While a quick thunderstorm or bout of heavy winds is typically nothing to be concerned about, we are beginning to see more extreme weather conditions move their way across the globe.
Texas saw a snowstorm last February that took the lives of nearly 250 citizens. Wildfires swept across Australia in 2020 and tore through more than 42 million acres of forest and wildlife.
While a natural disaster is usually unpredictable, there are some very valuable ways you can prepare yourself and your family for inclement weather, specifically when it comes to your electronics.
Know Where Things Are
As simple as it may sound, knowing where circuit breakers, gas, and water supplies are is a quick and effective way of keeping safe during inclement weather conditions.
Where is your home’s breaker? Are you familiar with turning your water supply on and off? Having the answers to these relatively simple – but often missed – questions will allow you to handle a storm or emergency more effectively.
Furthermore, when dealing with turbulent weather conditions such as thunder & lightning or heavy winds, it’s recommended to unplug your appliances and tech due to the fact the aforementioned inclement conditions can cause unexpected – and devastating – power surges to explode through your electrical lines.
Prepare
While it is important to limit the possibility of electronic hazards, it is equally important to increase the ways in which certain tech can help you in a crisis. In as much as electrical accidents should be avoided, you should also make sure to charge any and all devices that will keep you safe in a weather emergency.
For example, phones, radios, portable chargers, and flashlights should all be charged and ready to use. If it is suspected that inclement weather is approaching in your area, be sure to charge up all your devices.
Anticipate Weather Conditions
In a similar vein, it is important to prepare for any given weather condition. Not all storms or disasters are created equal and as such, it is essential to prepare for the issue at hand. For example, if major flooding is expected, it’s important to unplug valuable tech such as computers and televisions to avoid water damage.
Alternatively, if a heavy windstorm or tornado is expected, you might consider ensuring that any large electronics are on the ground so as to avoid them being damaged by falling off tables and desks.
Do The Generator Thing Right
Power Generators are an effective way to ensure you and your loved ones stay warm, comfortable, and well-lit throughout a serious storm. That being said, it is paramount that you have your generator installed by a professional electrician.
It is critical to take the necessary precautions before a storm to assure that the generator is appropriately grounded. Connecting the generator to domestic wiring may cause the electricity lines to back feed, resulting in serious injury to anyone who comes into contact with them.
After The Storm
After the dust has settled and the winds have calmed, it is equally important to run routine check-ups on any and all electronics and electrical components that may have been affected by the inclement weather conditions.
When water and natural elements get inside, electrical equipment can misfire, or fail altogether. Any electronics that have been submerged should be disposed of.
If the storm was so severe that it knocked down power lines in your area, it is best to assume that they are conductive. Do not touch the power line or an object that is in contact with the power line, as these things can be energized as well and cause significant harm. Instead, report the downed power line to the necessary officials.
Though severe thunderstorms and inclement weather conditions can feel intimidating and unpredictable, it is important to remember that there are concrete ways in which you can improve your safety and the safety of your loved ones. By knowing where your breakers, gas and water supplies are, you will drastically increase your response time in case of an emergency.
Make sure all necessary devices are fully charged and functioning properly, and prepare accordingly depending on the weather situation at hand.
Lastly, be sure to have your home and electronics inspected to ensure that no damage has gone unnoticed.
Thinking it might be time for an electrical inspection? Be sure to take a look at our comprehensive list of residential services, and get a free quote today!