Don’t Be… Thunderstruck

When it comes to house sitting jobs in New Zealand thunderstorms can pose a few challenges. Unfortunately however, this aspect of looking after somebody’s home and pets is often overlooked by many Kiwi house sitters, and it can catch them off guard when the climatic chaos arrives to spook the homeowner’s animals and damage (if not completely destroy) their electronics. Hopefully the following information will help to make stormy weather a bit easier to deal with.

Electrical Equipment Needs Protecting

Thunderstorms bring lightning that can strike power lines and trigger power surges. These voltage spikes can easily cause irreparable damage to electronic devices such as:

Computers and laptops

Modems and routers

Televisions and gaming consoles

Kitchen appliances

Security systems and smart home equipment

What Can Happen Without Protection?

Data loss

Fried circuits and fried appliances

Interrupted Wi-Fi and security systems

Fire hazards from overloaded power strips

For NZ house sitters, prevention is far better than explaining damage later to the homeowners. Yes, they may have contents insurance designed to replace ruined appliances, but there is no guarantee the insurance company will pay out, especially when they learn that the damage could’ve been easily prevented with a little foresight on the part of the sitter. Which means the homeowner will need to fork out from their own pocket in order to replace the damaged equipment. Some may even ask the sitter to contribute to the costs. After all, it was due to the sitter’s neglect that the damage occurred, irrespective of whether it was accidental or not. Hopefully, that sitter will have liability insurance to help absorb the costs.

How To Protect Appliances During Thunderstorms

1. Unplug Sensitive Devices

Turn off at the wall and then unplug ALL electrical devices before a storm hits — computers, TVs (including the aerial), Wi-Fi routers, washing machines, and anything with a screen or internal memory. Don’t forget to also disconnect the refrigerator and/or deep freezer. These can be plugged in again once the worst of the storm has passed. Chilled and frozen food can maintain its integrity for up to 24 hours, however it’s important to make sure the fridge and freezer (especially the freezer) doors/lids remain closed as much as possible in order to entrap the cold temperature.

NOTE: You may also have the option of just turning off all the power at the home’s main switchboard. In such cases however, it’s still recommended to completely unplug everything directly from the wall sockets, for peace of mind if nothing else. Not only that, but when you turn the mains back on, it has the potential to send a power surge through the house’s wiring and damage any electrical equipment still plugged in. In summary, best practice is to turn all electrical appliances off at the wall and then physically unplug them from the socket.

2. Surge Protectors

If devices are plugged into surge guards, they do have some protection — but unplugging from the wall is still best during severe storms. A surge guard is no match for a direct lightning strike.

3. Shut Down Properly

Before unplugging computers, be sure to shut them down correctly in order to avoid data loss or corruption.

4. Don’t Neglect Outbuildings

Chances are your house sit will include looking after a garage, sleepout, or even an Airbnb unit. The electronics in these buildings will also need to be disconnected from the wall sockets.

Caring For Pets During Thunderstorms

Storms can be terrifying for animals. As a sitter, your presence and calm response can provide the reassurance they need. Below are some tips on how to care for pets that can be commonly affected by thunder and lightning.

1. Dogs

Dogs are often the most noticeably anxious during storms. Signs of distress include:

Panting, pacing, or trembling

Hiding or trying to escape

Barking, whining, or engaging in destructive behaviour

Actively seeking close human companionship

How To Help

Create a safe space (crate, bathroom, or favorite hiding spot)

Muffle noise and light with closed windows, curtains

Turn on a battery-powered radio and turn the volume up to further muffle the noise outside

Stay calm — offer gentle company and speak in a soothing tone

Use anxiety aids if provided by the owner (‘thundershirts’, pheromones, calming treats)

Never force interaction — let the dog come to you

2. Cats

Cats can also become anxious and will often respond to the wild weather by hiding. Signs of anxiety include:

Hiding under beds or in closets

Running through the house

Refusing food

Dilated pupils, crouching, or flicking their tails

How To Help

Lock the pet door and keep the cat inside

Ensure access to their safe spaces and let them hide where ever they choose

Keep routines like feeding and litter box maintenance

Speak softly or play music on a battery-powered radio to help muffle the stormy weather

Avoid forcing interaction unless the cat seeks comfort

Try to distract them with games or with treats (e.g. Temptations)

3. Indoor Birds

Birds are highly sensitive to sudden changes in light, noise, and pressure. Signs of distress can include:

Flapping wildly in the cage

Unusual squawking or silence (depending on the bird)

Fluffing up their feathers

Abnormal perching

How To Help

Cover the cage with a towel or blanket to block lightning flashes

Move the cage to a quiet, dim corner away from windows if possible

Speak gently — your calm voice can be surprisingly reassuring

Ensure they’re not near areas with drafts

4. Horses

Horses can become extremely anxious during storms, particularly if they are stabled alone or if thunder is directly overhead. Signs of anxiety can include:

Pacing, sweating, or kicking at stall walls

Whinnying or trying to flee

Not eating or drinking

How To Help

Stable horses during severe storms if they’re normally brought in

Check the stable’s security: no loose boards, latches properly fastened

Avoid crowding nervous horses — some prefer solitude

Minimise human interaction if unsafe — your safety comes first

Use calming techniques only if you’re experienced or the owner has provided guidance (e.g. herbal calming pastes or familiar routines)

Important: Always follow the owner’s established routine and safety protocols for horses. If unsure, contact them before taking action.

Smart Preparation Before Storms Hit

At the start of your house sit, try to make a point of asking homeowners the following questions pertaining to thunderstorms:

How to safely disconnect electronics. NOTE: Some homes will not have their TVs and internet etc connected directly to wall sockets – instead they can be connected to the main power source via a network of cables that are threaded through the walls that lead to the switchboard, in which case your best option might be to completely kill all power at the mains. This is something that needs to be discussed with the homeowners.

The location of the switchboard(s)

Whether surge protectors are in use

How each pet reacts to storms

If any calming aids, medications, or routines should be used

What to do with outdoor animals (e.g. horses)

Where to find a torch or headlamp (and spare batteries) to use during power outages

After The Storm

Once the weather has settled down:

Replug the electrical appliances and turn them back on. NOTE: If you had switched the power off at the mains, turn the mains back on THEN replug the appliances and TV etc. Always turn the mains on first, to avoid potential power surges going to any plugged-in electronics

Reassure pets — they may still feel uneasy even after the storm passes

Look for storm damage like broken branches, flooding, or leaks

Inform the homeowner of any damage or irregular behaviour in (or injury to) the animals

Final Words

Heavy thunderstorms can be stressful, but your preparedness and empathy make all the difference. Whether you’re gently sitting with a frightened dog, dimming the lights for a parrot, or checking a paddocked gate after high winds, your thoughtful actions speak volumes. A great New Zealand house sitter is someone who doesn’t just watch the property — but cares for it like it was their own.