Are you worried about electrical storm damage to your property?

And in Benalla, this year’s storm season has even been deadly, resulting in widespread damage to local properties as well as injuries and sadly one local casualty caused by falling trees.

Events like power surges, electrical fires, and complete system failures are all ramifications of storm-related damage and can result in costly damage to your property.

So to ensure local properties are protected from risks of damage caused by severe weather, it’s essential for homeowners to take a few storm safety precautions.

Here’s how you can reduce risks of electrical storm damage for your home and property.

Know when to call the authorities

When a storm moves in, lightning can strike anywhere.

And when these strikes hit, they can cause power surges that travel through your home’s wiring, damaging appliances and even start electrical fires.

This is how electrical storms can greatly increase the risk of short circuits and electrocution hazards.

Add the risk of flooding, and you can see just how essential storm preparedness is for protecting your home and family.

If your property experiences a short circuit or even a burnt fuse box, it’s essential you call your local emergency electricians as promptly as possible to avoid risks of electrical fires, power outages, or even electrocution on your property.

Most common types of electrical storm damage

Alongside short circuits and burnt fuse boxes, what other issues might warrant a call to your local electricians?

Here are the most common types of electrical storm damage recorded by electricians across the Benalla region.

Power Surges & Equipment Damage

Whilst short circuits are accidentally occurring low-resistance paths for electricity, power surges are actually sudden increases in voltage.

Both short circuits and power surges can have the same effect: fuse trips, damage to electrical components, and even the risk of electrical fires.

Appliances like computers, televisions and refrigerators are particularly vulnerable to damage resulting from power surges.

So alongside damage to your property and power outlets, power surges can also result in your filing claims for your home and contents insurance provider.

Electrical Fires

Storm-induced power surges are extremely dangerous as they can cause wiring within walls to overheat, which is effectively how electrical fires begin.

The heat generated by an electrical overload can ignite insulation and other building materials, leading to devastating house fires and potential risks of electrical shock.

If the wiring in your home or business premises is outdated or poorly maintained, the risk of electrical fires increases significantly.

You can reduce your risks of electrical fires by ensuring your property is inspected annually by a qualified electrician and that all electrical works (including electrical renovations) are handled with professional care.

Power Outages & Electrical System Failure

Volatile thunderstorms are looking to be a more common occurrence across north-eastern Victoria, mainly due to climate change.

This is also why power outages have become more common across the region.

Thankfully, local electrical grids are in the process of adapting their layouts and infrastructure to improve reliability during adverse weather conditions.

But whilst we’re still in this in-between phase of development, it’s up to local residents to ensure that they’re prepared for the higher risk of power outages.

This means setting up power failure emergency kits or even investing in backup generators if you operate a business or facility that’s reliant on electricity for continuous business operations.

Water Damage & Electrocution Risks

Lightning strikes damaging electrical components isn’t the only cause of damage during electrical storms.

Heavy rainfall and flooding also pose a serious threat to your home’s electrical system.

For starters, water and electricity are a dangerous combination, increasing the likelihood of short circuits and electrocution.

Basements, garages, and low-lying areas are also particularly vulnerable, making it essential to take preventative measures.

Local flood studies are being conducted by council bodies to support residents in protecting their property against water damage during electrical storms.

If you have concerns your property may be susceptible to flooding, we urge you to contact not only your local emergency electrician, but also public emergency services to inquire about how you can get your home flood-ready.

How to Protect Your Property from Electrical Storm Damage

While storms are beyond our control, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimise damage and ensure you are protected.

1. Install Surge Protectors

Surge protectors can be installed at the main electrical panel for most residential properties.

Be sure to secure expert assistance from a certified electrician when working with these panel installations.

Similarly, individual surge protectors can also be used inside the home by connecting them directly to power outlets.

These surge protectors are effective for protecting devices like computers, televisions, and other valuable electronics from electrical damage in the event of a power surge or short circuit.

2. Invest in a Backup Generator

As mentioned, having a reliable backup generator on hand ensures your home has power during an outage.

This is particularly important for homes with medical equipment, security systems and electronic gates.

Automatic standby generators activate immediately when the power goes out, providing your property with sufficient amounts of electricity until a grid connection is restored.

3. Schedule Routine Electrical Inspections

Having your home or business inspected annually by a qualified electrician can help identify and thus proactively address any potential risks to your electrical system.

Routine electrical inspections and fault-finding is an essential investment for properties of all ages, from Federation homes to recently renovated properties.

Remember too that loose wiring, outdated circuit breakers, and faulty grounding can all increase the risk of electrical storm damage.

A professional assessment will help ensure your home is protected in the event of a severe storm.

4. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

GFCIs are a type of circuit breaker that’s designed to protect against electrical shocks and short circuits, particularly in wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry room spaces.

These devices automatically shut off power when they detect a fault, reducing the risk of electrocution.

You can work with a certified electrician to install GFCIs around your property.

These electrical safety devices should also be inspected regularly by professionals to ensure that they stay in good working order from season to season.

5. Maintain Proper Drainage Around Your Home

Preventing water from entering your home reduces the risk of electrical hazards caused by moisture exposure.

Ensure that gutters, down spouts, and drainage systems are cleaned, clear and functioning properly to direct water away from your home’s foundation and electrical installations.

Here, electricians, plumbers, and roof plumbers can offer their assistance by ensuring both your property’s electrical and plumbing systems are aligned with Australian safety standards and Victorian and national building codes.

Be Prepared During Storm Season with these Electrical Safety Tips

With the right safety precautions, you can protect your home and business from serious damage this storm season.

And remember – if you find any potential electrical faults or have any reason to be concerned about your home’s electrical safety, call a qualified electrician to inspect your property proactively.

It’s always best to mitigate electrical risks before they have a chance to turn into dangerous or even costly emergencies.