As the skies darken and thunder rumbles in the distance, it's essential to prioritize electrical safety during stormy weather. Thunderstorms, hurricanes, and other severe weather events in Houston can pose significant risks to our electrical systems and, by extension, our homes and families. As your local trusted electricians in Houston, we'll explore some crucial electrical safety tips to help you navigate stormy weather with confidence and peace of mind.
Unplug Appliances and Electronics: One of the most effective ways to protect your electronics and appliances during a storm is to unplug them from the wall outlets. Lightning strikes and power surges can cause significant damage to plugged-in devices, so it's best to disconnect them until the storm has passed. This includes everything from computers and TVs to kitchen appliances and power tools.
Invest in Surge Protectors: For electronics and appliances that you can't easily unplug, such as refrigerators and HVAC systems, invest in surge protectors. These devices help regulate voltage and protect against power surges caused by lightning strikes or downed power lines. Be sure to choose surge protectors with a high joule rating for maximum protection.
Avoid Using Electrical Appliances: During a thunderstorm, it's best to avoid using electrical appliances altogether, if possible. This includes washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, as well as power tools and lawn equipment. Using these appliances during a storm increases the risk of electrical shock or fire due to power surges or lightning strikes.
Stay Away from Water: Water and electricity don't mix, so it's crucial to avoid contact with water during stormy weather. This means avoiding activities like washing dishes, taking a shower, or swimming in a pool during a thunderstorm. Additionally, be cautious of standing water outdoors, as it can be electrified by downed power lines.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs are essential safety devices that help protect against electrical shock in wet or damp conditions. Install GFCIs in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor outlets, and any other areas where water may be present. These devices automatically shut off power when they detect a ground fault, preventing serious injury or electrocution.
Stay Informed and Prepared: Before a storm hits, make sure you're informed and prepared for potential power outages or electrical hazards. Keep a battery-powered radio or portable charger on hand to stay updated on weather alerts and emergency information. Additionally, consider investing in a generator to provide backup power during extended outages.
Keep Generators Outside: If you're using a generator during a power outage, place it outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from windows, doors, and vents. Generators produce carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. Using generators indoors or in enclosed spaces can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you loose power, it is important to first check your home exterior electrical equipment to make sure there is no major damage such as damaged main service, utility pole down, tree damage to your electrical panel, etc.
If all of your exterior and interior electrical equipment are in perfect condition then check your meter to confirm if your power outage is utility related, for this you are going to look on the screen of your meter. If the meter is turned off and no letters or numbers are visible, then it means there is a power outage in your area and is time to call CenterPoint or your distributor to make the outage report. If your meter still shows numbers but you have no power, then you are going to need to open your electrical panel to check if your breakers have tripped. This is something that can happen as a result of power surges, lighting, or others.
It is important to also note that if you are not comfortable handling your electrical equipment, then be sure to call Unity Services as we are available 24/7 always ready to help you, specially in times of emergencies.
CenterPoint energy has several resources for homeowners in Houston to stay informed and updated regarding power outages and estimated restoration times on their website.
This outage map tracker stays updated on real time and it will give you the option to report your outage online instead of over the phone for convenience.
Why a surge protectors important?
Surge protectors play a crucial role in safeguarding electronic devices and appliances from damage caused by sudden voltage spikes, also known as power surges. Here are several reasons why surge protectors are important:
Protection Against Power Surges: Power surges can occur due to various reasons, including lightning strikes, utility grid switching, or electrical equipment malfunctions. These surges can send excessive voltage through electrical lines, potentially damaging or destroying connected devices. Surge protectors detect these voltage spikes and divert the excess energy away from your devices, preventing costly damage.
Extended Lifespan of Electronics: Electronic devices such as computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances are susceptible to damage from power surges. By using surge protectors, you provide a layer of defense against voltage fluctuations, thereby extending the lifespan of your valuable electronics. This helps avoid premature failures and reduces the need for frequent replacements.
Financial Savings: Repairing or replacing electronic devices damaged by power surges can be expensive. Surge protectors offer a cost-effective solution by absorbing the excess energy and shielding your devices from harm. Investing in surge protectors can save you money in the long run by preventing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your electronic devices are protected by surge protectors can provide peace of mind, especially during thunderstorms or other instances of inclement weather. Instead of worrying about potential damage to your electronics, you can rest assured that they are safeguarded against power surges, allowing you to focus on other priorities. Insurance Policy: Some surge protectors come with connected equipment warranties or insurance policies that provide financial reimbursement for damaged devices, our preferred device comes with a $75k Insurance policy and a 5 year warranty. These warranties offer an additional layer of protection and demonstrate the manufacturer's confidence in the surge protector's effectiveness.
In case you are an amazon enthusiast, we put together a starter kit to help you secure backup power in an affordable manner.
This list includes a couple of different size options for you to choose your portable generator, if you are unsure of the size generator you would need to carry your essentials then give us a call and we will be happy to help you figure that out.
Once you have purchased your equipment, be sure to call a licensed electrician in Houston like us to help you complete the installation of your Portable generator quick connect professionally.
If you ever need an electrician to help you deal with weather damage, Unity Services is the team of electricians you can trust to keep your home safe and to give you peace of mind.
We are always one call (or click) away
713-999-1890
Unity Services has the best team of Licensed Electricians, who carry over 100 years of combined residential and commercial electrical experience. We are always ready to serve you with knowledge and professionalism at your home or business.
Why Choose Unity?
We are proud to be a family-owned small local business that strives to provide our community with the most efficient and transparent solutions. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe that communication, transparency, and quality workmanship are the keys to building lasting relationships with our clients.
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This post is not sponsored, we just love amazon(too much), however disclosure: The links above are affiliate links, meaning we will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.