Electrical storms and power outages can cause all kinds of hazards, so it’s wise to learn as many safety tips as possible to stay unharmed and prevent your home from damage.
1. Stay Away From Downed Power Lines
If you are outside during a storm, stay away from downed power lines, and never touch them. Ideally, if you come across one, call 911 or your power company immediately, and let experts handle the issue.
If you are inside your vehicle and a power line comes into contact with it, do not try to get out. If you step out of your car, your body may provide electricity with a pathway to reach the ground, leading to severe injuries or even electrocution.
2. Use Only a Flashlight or LED Candles to Navigate Through Darkness
It is important to get every member of your household a flashlight to use during a power outage or electrical storm. Do not use wax candles since they can cause fire hazards, especially when set up in less monitored places.
Wax candles are unlikely to produce enough light for the rooms they are in. So, as soon as you learn that a heavy storm is coming, place your flashlights in easy-to-reach locations for convenience during a power outage.
3. Steer Clear of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Aside from knocking out power, rainstorms can lead to gas leaks in your home. You need to avoid using a gas stove, charcoal grill, or generator during electrical storms and power outages since they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you must use a gas appliance, do so outside and away from windows. Also, contact a local professional and have them install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to keep you safe from gas leaks during an electrical storm.
4. Ensure There Are No Power Overloads in Your Home
Prevent power overloads by unplugging your electronics and appliances during a power outage. Power surges, which occur after your power comes back on, can massively damage the appliances in your home, leading to costly repairs.
It would also be best to keep the doors of your freezer and refrigerator closed during a power outage to prevent food from spoiling. Most modern fridges keep food cold for up to four hours, and freezers can do the same for 24 to 48 hours, depending on how full they are. You can keep your freezer full by packing it with water-filled plastic containers before an outage. This will aid in keeping the food inside frozen for an extended period.
When you need an electrician to repair storm damage or install preventive measures, call our team at Rush Electric for surge protection services in Memphis, TN.
