Electrical Safety: Preparation for Winter Storms

Electrical Safety: Staying Safe During Winter Storms 

Extreme weather events and natural disasters are common enough, and homeowners are being increasingly challenged to prepare for the next potential events. If you are considering your emergency preparedness plans, consider these electrical safety plan details.

Gather Needed Electrical Safety Supplies

• Drinking water for at least three days. Each family member will need between three quarts and one gallon, more if extremely active. Don’t forget the pet(s).
• Cleaning water, including meal prep, sponge baths, and toilet flushing.
• Ready-to-eat food for at least three days. Cooking may not be an option.
• Medicine and medical supplies, like oxygen.
• A small supply of cash. Retailers and banks may be out of commission for a few days.
• Light sources, including flashlights and candles.
• Portable chargers are fully charged. This will allow you to stay in contact with emergency services, families, and colleagues.

Consider A Whole-house Surge Protector

Many weather events include lightning and wind, resulting in massive power surges that can enter a residence, damaging wiring and appliances. A surge protector is a breaker between the power grid and the electric service panel, breaking the power circuit in the event of a power surge.

Explore a Whole-House Generator

Severe weather events often knock out the power grid for several days. A whole-house generator will generate sufficient electricity to power essential circuits and keep your family safe and secure. A generator will take significant planning ahead of the need.

• The power needs of the family will determine the size of the generator.
• The site for the generator will need to be planned and prepared. It must be installed at least 20’ from the home to prevent exhaust from entering the home. It is a permanent structure, so placement must be pre-determined to minimize its impact on the property use.
• A generator requires fuel. Bringing the supply to the generator site or safe storage must be planned.
• Some locales may require that the installation be elevated to avoid flash flood waters.
• Permanent wiring must include a transfer switch. The transfer switch engages automatically when the power grid is interrupted, and the generator starts. This ensures that the generator does not electrify the power grid while repair personnel are attempting repairs.

A whole-house generator will start automatically when the power grid is interrupted and shut off when power is restored. If the building envelope remains intact, household activities can continue to function as normal. This increases the likelihood of safety, health, and comfort for the entire family. Communication may depend on the survival of the communication towers in the vicinity.

Electrical Safety – Stay Safe During Winter Storms

With our four decades of experience as a Residential Electrician Contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help answer your Winter Electrical Safety questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our teams of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair, electrical safety, Home Generator installation, and electrical installation needs.