8 Steps to Prepare Your Home’s Electrical System for Summer Storms
Summer storms can be brutal and particularly tough on your electrical system. Taking steps to prepare and protect it is important. It’s much better to decide on a course of action now rather than when a serious storm is unexpectedly headed your way and you have to make fast decisions that may not work out in your best interest. There are several ways you can start preparing now.
1. Get a Professional Inspection
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a severe summer storm is to get a professional electrical system inspection. Spring is an ideal time for us to evaluate your system and make sure it’s not only in optimal condition but also prepared to deal with the upcoming increased electrical usage due to ceiling fans and air conditioners. Schedule an appointment as early as possible to get your preferred date and time slot. It also allows you to make any necessary upgrades or repairs before the increased usage and summer storms roll in.
2. Make Necessary Repairs and Upgrades
A major mistake many homeowners make is procrastinating on getting necessary repairs and upgrades. This can lead to a variety of serious problems.
For instance, if your home frequently encounters power surges, installing a whole-home surge protector can be ideal to safeguard your appliances, gadgets, and electrical system overall. It could also help prevent potential fires. Installing the surge protector before severe summer storms are in the forecast can give you peace of mind about the added protection.
Our team can perform a variety of beneficial electrical projects, from upgrading your out-of-date electrical panel to replacing unsafe electrical outlets. We can provide recommendations for upgrades and repairs after we inspect your system.
3. Stock Up on Necessities
Many homeowners are ill-prepared for summer storms. There are many items you should stock up on that can help you protect your electrical system, your devices, and yourself.
For instance, one of the items you should have is a long extension cord. Never connect multiple extension cords together, as this could lead to a variety of problems, such as a fire.
It can also be beneficial to purchase power strips with built-in surge protectors. However, make sure not to overload the strip. Just because it has multiple outlets doesn’t mean you should plug items into every space.
Solar chargers are also ideal to buy. Put them outside or on your windowsill before a summer storm approaches so they can soak up enough sunlight. If you lose power during the storm, you can still charge multiple devices, including your phone.
4. Make an “Unplug” Checklist
Creating an “unplug” checklist is one of the most vital things you can do to prepare your electrical system for summer storms. Write down all the items inside and outside your home that don’t need to be plugged in when a storm approaches the area.
Items you should keep plugged in include the refrigerator, wireless router, necessary medical devices, and the television so that you can stay updated on local weather. Various items you don’t need to have plugged in include your washer, dryer, microwave, outdoor string lights, lamps in rooms you’re not using, and coffee maker. The fewer items that are plugged in, the better.
Once your list is complete, put it in an easily accessible area, like a kitchen drawer. When a storm is approaching, you can grab the list and take it with you as you walk throughout your property. Check off items as you unplug them to make sure you don’t miss anything.
5. Invest in a Generator
There are two primary types of generators: whole-home generators and portable generators. Each has its benefits. Many homeowners love whole-home generators because they’re effortless. They kick on automatically, allowing you to stay powered even when a power outage hits the area. This can be particularly beneficial during the summer heat when it’s ideal for air conditioners to keep running, which is especially important if you have kids, pets, and seniors living in your home.
One of the pros of portable generators is that they cost much less than whole-home generators. However, they require manual operation and setup, which may be challenging during a storm, especially if it’s at night during a power outage. If it runs on fuel, you’ll also need to make sure you have enough on hand.
Our team can install, repair, and maintain whole-home generators or help you get set up with portable generators. If you’re unsure which is ideal for your home, we can evaluate your electrical system and offer a recommendation based on your needs and budget.
6. Have Branches Trimmed Near Power Lines
Landscaping may not seem like it has much to do with preparing your electrical system for summer storms. However, trimming branches near power lines can be crucial. Storms can easily knock branches onto power lines, damaging them in the process and knocking out your power.
Call an arborist in spring who can evaluate the trees on and near your property to determine which ones are the biggest risks. If the trees are on your property, it’s important to have the branches trimmed as soon as possible before a storm approaches. Never attempt to trim the branches yourself as this could put you at risk for a severe injury. If the trees aren’t on your property but near it, consider contacting your local government to advise them of the arborist’s findings. They’ll be responsible for sending someone out to deal with the issue.
7. Prepare Your Outdoor Outlets
There are three steps you can take to prepare your outdoor outlets for upcoming summer storms. One is to make sure they’re positioned high enough from ground level and another is to ensure they’re ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets. Don’t worry; we know all the proper safety guidelines and can recommend changes if they’re necessary.
It’s also ideal to install covers on all outdoor outlets. Although not required, they’re excellent for preventing problems, ranging from fires to water damage. We recommend putting covers on all the outdoor outlets and not just the ones you use. Our expert electricians can properly install them for you.
8. Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
All homeowners policies include some type of mention of your home’s electrical system, including what type of damage is covered and under what circumstances. Review your insurance policy for more details. If you don’t feel you have enough coverage, contact the insurer for information about how you can upgrade it. Make sure you do this before storm season approaches so that any changes are in effect by summer.
Start preparing your home’s electrical system today before summer storms approach. Brennan Electric in Lynnwood and Seattle, WA provides various services, including electrical inspections, surge protection, and repairs, that can help. Schedule an appointment today through our website or call us for more information.
