Electrical Safety Tips Before and After a Storm

Minnesota is one of the ten snowiest states in the USA, averaging about 58 inches of snow per year. While a normal snowfall may not be a safety concern, snowstorms can be dangerous, especially when it comes to electricity. 

Snowstorms can bring heavy snowfall quickly, leading to downed power lines due to the weight on electrical infrastructure. They can also create other electrical issues including power surges, damaged transformers from falling tree branches, and potential electrical equipment malfunctions. 

This blog will provide essential safety tips to help you effectively prepare for storm emergencies, ensuring you know how to stay safe during power surges and other electrical hazards. 

Preparation Before a Storm

Severe weather conditions like storms cannot be prevented, but you can prepare and take actions to stay safe. Here is how you can prepare your home for storms:

Install a Whole-House Surge Protector

Power surges are common during winter, especially in storms, and they can damage your appliances and even lead to fires. That’s why you should install a surge protector in your home by a licensed electrician to protect your electronics and home.

Trim Trees

Trimming trees is an important preparatory step to keep your home electrically safe during storms. It reduces the risk of branches breaking and falling on power lines during high winds and snowfall, which can cause severe electrical risks. Hire a professional to cut away dead, diseased, or damaged branches that are most likely to break off during a storm to ensure your home’s safety.

Secure Loose objects

Strong winds during storms can pick up loose objects and blow them into power lines, causing potential electrical hazards. These flying debris can also damage property, including windows, vehicles, and other structures. Moreover, attempting to remove debris from power lines yourself can result in severe electrical shock. That’s why you secure loose items before they become hazards during storms.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

In case of severe weather conditions like snowstorms, it's wise to have an emergency kit ready in your home. Prioritize items like flashlights with extra batteries for light during power outages, a supply of non-perishable food, sufficient bottled water, and a well-equipped first aid kit in your emergency kit. Ensure the kit is readily accessible to all family members in a designated location for quick access in an emergency.

Safety Measures During a Storm

A storm can be dangerous, leading to electrical issues and other safety hazards. Follow these tips to keep your home and family safe during severe weather.

Stay Informed About Weather Conditions

When a storm is approaching, it is crucial to continuously check local weather updates to stay informed about the developing situation and take necessary safety precautions.

Close Windows and Doors

Close windows and doors during a storm to prevent strong winds from entering your home, which can cause significant damage by creating pressure imbalances inside. It is recommended to keep everything closed to help maintain structural integrity during storms. 

Postpone Outdoor Activities

It’s crucial to stay indoors as much as possible during severe weather conditions to avoid electrical hazards and other dangers. Avoid outdoors during a snowstorm, because downed power lines might be hidden under the snow and ice, making them hard to see and potentially dangerous to come near. Always assume any downed line is live and keep a safe distance. 

Unplug Electronics

The potential for electrical hazards significantly increases during storms due to the risk of downed power lines caused by heavy snow, ice accumulation, and strong winds. That’s why it is recommended to disconnect non-essential electrical appliances and electronics to prevent potential damage from power surges.

Electrical Safety Tips After a Storm

Even after a storm has passed, significant electrical dangers remain from downed power lines and affected electrical equipment. Moreover, using supplemental heating sources like space heaters can pose fire risks if not handled carefully. Here are some safety measures you can take to protect you and your home from electrical hazards after a storm.

Avoid Downed Power Lines

If you encounter a fallen power line, avoid going near it. Always treat it as live and immediately report it to the utility company by calling them directly or contacting emergency services.

Avoid Wet Areas and Trees

It is crucial to avoid wet areas and trees even after a storm has passed, as they can potentially be energized by downed power lines, posing a serious electrical shock hazard. Assume any puddle or wet area could be live with electricity and stay clear of any trees that may be touching power lines.

Don’t Use Water-Damaged Electronics before Inspection

Using an electrical item that has been damaged by water can result in serious electrical shock or fire hazards. So never use such items until a qualified electrician has inspected them and confirmed they are safe to operate.

Consider Home Electrical Inspection

Severe weather events like storms can cause hidden damage to your electrical system, including damaged wiring, loose connections, or compromised electrical panels. These electrical problems can lead to electrical fires or shocks if not addressed. So schedule an electrical inspection with a licensed electrician to identify potential problems early on, addressing them before they escalate into bigger electrical issues.

Rely on Randy’s Electric for Electrical Emergencies and Post-Storm Electrical Inspection

After the storm has passed, it’s critical to thoroughly inspect your home for damage, particularly focusing on your electrical system to ensure safe recovery. Contact Randy’s Electric if you need a reliable, same-day service for an electrical emergency or post-storm inspection. Our licensed residential electricians will perform a detailed inspection of your home’s electrical system and do necessary repairs to avoid hazards and costly replacements down the road.

Entrust Randy’s Electric with all your electrical needs and we won’t disappoint. Contact us for safe and reliable electrical services in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

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