Tallahassee residents dodged a bullet last month as Hurricane Idalia delivered only a glancing blow to the region after the storm wobbled east from its predicted path. While almost 70,000 area residents lost power during the storm, electrical crews quickly restored services.
With two more months to go before the end of Florida’s hurricane season, Idalia’s passing visit to our area reminds us of the importance of preparing your electrical systems for hurricane season from potential storm damage. To help you stormproof your electrical systems, the experts at Meeks Electrical Services offer you the following tips:
Consider Hurricane-Resistant Electrical Installations
For long-term storm protection, consider how to storm-proof outdoor electrical components. At the very least, examine outdoor outlets to ensure they are completely weatherproof with working covers to prevent water ingress. For further peace of mind, you can talk to your electrician about installing an impact-resistant meter box and reinforcing any electrical utility poles on the property.
Create a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and humanitarian agencies, like the Red Cross, encourage homeowners to prepare a hurricane preparedness plan to help guide an effective response to the storm’s potential impacts. Such plans should include provisions relevant to your home’s electrical system. For example, information about how to shut off the main breaker panel and list the contact information of your electrician and local utility provider. Your preparedness plan should also consider safe locations to set up your portable generator, as warranted.
Generator Readiness
Speaking of generators, hurricanes often cause extended power outages, as evidenced by the prolonged outages that hit the Tallahassee area due to 2018’s Hurricane Michael. Whether portable or “whole-home,” a generator can help keep your essential electronics operational while you await power restoration. Your electrician can help guide you on which generator type, size, and wattage will best serve your home’s emergency electrical needs.
Protecting Appliances and Electronics
Your hurricane preparation efforts should also account for your home’s appliances and valuable electronics. A hurricane’s impacts to electric utilities often cause power surges that can damage such electrical equipment. At the very least, you should plan to unplug these devices as the storm nears or otherwise protect them with individual surge protectors. For greater peace of mind, consider asking your electrician to install a whole-home surge protection system. If your home is located in a flood zone, consider how to best elevate appliances and other electrical devices to keep them out of potential flood waters.
Post-Storm Safety Considerations
Once the hurricane has passed, you can begin to assess your home for damages. However, always be mindful of the potential dangers posed by electrical damage. If the storm knocked down any power lines serving your home or adjacent to the property, keep well clear of them, and do not step on adjacent wet or soggy ground. Report the downed lines to your electric utility provider and contact your electrician if you believe that the storm damaged any of your home’s electronic components or equipment. Do not try to use any such components if they were submerged in water during the storm until an electrician has inspected them.
Trust Meeks for All of Your Home’s Electrical Needs
Whether to help protect your home from potential storm damage or for post-storm electrical repairs, turn to Tallahassee’s Meeks Electrical Services for outstanding service. With over four decades of experience delivering top-notch services to the Leon County area, we’re the go-to company for all your home’s electricity needs. To schedule electrical upgrades, repairs, or other services, contact us online or call (850) 575-3201.
