a thunderstorm?” Here are some of our most valuable recommendations to help protect your home and your family.

Protecting your property

Lightning strikes can damage electronic appliances and devices, and even start a fire. Although it is unlikely your house will be struck, damage to power lines or transformers can still cause dangerous surges.

Where possible, it is best to unplug electrical appliances from the wall, including computers, televisions and white goods. Telephones and modems or routers should also be unplugged, as electricity can travel through these cables as well. If you choose to unplug a fridge or freezer, avoid opening the door to retain the cold and prevent food spoilage.

If flooding is expected, try to move any floor level appliances to higher ground, and if water damage is suspected, do not use the appliance until you can have it inspected by a qualified electrician.

For the best protection, we recommend that a whole house surge protector be installed in your fuse box. Surge protectors for individual devices that plugin at the wall are useful for minor occurrences, but may not provide adequate protection against a lightning strike.

Protecting yourself

It is estimated that about 1/3 of lightning injuries happen inside the home, usually due to a victim using an electrical appliance during a storm. For your safety, you should avoid using all electrical devices, including landline phones, however, mobile phones and tablets are safe providing they are not plugged into the charger.

Water is a naturally excellent conductor of electricity, and you should not shower or bathe during an electrical storm. Although shocks occurring while using bathroom facilities are rare, it is difficult to know if your house has been properly earthed without an electrical inspection.

Although it is best to seek shelter in a storm, you must also choose wisely. Concrete floors often have steel cables running through for reinforcement, and these can conduct electricity. The Bureau of Meteorology recommends avoiding touching or standing barefoot on brick or concrete surfaces. If you must shelter outdoors, avoid trees and bodies of water, and if you are swimming, seek dry land immediately. Never touch or drive over fallen power lines, instead seek an alternate route or wait for assistance.

Where to seek help

If a person has received an electrical shock or another injury during a weather event, call 000 immediately.

For fallen power lines and electrical outages, call your power supplier. In Maitland, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region, this is Ausgrid on 13 13 88.

For storm damage such as fallen trees, contact the SES on 132 500.

For a consultation and advice about storm safety in your home, or electrical repairs following a storm, contact 7E Integrated Services for prompt and professional service. You can use our online contact form or call 0421 517 243.