Electricity Safety: Protecting Your Home Before the Storm
Thunderstorms are a common part of life, especially during spring and summer. While lightning creates an impressive display, it can also pose serious risks to your home’s electrical system, appliances, and most importantly, your family’s safety.
A single lightning strike can cause power surges that damage electronics, trip breakers, or even start electrical fires. Fortunately, taking a few preventative steps before and during a storm can significantly reduce your risk.
At Gowdy Electric, we believe that electrical safety starts with preparation. Here are some practical ways to protect your home when thunderstorms roll in.
Stay Indoors When Thunderstorms Approach
If you hear thunder, you’re close enough to be struck by lightning. The safest place to be is inside a fully enclosed building.
Even while indoors, lightning can travel through electrical wiring, plumbing systems, and communication cables. Because of this, experts recommend avoiding activities that involve direct contact with these systems until the storm has passed.
Protect Your Electronics from Power Surges
Lightning doesn’t have to strike your home directly to damage your electronics. Nearby strikes can create powerful electrical surges that travel through utility lines and into your home.
To help protect valuable equipment:
- Use quality surge protectors for computers, televisions, and entertainment systems.
- Consider installing a whole-home surge protection device at your electrical panel.
- If severe weather is expected and it is safe to do so before the storm arrives, unplug sensitive electronics you won’t be using.
Avoid Using Plugged-In Electrical Devices
During a thunderstorm, avoid using devices connected to wall outlets, including:
- Desktop computers
- Gaming systems
- Televisions
- Corded phones
- Kitchen appliances
- Washers and dryers
Battery-powered devices, cordless phones, and cell phones that are not plugged in are generally considered safer to use indoors during a storm.
Stay Away from Plumbing
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that lightning can travel through plumbing systems.
During a thunderstorm, avoid:
- Taking a shower
- Washing dishes
- Doing laundry
- Washing your hands if possible
Although modern plumbing materials vary, safety experts still recommend avoiding contact with running water until the storm has passed.
Don’t Stand Near Windows or Exterior Doors
Lightning can travel through metal framing, wiring, and other conductive materials found near windows, doors, garages, and porches.
For added safety:
- Stay away from windows.
- Avoid leaning against concrete walls.
- Stay off covered porches and balconies during the storm.
Know Where Your Electrical Panel Is
After a severe thunderstorm, you may experience:
- Tripped circuit breakers
- GFCI outlets that need to be reset
- Flickering lights
- Power loss to certain circuits
Never force a breaker to stay on if it immediately trips again. Repeated tripping could indicate damaged wiring or equipment that should be inspected by a licensed electrician.
Consider Whole-Home Surge Protection
Today’s homes contain thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics, including:
- Smart TVs
- Computers
- Security systems
- Smart thermostats
- Kitchen appliances
- HVAC equipment
- EV chargers
A whole-home surge protector helps reduce the impact of many electrical surges entering through your electrical service and provides an additional layer of protection when paired with point-of-use surge protectors.
Inspect Your Electrical System After a Severe Storm
If your home experiences a nearby lightning strike or significant power surge, watch for warning signs such as:
- Burnt outlets
- Flickering lights
- Breakers that won’t reset
- GFCI outlets that continually trip
- Burning odors
- Appliances that no longer operate correctly
These symptoms may indicate hidden electrical damage that should be evaluated by a qualified electrician.
When to Call Gowdy Electric
If your home has experienced storm-related electrical problems, don’t ignore the warning signs. A professional inspection can identify damaged wiring, surge damage, or other electrical hazards before they become more serious.
Gowdy Electric provides professional electrical services for homeowners, including:
- Whole-home surge protector installation
- Electrical panel upgrades
- GFCI outlet installation and replacement
- Troubleshooting electrical problems
- Storm damage inspections
- Electrical safety evaluations
Our experienced electricians are committed to helping homeowners keep their electrical systems safe, reliable, and ready for every season.
Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection
Thunderstorms are unpredictable, but your home’s electrical protection doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re interested in installing whole-home surge protection or need help after a storm, Gowdy Electric is here to help.
Contact Gowdy Electric today to schedule an electrical safety inspection or learn more about protecting your home from storm-related electrical damage.