Guide to Electrical Safety Pre- and Post-Hurricane

Hurricanes can devastate homes, families, businesses, wildlife and the environment. While it's impossible to anticipate every storm or its severity, it is crucial to have the proper safety measures in place to protect yourself, your home and your family. Keeping a guide to electrical safety pre- and post-hurricane handy can help ensure you're prepared for anything that comes your way. There are several steps you can take before, during and after a hurricane to protect your equipment and minimize damage.

In this guide from Mr. Electric, we'll explain these best practices and why they're necessary. Mr. Electric offers comprehensive electrical services in Land O' Lakes, Florida, and our team has years of experience delivering electrical solutions and ensuring home health. Our team specializes in diagnostics, installations and system repairs, so you can count on us to address your concerns.

Understanding Electrical Safety Before a Hurricane

Peak hurricane season for the Atlantic region is mid-August through late October, but some locations can face storms from June through November. An average of six hurricanes occur annually in this region, with about three typically categorized as "major." As a Florida homeowner, you already know the threat these storms pose and the damage they can wreak if you don't implement the necessary safety measures and precautions.

Typically, people living in or visiting areas that experience hurricanes encounter watches and warnings before these storms hit land. A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible, while a hurricane warning indicates hurricane conditions are expected. Experts often give hurricane warnings roughly 36 hours before the winds are expected to provide enough time for people in the area to prepare.

Preparing Your Electrical Systems

One of the most crucial elements of your home is its electrical system. Whether you face a hurricane watch or warning, it's important to prepare these systems to ensure your safety and minimize potential damage. Preparing your system can help reduce risks associated with wind damage, flooding and power surges. Proper preparation can help prevent electrical shocks and make it easier to regain your power after the storm passes.

During this phase, you should secure emergency supplies, including power sources like flashlights, lanterns and extra batteries. You should also charge all of your communication and electronic devices and unplug any unnecessary electronic devices. If your local emergency office or utility provider recommends shutting off breakers, follow the necessary steps to avoid a power surge.

For additional tips to protect your home electrical system, follow these steps:

Install surge protectors: Surge protectors protect electronic devices from electrical surges. These devices redirect excess power that often occurs during heavy storms to prevent electrical damage. Whole-house surge protection will be your best defense against power surges, but speak with a professional to determine the most cost-effective solution for your home.
Move electronics to high locations: Move sensitive electronic devices, such as televisions, microwave ovens or computers, to higher locations to prevent damage if flooding occurs. Unplug or disconnect these devices before moving them.
Protect sensitive devices and equipment: Take precautions by covering your sensitive devices and equipment. If possible, consider using a large fire safe for these items. If you don't have one, use protective coverings like tarps, and secure your items to protect them from high winds and flying debris.
Unplug appliances: Unplug major appliances like your refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher and similar difficult-to-move items. Power surges could cause significant damage to these items, and keeping them disconnected helps minimize the dangers of an overloaded circuit when power returns.

Securing Outdoor Equipment

Electrical safety practices are necessary indoors and outdoors. Secure your outdoor equipment by following these tips:

Waterproof outdoor outlets: Waterproof covers seal outlets and keep moisture out. These covers are beneficial throughout the year but can be essential during heavy storms to prevent electrical damage or shocks.
Elevate equipment and devices: If you expect flooding in your area, do what you can to elevate your equipment from the ground. Platforms and blocks can help achieve this and aid in minimizing water damage. For a more permanent solution, consider investing in long-term elevated solutions.
Clear the area: Remove any items from the area, including toys, cooking items, and yard or patio furniture. Additionally, clear the area of any debris that could fly around during the storm. Sticks, chunks of wood and similar elements can cause significant damage if they hit your equipment or home at high speeds.
Secure items with straps: Regardless of the size of your equipment, it can be helpful to use hurricane straps to secure your equipment.
Use protective coverings: Protective coverings help minimize damage from flying debris and high winds. Weatherproof enclosures provide a more permanent solution, allowing you to skip this step in the future while holding peace of mind.

Checklist for Before a Storm

When you face the threat of a hurricane, it's important to have a plan. However, in the moment, it may seem daunting to remember all of the tasks you should complete to ensure your safety. Have a checklist, like the one below, ready at a moment's notice so that you don't have to go searching later. Use this checklist to ensure your emergency preparedness:

Shut off the breakers.
Unplug all appliances.
Secure outdoor equipment with straps.
Protect outdoor equipment with tarps and other coverings.
Ensure a supply of usable batteries and power devices.
Charge all communication devices.
Check the function of backup generators.
Monitor weather updates for current information.
Install or evaluate surge protectors.

Ensuring Electrical Safety During a Hurricane

While you will often implement most of your electrical safety measures before a hurricane occurs, there are several tips to keep in mind during a storm.

Precautionary Safety Tips for Hurricanes

First and foremost, you should always stay up to date on the current weather advisories and any notices to evacuate. If experts suggest you evacuate the area, make immediate arrangements to do so. If you are able to stay in your home during the hurricane, prepare to lose water and power. Additionally, remember that you may be unable to leave your home once the storm hits due to impassable roads.

Follow these precautionary safety tips during a hurricane:

Remain inside and away from windows and doors.
Avoid fallen power lines.
Never operate a generator within your home or garage.
Stay away from water.
Avoid any wet electronic devices or appliances.
Keep all devices unplugged, and do not connect any devices to home power sources.
Move to a low point if lighting occurs.

If you remain at home during a hurricane, practice responsible electricity usage. Only use your devices for emergencies, such as gaining weather updates or contacting emergency responders. Implement safe breaker management strategies to ensure safety and minimize potential damage. Ensure the breaker is accessible without furniture or other items blocking the panel at any time. Keep the power turned off until you have the all-clear to slowly restore power after the storm passes. Ensure a reliable generator for the duration of the storm, and follow best practices to prevent electrical circuit overloads and connect devices properly.

The Role of Generators During a Hurricane

Generators are beneficial tools to have during major storms. These backup power devices can help keep your home safe and mitigate potential electrical damage. Additionally, they can allow you to operate your home with a sense of normalcy during an otherwise uncertain period. Always keep generators outside, ideally several feet away from your garage, vents, doors and windows. Never operate a generator within your home, and always utilize best usage practices.

Backup generators can deliver electricity to your home to power essential appliances and devices. You can move portable generators to the locations where you need them most, allowing you to ensure power distribution flexibility. For instance, a generator can help keep your lights on to help you avoid needing to navigate your home in the dark. Generators also allow you to charge your devices, such as mobile devices, to ensure you can access weather updates and contact authorities for assistance if you require it. Generators can also be helpful for emergency responders who may rely on power tools to conduct search and rescue operations.

For safe and effective generator usage, determine what size generator you need for your home and install a transfer switch to connect your home's electrical system. This switch will allow you to access power during storms and protect your appliances and devices from power surges. Always read the generator manual to become familiar with safety instructions, maintenance requirements and best practices for operation.

Conducting a Hurricane Electric Inspection Post-Storm

Once a major storm passes, you have to inspect your electrical system and evaluate any damage that occurred. High winds, flying debris, power surges, and flooding or heavy rain can cause significant damage to electrical systems. Even if you follow the best practices for electrical safety, you may still experience some adverse outcomes after a hurricane.

You must safely restore power to protect your devices and yourself. Avoiding overloads and ensuring proper function is the safest way to regain home connection, but several factors can impact these actions. For instance, wet appliances or any device submerged in water can cause electrical shocks if you attempt to reconnect them. Keep reading to learn more about post-hurricane electrical safety.

Initial Check and Safety Measures

You can begin a visual electrical inspection once your local authorities say it's safe to do so. Emergency responders and other experts will evaluate the area to determine when you can leave your home and begin addressing any issues. Even if the storm has passed, wait until you have this confirmation to begin any reconciliation efforts. After you receive this confirmation, you can start evaluating immediate damage.

Start your initial check by looking for obvious signs of water or wind damage. If your home experiences flooding, wait for the water to recede before evaluating any electrical components. Wait for the area to dry or use best practices to clear the water from the area. Look for signs of electrical damage like burned outlets, exposed wires or components with rust. Do not attempt to address these issues on your own, and refrain from reconnecting to your home power supply until you receive a professional inspection.

Post-Storm Electrical Inspection

Only a professional should conduct an official inspection and declare whether your home is safe from potential electrical hazards. However, there are a few steps you can take to get an idea of the damage and communicate with a professional team to ensure you receive the services you need as quickly as possible:

Ensure safety by wearing protective equipment and waiting for a signal from local authorities.
Avoid clear hazards such as fallen power lines, damaged structures and standing water.
Inspect the electrical panel, looking for moisture or other signs of damage.
Inspect outlets and wiring for corrosion, rust, water damage or signs of burning.
Check your appliances for water damage.
Check out grounding system connections and rods for any displacement.
Document damage and take pictures to help you when communicating with professional electric teams and your insurance provider.
Request a professional electrician service.

Ensure Electrical Safety With Mr. Electric

Electrical hazards pose dangers to families and homes. If you live in an area that experiences hurricanes, it is imperative to have the fundamental safety knowledge to ensure the utmost protection. It is also crucial to request professional services from a trusted and reliable electrical provider like Mr. Electric of Land O' Lakes.

As a reliable, professional and experienced electrician team, we have the knowledge and expertise you need to ensure home health. Our residential electrical services in Land O' Lakes, FL, include lighting, installations, repairs, electrical safety and more to ensure home health and boost your at-home experience.

When you need to ensure electrical safety after a storm, rely on us to do the job. We offer home electrical safety inspection services to examine your electrical system and determine the state of wires and components. We'll also ensure your system meets legal standards and address any problems you have. We can administer electrical repairs if you encounter any issues, and our emergency electrician services and repairs empower you to regain power as quickly as possible. From outlet replacement to circuit breaker management to panel repairs, we can conduct the services you need to reconnect with confidence. Schedule an appointment with Mr. Electric to ensure your home's health or find out how we can help you maximize electrical safety.