Last-Minute Electrical Safety Prep for Cyclones: What You Can Do Right Now

With a cyclone near, it's at the forefront of mind as to how we can prepare. However this is important information to know and consider any time we have extreme weather conditions.

It's important to take immediate steps to ensure your home and electrical system are as safe as possible. While it’s always best to prepare well in advance, there are still a few practical actions you can take right now to minimize risks and keep things running smoothly during the storm. Here are some quick tips for preparing your electrical system:

1. Secure Loose Wiring & Outlets

Outdoor outlets and exposed wiring are vulnerable to water damage during heavy rain and strong winds. Securing them will help prevent short circuits or electrical hazards.

What You Can Do:

• Check any outdoor electrical devices or exposed outlets.

• Use waterproof covers or plastic sheeting to protect outlets and devices from rainwater.

• Ensure all connections are properly sealed to avoid water entering electrical outlets.

This simple action can help avoid water damage and electrical problems when the cyclone hits.

2. Unplug Non-Essential Appliances

Power surges are common during cyclones when power is restored after an outage, and they can damage sensitive electronics. Unplugging unnecessary appliances will reduce the risk of these surges affecting your devices.

What You Can Do:

• Unplug all non-essential appliances such as TVs, computers, and kitchen gadgets.

• Only keep essential devices plugged in, such as your fridge and phone chargers.

Unplugging your electronics will protect them from damage caused by electrical surges or disruptions.

3. Move Power Boards & Devices to Higher Ground

Flooding can cause serious issues, especially if water reaches your power boards, extension cords, or electrical appliances. If you’re in a flood-prone area, moving electrical equipment to higher ground is essential.

What You Can Do:

• Move your power boards, extension cords, and any valuable electronics to higher ground or onto countertops.

• If possible, move your devices to an upper floor to keep them safe from flooding.

Taking this extra precaution will help protect your electrical equipment from water damage.

4. Check Smoke Alarms & Batteries

Smoke alarms are crucial for safety, especially during a storm when electrical hazards may increase. Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly and have fresh batteries.

What You Can Do:

• Test your smoke alarms to ensure they’re functioning.

• Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms if necessary.

Having fully operational smoke alarms ensures you’re prepared for any emergencies that may arise during or after the storm.

5. Get Backup Power Systems Ready

Cyclones often bring power outages, so having a backup power system ready can keep essential appliances running. If you rely on a generator or portable power system, make sure it’s ready to go.

What You Can Do:

• Check that your backup power source (e.g., a generator) has enough fuel and is working properly.

• Ensure all necessary cords and devices are ready to be plugged in if needed.

Backup power systems are invaluable during prolonged outages, especially for keeping your fridge running or powering essential medical equipment.

Additional Tips for Electrical Safety During Cyclones:

• Avoid Water: If your electrical system is exposed to flooding, avoid touching anything electrical while standing in water.

• Use Flashlights, Not Candles: To avoid the risk of fires, use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles during power outages.

While it’s ideal to prepare well ahead of cyclone & storm season, there are still steps you can take to protect your electrical system before the storm hits. By securing wiring, unplugging unnecessary appliances, and ensuring your smoke alarms and backup power systems are in working order, you’ll be better prepared for whatever comes your way.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and take action now to ensure your home’s electrical system is ready for the cyclone.