In Florida, hurricanes are not news to us. While the peak hurricane season lasts between mid-August through October, the actual season is June-November. If you have ever experienced a hurricane, you know that there can be substantial damage when the storm has passed. Part of this damage usually involved a power outage of some kind. The key to withstanding severe weather like a hurricane, is making sure your home is ready. Simon Electric is here to share some tips to help you prepare your home and electrical system for hurricanes that may hit this season.
Whole House Surge Protector Installation
Hurricanes often bring with them large power surges. If your home isn’t properly protected with a whole home surge protector, it can mean significant damage to your appliances and other electronics. In fact, you may be facing replacement if you don’t have protection against these surges. The power surges usually occur when power is restored to the home, and a whole home surge protector will greatly reduce the risk of damage caused to electronics when that happens.
Portable Generator Transfer Switch Install
The loss of power can mean big losses if you don’t have power for several days and even weeks once the storm has passed. Many people can experience power outages that last up to a month if the storm is severe enough. To keep your refrigerator and other basics in your home running, you may want to look into installing a generator that will give you the electricity needed to keep some parts of your home running if power is lost. If you are using a portable generator, you need to make sure that it is reliable. You should keep it outside in an enclosed space that is at least 20 feet from any doors, windows and vents into your house. It is also important to realize that a transfer switch is the only safe way to directly connect the generator to your home. A transfer switch is an electrical device installed next to the electrical panel in your home. It connects the generator to the circuits you wish to power during an electrical outage directly and prevents having to run extension cords to appliances and other devices. This is not a DIY project. Rather, a licensed electrician should install the transfer switch.
Electrical Safety Inspection & Diagnostics
If it is at all possible to avoid a power outage during a hurricane, everyone would want that. To ensure you have the best chance possible at avoiding a power outage, you need to have the right electrical diagnostics performed. The outdoor meter should be inspected to see if any corrosion has taken place that all the electrical components and riser pole are strong and will have the best chance possible at withstanding the strong winds that are sure to come their way in a hurricane.
Electrical Safety During a Flood
People are killed all the time when flooding happens during a hurricane. It is important that you stay put once flooding happens since many of the deaths take place when people are in their cars. You should never enter flood waters for fear that you will be shocked as a result of downed power lines in the water. While there is water in your home, you should keep the power off so that you don’t ruin electronics and get injured.
Electrical Inspections, Repairs & More in Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter & Boca Raton & Palm Beach County Florida
Before turning power back on, the electricians at Simon Electric can inspect your home to ensure there are no dangers still lurking in your home. Call on us to make sure your home is hurricane ready today!
