Preparing for storm season and power outages

Published on 30 September 2026

Storm season is fast approaching in Queensland, bringing an increased risk of power outages. Heavy rain, lightning and strong winds can damage power lines, leaving homes and businesses without electricity.

Power outages can also occur during other emergency events such as flooding, cyclones and bushfires. Whatever the cause, being prepared can help you stay safe and manage without electricity for an extended period.

Are you prepared if the power goes out?

Follow these tips to help you stay safe and ready during an outage. For broader storm and severe weather preparedness, please visit Get Ready Queensland.

Preparing a power outage kit

Keep these essential items at home in case the power goes out. In severe weather events you might have to go without power for hours or even days.

Your kit essentials:

• mobile phone with fully charged portable charger
• battery operated torch
• battery operated radio
• spare batteries
• 10 litres of drinking water
• packaged or tinned food that doesn’t need refrigeration
• important medications
• first-aid kit.

For more on what other emergency kit items you may need, visit Get Ready Queensland. 

What to do when you lose power

Check if the power outage is widespread. Do any of your neighbours have power? If you have access to mobile data, you can also check your energy distributor's outage map:

• Energex outage finder (South East Queensland)
• Ergon Energy outage finder (Greater Queensland)

These maps are updated regularly. They show why the outage happened and when power is expected to return.

You should also turn off and unplug any sensitive appliances. This includes TVs, computers and gaming consoles. This will help prevent damage to the appliances in the event of a power surge.

If you were using an electric oven or stovetop, switch it off at the wall. This helps prevent a fire risk when power returns.

Keeping safe

We’re encouraging all Queenslanders to keep safe during a storm.

• Any fallen powerlines should be treated as live and potentially deadly. Stay well away from them and report them to emergency services on Triple Zero (000). You can also call Energex (South East Queensland) on 13 19 62 or Ergon Energy (Greater Queensland) on 13 16 70.
• If you use life support equipment at home, you need to have an emergency plan. Create your power outage plan today. For more advice on life support equipment and energy, visit Protecting homes with life support equipment.
• If you’re using an electrical generator, make sure you’re using it safely. Generators can be useful but are hazardous. For more advice visit Electrical generator safety (Energex) or Electrical generator safety (Ergon Energy).

Getting power restored

Use your energy distributor’s outage finder to keep up to date on when your power might be restored.

• Energex outage finder (South East Queensland)
• Ergon Energy outage finder (Greater Queensland)

If a storm has damaged your home, a licensed electrician may need to inspect before your power can be connected again.

If your property has been affected by floodwater, do not use electrical appliances or switches that may have been submerged. A licensed electrician may need to inspect the property before power can be safely restored.

Learn more:

• Energex, Getting reconnected after severe weather (South East Queensland)
• Ergon Energy, Getting reconnected after severe weather (Greater Queensland)

Complaints about power outages

Sometimes power outages are unavoidable, especially ones caused by storms. But you might have a disagreement with your energy distributor because of a power outage.

The Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland helps resolve disputes between customers and energy providers. Read more about how we can help at Power outages and supply.