Prepare for Hurricane Henri Before a Power Outage

Severe storms like Hurricane Henri can be devastating to homes, properties, and lives. These storms can also take down power lines. Be prepared for tomorrow, August 22nd, 2021’s storm.

How long it takes to get your power restored depends on the extent of the storm’s destruction, the number of outages, and when it becomes safe for utility personnel to get to the damaged areas. There are many steps in the assessment and restoration process—clearing downed power lines; ensuring public health and safety facilities are operational; checking power stations and transformers; repairing transmission lines, substations, and distribution lines.

L-Train recommends taking the following safety precautions:

Just because power lines are damaged does not mean they are dead. Every downed power line is potentially energized and dangerous until utility crews arrive on the scene to ensure power has been cut off. Downed power lines, stray wires, and debris in contact with them all have the potential to deliver a fatal shock. Stay far away and keep others away from downed power lines.

Never enter a flooded basement if electrical outlets are submerged.

Do not turn power off if you must stand in water to do so.

Before entering storm-damaged buildings, make sure electricity and gas are turned off.

Do not use water-damaged electronics before properly restoring them. It may be necessary to replace some of your appliances and electronics. Have your water-damaged items inspected and approved by a professional before using them.

More Tips

If you clean-up outdoors after a storm, do not use electronic equipment in wet conditions.

If you are driving and come along a downed power line, stay away and keep others away. Contact emergency personnel or your utility company to address the downed power line.

If you do come in contact with a downed power line, do not leave the car. Wait for utility and emergency professionals.

During an outage, L-Train Electric recommends turning off electrical appliances and unplugging major electronics, including computers and televisions. Power sometimes comes back in surges, which can damage electronics. Your circuits could overload when power returns if all your electronics are still plugged in and on. Leave one light on to indicate that power has been restored. Wait a few minutes and then turn on other appliances and equipment—one at a time.

When using a standby generator, it is critical that proper safety precautions be taken. Always read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions. There should be nothing plugged into the generator when you turn it on. This prevents a surge from damaging your generator and appliances. Operate generators in well-ventilated, outdoor, dry areas. Never attach a temporary generator to a circuit breaker, fuse, or outlet.

To help you get through, have a storm kit prepared. Keep the kit in a cool, dry place, and make sure all members of the family know where it is.