Cyclone Alfred: Strata Building Preparation Tips

General Safety Measures

➡️ Secure Loose Items – Outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and any unsecured objects in common areas, balconies, and on pool decks should be tied down or stored.

➡️ Stormwater and Drainage Checks – Ensure that gutters, downpipes, and drains are clear to prevent blockages and reduce the risk of flooding.

➡️ Tree Maintenance – If possible, trim overhanging branches that could cause damage in strong winds.

➡️ Building Inspections – A quick check of roofing, façade, and common property structures may help identify any vulnerabilities before the storm arrives.

➡️ Resident Communication – A reminder to all residents about securing their balconies and preparing their homes can help mitigate risk.

➡️ Please make sure you close your doors, lock windows, check your emergency kits, and keep informed using the following links:

• Brisbane City Council https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/community-and-safety/community-safety/disasters-and-emergencies
• Qld Government preparation guide – https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/
• Energex website – https://www.energex.com.au/outages/
• Bureau of Meteorology – http://www.bom.gov.au/
• Road Conditions – https://qldtraffic.qld.gov.au/

Roof Top Solar

Energex has reminded customers to shut down their systems ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
From a building safety perspective, losing power to your building does not introduce an additional risk with regard to your solar system. There is no requirement to shut down the solar inverter unless the building manager or another safety conscious individual is confident and can follow the inverter shutdown procedures provided by the manufacturer.

Solar inverters, that convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by a building or fed into the power grid, automatically shut down to prevent feeding electricity back into the grid, which is a safety measure known as “anti-islanding.” This is crucial for protecting network operators who might be repairing power lines, as unexpected electricity flow can pose serious hazards.

Please note:

• It is essential for building owners to adhere to proper inverter shutdown procedures during outages to ensure the safety of the broader electrical network and the personnel working to restore power, if they choose to cooperate with the network owner’s recommendation.
• It is recommended that building owners do not under any circumstances attempt to restart their solar inverters without consulting a qualified professional. Improper reactivation can potentially cause equipment damage or safety hazards. A qualified technician can ensure that the inverter is safely and correctly brought back online, maintaining both personal and grid safety.
• For more information read this guide from Energex here.
  Shut down solar systems for cyclone safety | Energex

Lift Management 

• If flooding is imminent, take steps to lock out levels that are likely to be affected by water inundation.  Please contact your lift service provider for further information.
• Where possible, keep one elevator operational for emergency personnel and mobility-challenged residents, ensuring it is monitored and can be safely turned off if necessary.

Car Park and Access Control

• Open electric car park gates before a power outage to allow vehicle movement or ensure residents how to operate car park gates manually in case of a power failure.

Stormwater and Drainage Preparedness

• Remove debris from gutters, drains, and downpipes to allow proper water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
• If your building has basement drainage pumps, confirm they are operational.
• Use sandbags or flood barriers where water ingress is a risk.

Cyclone Alfred: What You Need to Know & How to Stay Safe
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