PREPARING YOUR HOME’S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR SEVERE WEATHER.
Severe weather can wreak havoc on power lines, surge protectors, and even your expensive appliances. But with the right preparation, you can protect your home, your gadgets, and most importantly your peace of mind. Without preparation, a storm can turn your cozy living room into a scene from a disaster movie. Let’s talk about how to storm-proof your home’s electrical system so you can stay safe and keep your gadgets alive during nature’s tantrums.
WHY BOTHER PREPARING?
Severe weather doesn’t just mess up your hair; it can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system. Lightning strikes, power surges, and flooding can fry your electronics faster than you can say “Wi-Fi outage.” Storms can cause sudden voltage spikes, which can fry your appliances, computers, and other expensive devices. Without proper surge protection, you might find yourself replacing costly equipment after every major storm. And let’s be honest—no one wants to explain to their kids why the TV won’t turn on during a blackout. Think of it as giving your home a raincoat and umbrella for its circuits.
HOW TO STORM PROOF YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Step 1: Know your electrical panel
Your electrical panel is the brain of your home’s power system. If you don’t know where it is or how it works, now’s the time to find out. In a storm, you might need to shut off circuits to prevent overloads or damage. Take a moment to label each breaker if they aren’t already marked. Trust me, trying to figure out which switch controls what in the middle of a blackout is about as fun as assembling furniture without instructions.
Step 2: Surge protectors: Your electronics’ best friend
Just as a dog is often considered a man’s best friend, surge protectors can be thought of as the best friend of your electrical system, providing crucial protection against power surges and electrical spikes.
A surge protector is a device that safeguards your electrical appliances from sudden spikes in voltage, also known as power surges. These surges can occur due to lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or large appliances cycling on and off. Without protection, excess voltage can overload and damage your electronics, shortening their lifespan or destroying them completely.
Power surges during storms can fry your TV, computer, and that overpriced fridge that texts you when you’re out of milk. A good surge protector absorbs excess voltage and keeps your devices safe.
Step 3: Back up Power
If you live in an area prone to outages, a generator isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.Even residents in regions less susceptible to power outages are encouraged to consider investing in a backup generator as a safeguard against unexpected disruptions. A backup generator ensures essential appliances like refrigerators, medical devices, and yes, your Wi-Fi router stay operational during outages. A backup power solution ensures you’re never left in the dark—literally.
You can choose between portable and standby generators based on your needs (and budget). And let’s not forget about battery backup systems. Companies like Looper Energy offer cutting-edge sustainable solutions that keep your home powered while reducing environmental impact.
Step 4: Weatherproof your outdoor Electrical system
Your home’s electrical system extends beyond the electrical system inside your home to power lines, meters and outdoor outlets which need protection too. To protect your outdoor electrical outlets from the elements, follow these steps:
Use weatherproof covers: Install weatherproof or “in-use” bubble covers on outlets to protect them from rain, snow, and dust, even while devices are plugged in.
Install GFCI Outlets: Ensure all outdoor outlets are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). These outlets shut off power quickly if a fault is detected, reducing the risk of shock or fire. Outdoor GFCI outlets are also required by the National Electrical Code to ensure safety in areas exposed to water, such as patios, decks, and gardens.
Trim tree branches near power lines: During storms or strong winds, overgrown branches can snap and fall onto power lines, disrupting electricity supply to homes and businesses. Branches that come into contact with live wires can ignite, causing dangerous fires. It is advised to Trim tree branches near power lines to prevent damage during high winds. Regularly trimming branches and maintaining a safe distance between trees and power lines helps keep your home and community safe while ensuring a stable electricity supply.
Avoid water prone areas: Position outlets away from areas that flood or pool water, like near fountains or low-lying spots in your yard. Water is a strong conductor of electricity. If electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring come into contact with water, it can lead to severe shocks or even electrocution. To stay safe, keep electrical installations away from wet areas, use waterproof covers for outdoor outlets, and consider elevating electrical systems in flood-prone regions.
Inspect Regularly: Check for cracks, corrosion, or wear on outlet covers and wiring annually. Repair or replace damaged components promptly.
STEP 5: Create an emergency plan: Create an emergency plan on what to do when and if there is a power outage. How to reset the breakers, when to use backup power, and how to safely unplug appliances. It is important to share this plan with everyone in the house just Incase. As you prepare for severe weather, don’t forget to stock up on essentials like flashlights, batteries, and a traditional radio. While using your phone’s flashlight might seem like a fun adventure, it’s more likely to result in a painful toe-stubbing experience as you navigate your darkened home.
Preparing your home’s electrical system for severe weather isn’t just about avoiding inconvenience, it’s about safety, peace of mind, and saving money on repairs. A little planning goes a long way in keeping your home’s electrical system safe and sound. If you’re looking for reliable backup power options, it’s worth checking out Looper Energy, because keeping your lights on shouldn’t depend on the weather’s mood swings.
