Electrical Issues Caused by Storms

Storms bring many elements that can leave you without power and damage your home or business’s electrical system. Being prepared for these hazards can minimize your inconvenient and keep you safe against property damage and electrical fires. You should also have a trusted electrician on call to deal with any electrical issues that spring up during or after a big storm. Let’s dive into the most common electrical issues caused by storms. So that you can learn how best to prepare your home or business before the next big one:

DOWNED TREES, HIGH WINDS & LOSS OF POWER

During heavy precipitation, the ground gets very wet, making it softer and less stable. In combination with high winds, this can cause trees to fall, and they often bring power lines down with them. To minimize the inconvenience of storms, secure a backup power source that is sufficient to power critical appliances or functions in the event of an outage. A portable generator is good enough for one thing (HVAC, cooking, etc), but a whole-home generator system is more effective, and can power much more.

LIGHTNING STRIKES & POWER SURGES

It can also damage your electrical system. If you live in an area with frequent storms and lightning, it’s important to take precautions to protect your home or business from power surges. Installing a lightning arrester can prevent damage by detouring the electricity away from your home or business and directing it instead to safe ground.

EXCESSIVE WATER & ELECTRICAL SHORTS

During a storm with heavy rain, water may leak into your home or business. If this water comes into contact with your wiring, it can cause your power to short circuit. Depending on the location of the short circuit, this may result in loss of power to just one room or to the entire building. A short circuit can also present a fire hazard if the wire still has power. The best way to prevent this problem is to keep your home sound against leaks, but unfortunately they can happen in spite of your best efforts. If you experience a short circuit during or right after a storm, call a reliable electrical company to investigate the problem and make any needed repairs.