Severe weather safety is something we take seriously at Holtzople. It’s why we make every effort to fix malfunctioning HVAC systems in the middle of heatwaves. The reasoning is simple. Homes without cool air in the middle of a sweltering summer day can be dangerous. While this may be obvious to many, there’s another aspect of your home that is overlooked when it comes to severe weather safety: electrical systems.
Severe weather, despite spikes in peak seasons, is possible year-round. Thunderstorms pose serious risks to your electrical wiring and devices. In turn, you could be at risk in such a situation. In this blog, we’re going to detail some of these risks and what you can do to prepare for them happening.
Schedule Professional Electrical Inspections
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the state of your electrical systems. Is the integrity of your wiring up to par? Is it current (no pun intended)? Are your panels, switches, and outlets safe or do they pose a risk to you and your family? Professional electrical inspections can answer these questions, which is why it’s important to schedule one … ideally before the next big storm occurs.
Our electrical technicians are happy to give your whole home an inspection. Once at your home, we will:
- Check the condition of outlets, switches, breaker panels, and wiring
- Compare your system against current safety codes
- Identify all potential weak points in your system that may fail under stress
Install Surge Protection
If you’ve ever had a computer, gaming console, or other expensive device die on you like this, you’ll probably already know this one. Power surges can be the result of lighting strikes and other electrical grid disturbances. If devices are left unprotected from these surges, they can be completely fried. That’s why it’s so important to equip your home with proper surge protection.
You’re likely familiar with outlet-based surge protectors that provide defense for anything plugged into them, but what if you want stronger protection? Whole-home surge protection is your best bet. They’re installed right at your breaker panel and, as their name implies, protect your whole home. Invest in one now, and you could save yourself from thousands of dollars in damage down the road.
Prepare for Power Outages
Surge protectors don’t prevent actual outages, though. If a storm is strong enough, it has the potential to turn the lights (and everything else) off. If you’re prepared for this eventuality, you’ll find the experience to be manageable. Here’s what you can do:
- Get a backup generator that will keep your electrical systems running. Make sure you have plenty of fuel to keep it going.
- Invest in a battery backup system that will allow critical devices (medical equipment and sump pumps, for example) to continue operating.
- Store flashlights and batteries in an accessible area.
- In case of an outage in extremely cold weather, have a few heat lamps on hand, as well as extra blankets.
Secure Outdoor Electrical Equipment
Indoor equipment isn’t the only thing you should be protecting. Outdoor HVAC units, outlets, and lighting fixtures should get some attention, as well! Take a bit of time to install weatherproof outlet covers, and secure lighting fixtures that may be at risk of damage.
As for your outdoor HVAC unit, even that needs a bit of protection if the weather is severe enough. Purchase a cover that is designed to withstand strong winds, rain, and even hail.
Create a Post-Storm Safety Plan
No matter how well you plan for a storm, it’s important to assess the state of your electrical systems after such a weather event. The first thing you should do when performing a post-storm inspection is to use caution when approaching electrical fixtures.
- Reset your breakers once you’ve confirmed they haven’t suffered visible damage.
- If a piece of electrical equipment is wet at all, do not touch it. Leave it off.
- Give our electrical professionals a call so we can assess any potential damage your electrical systems suffered during the storm.
Holtzople: Your Top Choice for Electrical Inspections
As a Maryland-based company, we know all too well how unpredictable weather here can be. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your home is ready for anything mother nature throws its way. And that’s why it’s so important to make sure you schedule regular, professional, thorough electrical inspections that can boost your safety and save you money down the line. And why not combine an inspection with the preparation tips we outlined above? That means you’ll be ready to defend against any storm that comes your way.
Get in touch with us and schedule your inspection today!