This article discusses the different ways of protecting your family and yourself safe from electrical hazards during a storm.
Any resident living on the East Coast can testify to the damage provoked by electrical hazards a severe storm can leave behind. You must already have a safety checklist and evacuation plan in place, but have you thought about the electrical dangers you may encounter during a storm? Do you know how to handle electrical damages? Perform the following actions to keep your family and yourself safe from the different electrical hazards caused by the various natural elements.
Safety Tips During Lightning
Looking at lightning can be impressive, but to prevent electrocution, there are things you should perform before a lightning storm:
- Unplug all electrical appliances to the electrical circuit before a lightning storm. Otherwise, the devices can suffer damage.
- Water attracts electricity, so avoid bathing or showering during a lightning storm.
- Avoid using any electrical equipment in direct contact with the electrical circuit while there is lightning.
Electrical Safety Tips During/After a Flood
Furthermore, unplug and raise any electrical appliances if you think the water level may elevate during a flood. Flood water often moves chemicals, oil, and debris that damage the electrical circuit and equipment. A professional electrician must test all electrical appliances that come in contact with water during a flood before use. A qualified electrician must analyze the following that may come into contact with water:
- Circuit Breakers
- Plugs
- Outlets
- Switches
- Fuses
Safety Tips During Strong Winds
Lastly, strong winds can produce destruction, especially damaging power lines. Remember that damaged power lines lying on the ground is dangerous and should not be directly touched. The human body attracts electricity, so if you see broken power lines:
- Report them
- Avoid driving over them
- Do not directly touch or try to move the cables regardless of whether they are near water.
- Call 911 immediately and stay at a minimum of 10 feet away from someone electrocuted by a power line.
Call TriStar Electric today if you want to arrange an electrical safety checklist, or need your home’s electrical circuit inspected before or after a storm.
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