Household Hacks

Ask most homeowners where their smoke alarms are, and you’ll usually get a shrug. “One in the hallway, I think?” is the most common answer we hear — and it’s exactly the kind of setup that’s about to become non-compliant.

From 1 January 2027, new Queensland legislation requires every owner-occupied home to meet the same smoke alarm standards already in place for rental properties and homes being sold. If you own and live in your home, this deadline applies to you — and with less than six months to go, now’s the time to check where you actually stand.

Where Alarms Actually Need to Go

Under the updated legislation, compliant smoke alarms must be installed:

• In every bedroom
• In every hallway that connects bedrooms to the rest of the home
• On every storey, even if there are no bedrooms on that level

That last point catches a lot of people out. A single alarm covering the whole downstairs of a two-storey home doesn’t cut it — each level needs its own coverage, regardless of layout.

The Bigger Change: Interconnection

It’s not just about location. Every alarm in the home needs to be interconnected, meaning if one alarm detects smoke, all of them sound — instantly, throughout the house. So if a fire starts in the kitchen at 2am, the alarm in your bedroom down the hall goes off too, not just the one nearest the smoke.

Alarms also need to be photoelectric (not the older ionisation type), and either hardwired with battery backup or powered by a sealed 10-year lithium battery.

Why Waiting Is a Bad Idea

We saw exactly how this plays out back in 2022, when the same standard rolled out for rental properties — a rush of last-minute bookings, longer wait times, and higher demand on installers right before the deadline. With the 2027 changes applying to every remaining owner-occupied home across Queensland, that squeeze is likely to be even bigger.

Getting ahead of it now means:

• No scrambling to book an installer in the final weeks of 2026
• More time to plan the right number and placement of alarms for your home
• Peace of mind that your family’s covered well before the deadline hits

Quick Self-Check

Walk through your home and ask:

• Is there an alarm in every bedroom, or just the hallway?
• If your alarm goes off in one room, would you hear it in another?
• Are your alarms battery-only and unconnected to each other?

If you answered “no,” “not sure,” or “yes” to those in turn — it’s worth getting a proper assessment.

Our licensed electricians can check your current setup, walk you through what’s required for your home, and handle the full upgrade — done right, well ahead of the 2027 deadline.

Most people don’t realise their ceiling fan has two modes — and using the wrong one could be costing them comfort and money.

What you’ll need: Just your fan’s reverse switch (usually a small button or switch on the motor housing)

What to do: In summer, set your fan to run anticlockwise (when viewed from below). This pushes cool air downward, creating a wind-chill effect. In winter, switch it to run clockwise on a low speed — this gently pulls cool air up and pushes warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the room.

Why it matters: Using your fan correctly year-round means you can rely a little less on heating and cooling, reducing your energy bills in every season.

Tip: Pair your ceiling fan with your air conditioner in summer and you can comfortably raise the thermostat by a few degrees — saving energy without sacrificing comfort.

The following information comes from: electricalsafety.qld.gov.au

Preparation

• Be prepared for loss of power that could last for more than one week. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in case you need to use it in an emergency.
• If you plan to use a generator make sure it is in good working order before you intend to use it. You must have a changeover switch installed if you want to use it to power the wiring of your home.
• Turn off your solar power system by following the manufacturer’s instructions before the storm or flood hits.
• Make sure you know how to turn your mains power off in case you need to do it in an emergency.
• Prepare an evacuation plan that includes where powerlines are on or near your property so you can avoid these while you evacuate.
• If anyone in your house relies on electrical equipment for medical reasons, you must have a plan if your power is cut – don’t assume it will be restored quickly.

During a Storm or Cyclone

• If you’ve lost power, turn off your power points and unplug electrical equipment if it is safe to do so. Don’t go outside during a storm to turn off power.
• Do not run electrical equipment such as generators, extension leads or lighting in wet areas.
• Some storms and floods can last for a long time. If the storm causes damage, do not attempt to make temporary electrical repairs. Turn the power off and have a licensed electrical contractor perform the repairs after the bad weather has passed. If the power cannot be turned off, stay well away from the damaged equipment and call your electricity entity (Energex, Ergon).
• In a flood, place electrical equipment as high off the ground as possible.

Generator Safety

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can kill, so never run generators indoors. Generators can produce high levels of CO, and like electricity, cannot be seen or smelt. If you feel sick, dizzy or weak using a generator, move away immediately and get some fresh air.

Tips for safe use:

• Keep generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Use portable generators only for essential equipment like fridges.
• Never connect a generator to your house power supply unless fitted with a proper change-over switch by a licensed electrician.
• Ensure power boards and leads are damage-free and protected from water and tripping hazards.
• Remember, ‘Suicide leads’ are extremely dangerous illegally made power leads that must not be used to connect generators to the wiring of your house.

After a Storm or Cyclone

Check your house for damage:

• If your property has been damaged, you will need a licensed electrical contractor to test that your home is electrically safe before you can be reconnected. You should ask for a certificate of test once the work is completed.
• If you remove internal or external wall sheeting after a flood, be careful not to expose electrical fittings. Exposed parts on the back of power points or light switches can cause electric shock or fire.
• If your property has been flooded, make sure any electrical equipment (including plug in items) which has been in flood water is tested by a licensed electrical contractor before using it again.
• If you need to enter your ceiling space to inspect or repair, ensure the power is turned off at the main switch board before entering the space.
• Stay away from damaged or flooded service pillars and report damage to the electricity entity. Service pillars are green or beige plastic boxes which usually sit on the fence line between houses where you have underground power.
• If you have a point of attachment on your house, check if it’s damaged or hanging off the wall or facia. If it is damaged, it must be repaired by a licenced electrical contractor before power can be restored. Your electricity entity will ask to see paperwork (certificate of test) from this repair before they reconnect the power to your property.

Check your solar PV system and battery storage for damage

• If you need to shut the system down in an emergency, follow the shutdown procedures which should be on the inverter or the main switchboard. Don’t turn off the system if any of its components are wet or damaged or internal wires are exposed.
• If your system has been damaged, contact a licensed electrical contractor or installer for advice before you turn it on.
• Solar PV systems will continue producing electricity when exposed to light even if the network supply is turned off or the system has been shut down. Don’t touch them or any conductive material that exposed parts of the system are touching as they may also be live.
• Damaged battery energy storage systems need a qualified person or installer to inspect it before using it again.

Fallen Power Lines

• Be careful cleaning up fallen branches and debris around your property as they could be hiding fallen or submerged powerlines. Treat any fallen or damaged powerlines as live.
• Fallen and low hanging powerlines can be hard to see, especially at night. Stay well away from them and warn others to do the same.
• Report any fallen lines to the emergency services or your electricity entity.

Cleaning up debris and floodwater

• Switch the power off at the switchboard when using water.
• It is illegal and very dangerous to use water pressure cleaners on material that contains asbestos. If you’re not sure, don’t risk it.
• Do not operate appliances or switches while standing in water or with bare feet.

Electric shocks

• Never touch electrical equipment (including conductive material) that has caused a shock. Prevent anyone from using it and have it checked and repaired by a licensed electrical contractor.
• If you experience tingles or shocks from an electrical appliance or taps, this means there could be an electrical problem. Call your electricity entity immediately to check out the problem. Ignoring these warning signs could lead to a much more serious electric shock.
• Never touch or attempt to rescue someone who is receiving an electric shock as you may end up receiving a shock yourself. If possible, turn off the power. Stay clear and call triple zero (000).
• Do not do your own electrical work – it’s illegal and dangerous. Always use a licensed electrical contractor.
• Do not approach property cordoned off with electrical hazard tape.

For Official Updates on Tropical Cyclone Alfred

• First aid and emergency plan information
• The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) for the latest weather warnings and forecasts.
• Get Ready Queensland for practical advice on storm preparation, including a video on what to expect in a Category 1 or 2 cyclone: Tropical Cyclone Alfred
• Your local council dashboard for updates on local conditions, road closures, and emergency alerts.
• In an emergency, ABC Emergency will provide regular warnings on ABC Radio. You can also find a map of current warnings and detailed information.
• Emergency alert messages are sent from: +61 444 444 444 These messages are not a scam and are official text messages from the Queensland State Disaster Coordination Centre as part of the national geo-targeting emergency alert system.

See electricalsafety.qld.gov.au for more information.

Living in the beautiful Noosa region and across the Sunshine Coast means enjoying a stunning coastal lifestyle, but it also comes with the reality of storm season. Whether it’s a summer thunderstorm or the threat of a cyclone, being prepared can make all the difference in protecting your home and family. At Noosa Electric Co, we’re committed to helping the local community stay safe with practical storm preparation and cyclone preparation tips — especially when it comes to electrical safety.

Why Storm Preparation Matters

Storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and even flooding, all of which can impact your home’s electrical systems. Power outages, electrical surges, and water damage are common issues that can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. By taking proactive steps before the storm arrives, you can reduce the risk of damage and ensure your home remains safe and functional during severe weather events.

1. Schedule an Electrical Inspection

Before storm season hits, it’s wise to have a licensed Sunshine Coast electrician inspect your home’s wiring, switchboard, and surge protection. At Noosa Electric Co, we can assess your electrical system to ensure it’s up to standard and advise whether there is anything we can do to improve the safety of your setup.

2. Install Surge Protection

Power surges caused by lightning strikes or grid fluctuations can damage appliances and sensitive electronics. Installing whole-house surge protection at your switchboard or using individual surge protectors on important devices can prevent costly damage. Learn more about surge protection solutions here.

3. Secure Outdoor Electrical Components

Strong winds and heavy rain can damage split system air-conditioning units, solar panels, and outdoor lighting. To minimise the chance of problems, it’s important to ensure that:

a. Your outdoor ducted air-conditioner and external split system air-conditioning units are securely mounted.

b Solar panels are properly fastened and inspected for any loose components.

c. Outdoor power points and electrical wiring are waterproof and in good condition.

Our team can help – contact us for more information.

4. Backup Power Solutions

Storms and cyclones can lead to power outages that last hours or even days. Consider investing in a backup power source, such as a generator or a solar battery system. A solar battery allows you to store excess power from your solar panels, providing energy when the grid goes down.

5. Use Generators Safely

If using a generator, keep it outside and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

6. Test and Maintain Smoke Alarms

With increased fire risks due to electrical faults during storms, ensuring your smoke alarms are in working order is crucial. Test your smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries as needed. If your smoke alarms are outdated or not interconnected, our electricians can install modern, compliant systems for better safety. Learn more about smoke alarms here.

7. Unplug Appliances Before the Storm Hits

To prevent damage from power surges, unplug televisions, computers, and major appliances before a storm arrives. This simple step can protect your expensive equipment and reduce the risk of electrical fires.

8. Know How to Safely Turn Off Power

In case of flooding or electrical emergencies, it can be helpful to know how to turn off your home’s power at the switchboard. Make sure everyone in your household understands the process. If you experience electrical issues during a storm, avoid attempting DIY fixes and contact a professional Sunshine Coast electrician for assistance.

9. Clear Overhanging Trees and Debris

Falling branches can damage power lines and create serious electrical hazards. Trim back trees near power lines and your home to minimise the risk of electrical damage during storms.

10. Post-Storm Electrical Safety

After a storm has passed, take precautions before restoring power and using appliances:

a. Check for water damage – If your switchboard or power outlets have been exposed to water, do not turn them on. Contact a licensed Noosa electrician for an inspection.

b. Avoid downed power lines – Stay clear of fallen power lines and report them immediately to Energex or emergency services.

c. Inspect appliances before use – If any electrical devices have been exposed to water or moisture, have them checked before plugging them in.

Stay Storm-Ready with Noosa Electric Co

At Noosa Electric Co, we’re passionate about keeping homes and businesses across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa safe with reliable electrical solutions. From surge protection to smoke alarm installations, solar solutions, and air-conditioning services, we’re here to help you prepare for storm season.

Don’t wait until the next big storm — get in touch with Noosa Electric Co today for an electrical inspection and storm preparation advice. Contact us now to learn more about how we can safeguard your home and keep your power running, no matter the weather!

Call Noosa Electric Co today for expert electrical solutions in Noosa and across the Sunshine Coast.