Electricity Safety Tips: How to Prepare Your Home for Summer Storms
Summer storms can bring a variety of challenges, from heavy rain and strong winds to lightning strikes and power outages. As beautiful as summer can be, it’s crucial to ensure your home is prepared for the potential electrical hazards that come with these storms.
At Leahy Electrical, we prioritize your safety and comfort, and we’re here to provide you with essential electricity safety tips to keep your home safe during summer storms.
Install Surge Protectors
Power surges caused by lightning or sudden power restoration can damage your electronic devices and appliances. Surge protectors act as a buffer, diverting excess voltage and protecting your valuable electronics. Consider installing whole-house surge protectors for comprehensive protection.
Secure Outdoor Electrical Equipment
Ensure all outdoor electrical equipment, such as pool pumps, lighting, and outlets, are weatherproof and properly secured. Use outdoor-rated extension cords and cover outdoor outlets with protective covers to prevent water from getting in and causing short circuits.
Trim Trees and Clear Debris
Strong winds can cause tree branches to fall onto power lines, potentially causing outages or hazardous conditions. Regularly trim trees and clear debris around your property to minimize this risk. If trees are near power lines, hire a professional to handle the trimming safely.
Unplug Devices During Storms
If a storm is approaching, unplug non-essential devices and appliances to prevent damage from power surges. This simple step can protect your electronics and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Check and Test Smoke Detectors
Make your local fire department proud and ensure your smoke detectors are in working order. Test them monthly and replace batteries regularly. Smoke detectors are your first line of defense in case of an electrical fire caused by storm damage.
Importance of Surge Protectors and Backup Power Solutions
Surge Protectors: Surge protectors are essential for safeguarding your home’s electrical system. They protect against voltage spikes that can occur during storms, reducing the risk of damage to your appliances and electronics. Invest in quality surge protectors for all major appliances and electronic devices.
Backup Power Solutions: Power outages are common during summer storms. A reliable backup power solution, such as a Generac standby generator, ensures your home remains powered even when the grid goes down. Generac generators automatically detect power loss and start up, providing uninterrupted power to your home’s essential systems.
Additionally, consider installing a GenerLink. This device connects your portable generator directly to your home’s electrical system, allowing you to power essential appliances safely and efficiently without running extension cords. It’s a convenient and safe way to ensure your home stays powered during outages, and Leahy Electrical can help with professional installation.
How a Standby Generator Can Keep Your Home Safe
A standby generator is a valuable investment for any homeowner. Here’s how it can keep your home safe during summer storms:
- Automatic Operation: Standby generators automatically sense a power loss and start up without any manual intervention.
- Continuous Power: Keeps essential systems like refrigeration, heating/cooling, and medical equipment running during outages.
- Enhanced Safety: Prevents hazards associated with power outages, such as spoiled food, frozen pipes, and loss of communication.
At Leahy Electrical, our certified electricians are ready to handle any electrical emergency, ensuring your home’s safety and minimizing downtime.
Preparation is key to staying safe during summer storms. By following these electrical safety tips and investing in reliable backup power solutions, you can protect your home and family from the potential dangers of summer storms. Leahy Electrical is here to help with expert advice, professional installation, and emergency services. Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy peace of mind this summer with Leahy Electrical.
If you have any questions or need assistance preparing your home for summer storms, don’t hesitate to contact us here or call (705) 868-8601. Our team of experienced electricians is always ready to help you safeguard your home and ensure your electrical systems are in top condition.