In addition to bringing with it torrential downpours and powerful gusts, stormy weather can pose a major electrical risk to your house. Residents of Cardiff are aware that storms, particularly in the rainy season, can cause surges, power outages, and electrical fires if safety measures aren’t followed. It is crucial to prepare your home’s electrical system for these unforeseen circumstances if you want to keep your family safe.
During severe weather, these are some important steps to help you stay safe from electrical risks.
1. Disconnect Electronic Devices During Thunderstorms
Unplugging your electrical appliances is one of the best methods to keep them safe during a storm. Lightning-induced power surges may harm computers, appliances, and other devices, necessitating expensive repairs or replacements.
In the blink of an eye, lightning may strike your equipment and travel via electrical cables. During a storm, unplugging may save you thousands of dollars.
When a tempest is on its way:
- Unplug any devices that are not absolutely necessary, including TVs, PCs, and game consoles.
- Try not to use appliances like microwaves, dryers, or washers during a thunderstorm.
2. Make a Surge Protector Invest
If you want to protect your electrical equipment against unanticipated voltage spikes, you must need a surge protector. Whole-house surge protectors may defend your complete electrical system in addition to specific gadgets.
Consider surge protectors to be your gadgets’ insurance. They shield your gadgets from power surge shock by absorbing it.
- For important electronics like your computer or entertainment system, use premium surge protectors.
- For complete protection, think about adding a whole-house surge protector.
3. Examine and Lock Down Outdoor Electrical Devices
Rain and moisture from storms may seriously damage outdoor lights, outlets, and other equipment. Because water and electricity don’t mix, safety measures are essential.
Because they are more exposed to the weather, outdoor outlets are more susceptible to damage during storms. The key to preventing short circuits is to cover them and make sure they’re sealed correctly.
- Verify that weatherproof enclosures are placed over all exterior outlets.
- During storms, take out and unplug any outside electrical equipment, such as Christmas lights or lawnmowers.
- Verify that the fittings for outdoor lighting are watertight and adequately sealed.
4. Get the Wiring in Your House Inspected
Damage from storms may be especially significant for old or malfunctioning wires, which also increases the risk of electrical shocks or fires. Right now is the perfect time to get a professional inspection done on your home’s wiring if it is old or beginning to show wear.
“It’s a tragedy waiting to happen when there is faulty wiring, especially during a storm. Weak areas can be found with an electrical assessment before they become dangerous,” a Cardiff-based electrician advises.
Make an appointment for an inspection if:
- The wiring in your house is more than 20 years old.
- You’ve seen blown fuses, frequent power spikes, or flickering lights.
- You don’t know how well your electrical system is doing.
5. Generator Use: Safety First
A lot of households in Cardiff utilize backup generators when storms knock off the electricity. Although they may be immensely helpful, generators can be dangerous if not handled correctly. Inadequate use can result in electrical fires, electrocution, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Generators are great for keeping your home running during a power outage, but they should never be used indoors or plugged directly into your home’s wiring.
- Run generators outside in a location with adequate ventilation at all times.
- Unless a generator has been properly installed with a transfer switch, never connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical system.
- If you must use any appliances during the storm, use extension cables that are certified for outside use and heavy strength.
6. Keep Electrical Devices Out of Flooded Areas
Severe storms can cause flooding, and things may get serious very fast if water gets into your electrical system. If your home is flooded, stay away from using any electrical equipment and never touch wet outlets or appliances.
A combination of electricity and water can be fatal. Turning off the electricity at the circuit breaker and avoiding the water until the problem has been professionally resolved if your home floods.
- If water seeps into your house, turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker.
- Steer clear of standing water near electrical equipment.
- Before attempting to restore power, have any damage assessed by a professional.
7. Install GFCIs
When they identify an electrical fault, as when electricity runs through water, GFCIs are meant to cut off the power. You and your family can be shielded from the risk of electrocution, particularly during storms, by installing GFCIs in strategic locations around your house.
GFCIs are essential in places where water and electricity are more likely to come into contact, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor outlets.
Verify the installation of GFCIs in:
- Toilets
- Kitchens, particularly those with sinks
- Outdoor lighting
- Garages and basements
8. Remain Inside And Stay Away From Electrical Hazards Outside
It’s advisable to stay indoors during a storm to prevent coming into contact with fallen power lines or other outside electrical risks. Avoid the area at all costs if you see a downed electrical line, and notify your local utility company right away.
Even if a downed electrical line doesn’t seem to be active, they are nonetheless quite deadly.
An emergency responder advises, “Always assume they’re active and keep a safe distance.”
- Remain a minimum of 30 feet clear of downed power wires.
- Avoid touching or attempting to move any fallen poles or wires.
- As soon as possible, report the problem to your utility company.
In conclusion
Although storms can’t be predicted, you can manage the safety of your house by heeding their advice on preventing electrical hazards. It is possible to safeguard your house against storm-related electrical damage with a little bit of preparation, which might include disconnecting devices and securing outside equipment.
Require assistance getting ready for bad weather?
To keep your house safe even during the worst storms, Rylec Cardiff Electrical Services offers professional inspections, surge protection installation, and wiring upgrades. Reach out to us right now to storm-proof your electrical system—don’t wait until calamity comes.
Cardiff, be careful and allow our staff to safeguard your house from storm damage!