The state government advises preparing for the worst, given that the consequences of storm season in Queensland can be so severe. That might sound overzealous, but healthy storm preparedness will help keep you out of trouble.
In a relatively short time, we’ve become heavily reliant on digital technology for information, work and staying in touch. Portable power solutions are, therefore, essential to stay connected when there’s a risk of disruption to your energy supply.
Read on for a complete list of what to have at the ready as storm season approaches, from backup generators to water and essential toiletries.
Why to Take Storm Risks in Queensland Seriously
Although severe weather can happen at any time, there’s a greater risk of the following between October and April:
- Dangerous thunderstorms
- Tropical cyclones
- Flooding
- Bushfires and heatwaves
Tropical cyclone activity varies every year, and Australia’s coastline experiences an average of around four tropical cyclones, with some likely to become more severe than ever before.
We’re also likely to see more heavy thunderstorms during the summer months, particularly along the southern Queensland coast. With them come the dangers of flooding, hail and strong winds.
More extreme heatwaves increase the likelihood of destructive forest fires. They also put lives at risk, particularly those of the elderly. So we should seize the moment right now and prepare ourselves and our homes, exercising storm preparedness for all eventualities.
Your List of Essential Emergency Supplies
We’ve compiled a list of the must-have items you need as part of your emergency survival kit. They include:
- A first aid kit with all required prescription and non-prescription medication
- Toiletries such as toilet paper, sunscreen, insect repellent and hygiene products
- All important documents (driver’s licence, insurance policies, wills & certificates)
- Water for at least three days (allow ten litres per person)
- Non-perishable food, pet supplies and a can opener
- Smartphone chargers, cables and power packs
- A torch, radio and spare batteries
- Thick gloves, sunglasses, rubbish bags, a whistle, wrench or pliers
- Appropriate clothing
You might have all the latest gadgets, but if you can’t power them up, they’ll quickly become useless. This is the moment when backup generators come into their own, at times becoming genuine life-savers.
Portable Power Solutions: Key to Storm Preparedness
Portable power solutions form the backbone of storm preparedness. Rather than running on full power all the time, inverter generators electronically adjust the throttle to meet the demands you’re placing on them at any given moment.
When they’re in lower power operation, they tend to be quieter and more efficient. Because they only generate the power they need, they typically use up less fuel, giving a longer running time to essential appliances.
The design of off-grid generators makes them standalone workhorses that you can’t synchronise with the grid. They’re ideal as a backup power source during grid outages.
Backup generators allow you to stay connected with the outside world by charging mobile devices. You can also run portable cooking facilities or any appropriate appliance that needs a supply of electricity. Backup generators act as a security blanket should your home lose its primary power source.
Portable Power Stations
These clever devices store power within them. They’re a bit like the portable power pack you might use to charge up a smartphone, but bigger. The beauty of portable power stations, such as those manufactured by MaxWatt, is that you can set up portable solar panels to charge them.
Portable power stations are an excellent option for remote areas and for when you may run out of fuel to power an inverter or other type of off-grid generator. Given the abundant sunshine in Queensland, using them alongside MaxWatt’s portable solar panels offers you a free and clean energy source.
You can run all your smaller charging devices, small appliances, tablets and smartphones off portable power stations. This makes them another ideal option as part of your storm emergency kit.
MaxWatt power stations offer all the following and more:
- Superior power capacity and running time
- Silence and zero emissions
- Excellent portability and low maintenance
What you need your portable power station for will be vital in deciding on the right size for your needs. Start by making a few calculations. Work out the total wattage that all your devices require and the length of time you intend to use them.
Once you’ve decided on how long you’ll want to use all your devices, multiply the number of hours by the device’s wattage to determine the total watt-hours you’ll need.
Always Have a Family Emergency Plan
Even if you ultimately deviate from a carefully drawn-up plan, it always pays to have one in place. That’s because you will have spent time working out how to manage particular scenarios. In this instance, it really is the thought that counts.
No plan will ever be fool-proof, and you should be open to revisiting and tweaking plans by noting what works and what doesn’t. In fact, making time to check your plan every six months is good practice.
Great communication is essential in any safety plan for the storm season. That includes listening to the concerns and suggestions of others. A power source is often the key to unlocking a great plan, so integrate portable power solutions into your safety strategy.
Once the Storm Has Passed
When it’s safe to do so, you should inspect your property for damage, taking into account that you may still be without power from the grid. You must evaluate storm damage in visible and hidden areas, such as roofs, electrical systems and a building’s foundations.
Backup generators should form an essential part of your clean-up operation. You should also consider investing in petrol-powered power washers and water pumps as part of it.
MaxWatt and Storm Preparedness
Make MaxWatt your primary emergency service by investing in one of their portable power solutions and backup generators. Whether you’re looking for an inverter or an off-grid generator, MaxWatt has you covered. Check out the full range of MaxWatt products and stay safe during this storm season in Queensland.
Tags: generator power, home backup generator, portable power, portable power station, portable power stations, portable solar panels