What Homeowners Should Check Before the Next Storm

Storm season in Puget Sound region can bring heavy rain, strong winds, falling branches, and power outages. While you cannot prevent every outage, there are steps you can take ahead of time to make your home safer and better prepared.

Use this checklist to get your home ready before the next storm rolls through.

Storm-Ready Checklist

☐ Check Your Surge Protection

Power surges can happen during storms or when electricity is restored after an outage. These sudden increases in voltage can damage electronics, appliances, and other equipment in your home. Plug-in surge protectors can help protect individual devices, while whole-home surge protection provides another layer of protection at your electrical panel.

If you are not sure whether your home has whole-home surge protection, an electrician can check your system and explain your options.

☐ Charge Phones and Backup Power Sources

Do not wait until the lights go out to start looking for a charger.

Before severe weather arrives, charge:

• Cell phones
• Portable battery banks
• Rechargeable flashlights
• Other backup power sources you rely on

Keep flashlights and extra batteries somewhere easy to find so you are not searching for them in the dark.

☐ Know What to Unplug During an Outage

When the power goes out, consider unplugging computers, televisions, and other sensitive electronics. Leaving some equipment disconnected until the power has been restored can help protect it from potential voltage fluctuations or surges. You can also leave one light switched on so you know when the power has returned.

☐ Make Sure Your Generator Setup Is Safe

A portable generator can be useful during a prolonged outage, but it needs to be operated correctly.

Generators should always be used outdoors and away from windows, doors, and other openings. Never attempt to power your home by plugging a generator into a household outlet. If you want a generator to supply power directly to selected circuits in your home, talk with a licensed electrician about the proper equipment and connection.

☐ Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Storm-related outages can lead homeowners to use generators, fireplaces, portable heaters, and other alternative sources of heat or power. Before storm season, test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries when needed. Never use a generator, grill, or other fuel-burning equipment inside your home or garage.

☐ Know How to Open Your Garage Door Manually

An electric garage door opener will not work normally during a power outage unless it has battery backup. Take a few minutes to locate the manual release and make sure you know how to operate the door safely without power. It is much easier to learn how it works before you actually need it.

☐ Clear Gutters, Drains, and Problem Branches

Electrical preparation is only one part of getting your home ready for storm season. Clear leaves and debris from gutters and drains, and address tree limbs that could fall onto your home or nearby electrical equipment during high winds.

If branches are growing near utility power lines, contact your electric utility rather than attempting to trim them yourself.

☐ Know What to Do Around a Downed Power Line

Always assume a downed power line is energized. Keep your distance and keep other people and pets away from the area. Report it to the appropriate emergency services or electric utility. Never touch a downed line, a person or object in contact with it, or attempt to move it yourself.

Don’t Wait for an Outage to Find a Problem

Storm season is also a good time to take care of electrical concerns you may have been putting off. Maybe your electrical panel has been giving you trouble. You may be considering whole-home surge protection, preparing for backup power, or wondering whether an older electrical system is ready for the demands of your home today.

Taking care of those questions before severe weather arrives can help you understand the condition of your electrical system and address potential problems on your own schedule rather than during an outage.

If you have questions about surge protection, backup power, your electrical panel, or another electrical issue in your home, Exact Electric is here to help. Contact us today!