Power Safety Before or After Major Storms

POWER SAFETY BEFORE OR AFTER MAJOR STORMS

When a big storm hits, potential damage to your home is top-of-mind. One of the key areas of costly damage often comes from overlooked sources of electricity. Costly damage to residential electrical systems can be minimized or avoided, while ensuring human safety by following these important steps while preparing homes for an oncoming storm.

1. Before evacuating, unplug all appliances and turn off main power sources and all electrically powered equipment. If you do not have access to the main power, contact an electrician or your electric company to assist.

2. If you have an on-site generator, test it before the storm to ensure functionality. If you have a generator, be sure to keep it outside of your home, as it produces carbon monoxide. Equip your home with a working, battery powered carbon monoxide detector as well, and test that it works before firing up the generator.

Following the storm, residents, rescuers and others in the area should take additional precautions, including:

• Do not enter a home or building that has standing water inside until it is confirmed that the main power is shut off.

• Locate the main panel to see if any circuit breakers or fuses have tripped if there is no electricity upon return.

• If there are any signs of smoke, fire or water damage near electrical outlets, immediately unplug all items in the area and contact an electrician.

• If there is evidence of flooding but it is difficult to determine if the main power has been turned off, do not attempt to turn it off. Contact an electrician or the local electric utility.

Electricity is a dangerous thing, and even more so when water is added to the mix. Pre or post storm do not hesitate to contact your electrician and enlist their help to prepare or help in the post-storm damage assessment.