Weather can change at a moment’s notice, and severe storms can bring high winds, heavy rains, and lightning, all of which can pose significant dangers to you and your family. Bad weather and storms are a part of life, and depending on where you live, the severity of a storm may be more intense. It is important to be prepared for when these storms hit, which means being prepared for the potential dangers they bring with them. One of those dangers is electrical hazards. Electrical hazards can occur in both residential areas and urban environments, so it’s important to know what to look out for no matter where you are.
What do you need to know about electrical hazards during storms? Read on for recommendations and tips about what to do when facing serious electrical hazards during a storm.
Always Be Prepared for a Big Storm
The first rule of storm safety is to always be prepared. If you live in an area that generally gets a lot of bad weather or a regular afternoon thunderstorm during certain times of the year, then you know the weather is coming. The best thing you can do is make sure you and your family have a plan in place in order to ensure you know what to do before the storm hits and what to do if you face any hazard, electrical or otherwise.
Some things you can do to prepare for a storm include identifying potential hazards in your area and knowing how to avoid them. You can also make sure your home is properly insulated and that all electrical wiring is up to code. If you’re forced to turn off your power, make sure that you understand how to do that. Keep a flashlight and batteries handy in case of a power outage. If you must evacuate for any reason, be sure to have a plan for where to go and communicate that plan to your family. By taking these steps, you’ll be prepared for anything a storm may throw your way.
Electrical Hazards During Storms
As mentioned before, electrical hazards are a real danger during storms. Whether it’s from power lines that have come down or from flooding in your home, electrical hazards can pose a serious threat to your safety. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the potential dangers and know what to do if you find yourself in a situation where you’re facing an electrical hazard.
Electrical Hazards in Residential Areas
When a storm threatens residential areas, there are a number of electric hazards the community might face. Homes are often more exposed and not as well-protected from the elements as commercial buildings or other structures. This means that they may be more likely to sustain damage during a storm, which can lead to electrical hazards.
Some of the most common electrical hazards in residential areas include:
- Power lines that have come down
- Trees or branches that have fallen on power lines
- Water that has come into contact with electrical outlets or appliances
- Damaged or exposed wiring
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re facing one of these hazards, it’s important to take action immediately. The first thing you should do is call your local utility company and report the hazard. Then, stay away from the area until it has been repaired or is no longer a danger.
Electrical Hazards in Urban Environments
Electrical hazards can occur anywhere, and they’re just as common in urban areas. Urban environments generally have more power lines and electrical appliances in close proximity to one another. This increases the risk of damage during a storm, which can lead to electrical hazards. As with hazards that could be faced in suburban areas, such as downed power lines, tree branches, water threatening electrical outlets, and damage to electrical wiring, other dangers that you might face in an urban area are:
- Traffic signals offline due to power outages
- Train or bus system delays or stoppages
- Flooding that could threaten electrical generators
If you find yourself facing a hazard like the ones mentioned above, it is important to protect yourself first and get in touch with your local utility company to report the hazard. Then, avoid the area and potential exposure until the threat has been resolved and there is no risk of danger.
What to Do During a Storm and What Not to Do
Now that we’ve gone over some of the electrical hazards that can occur during a storm, let’s talk about what you should do if you find yourself in the middle of one. We’ll also consider some of the things it would be best to avoid.
If you are stuck in the middle of a storm, the first thing you should do is take shelter. Find a safe place inside your home or another building, and stay there until the storm has passed. Do not take shelter beneath a tree to stay dry. Sheltering under trees is actually one of the leading causes of lightning casualties during electrical storms.
While you’re taking shelter, there are a few things you should keep in mind. For example, it is never a good idea to use any electrical appliances or devices during a big storm. If you still have a corded phone in the house, it is recommended that you avoid using it. Indoors or outdoors, it is always a good idea to avoid coming into contact with anything that is wet. Try not to go outside during a thunderstorm, and if you absolutely must drive, stay away from flooded areas. If you happen upon a downed power line, stay away and call for help.
Once the storm has passed, you can assess the situation and take steps to repair any damage that may have occurred. By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure your well-being during a storm.
Safety First
Now that you know more about electrical hazards and how to stay safe during a storm, we hope you’ll be better prepared if you ever find yourself in the middle of one. Remember, safety is always the primary consideration. Your safety and the safety of your loved ones should be the top priority. If something looks as though it could be dangerous and an electrical hazard as a result of a storm, err on the side of caution and just stay away.
Who to Contact When You Believe You Are Facing an Electrical Hazard
If you believe you are facing an electrical hazard, the first thing you should do is to get in touch with your local utility company. It will be able to assess the situation and take steps to repair any damage that may have occurred. If you are still concerned about your safety, you can also contact a qualified electrician to come and inspect your home or business for any potential risks.
Local Resource for All Your Electrical Needs
If you’re located in the vicinity of Cumming, GA or Mount Pleasant, SC and in need of an electrician, look no further than our highly trained crew at Arc Angel Electric. Our company is a full-service electrical contractor that has been serving the community for over 20 years. We offer a wide range of services, including electrical inspections, repairs, installations, and maintenance. No matter what your electrical concerns may be, we’re here to help. Call us today.
