South Florida is well into hurricane season, but residents know that we do not need a named storm to experience powerful and dangerous weather conditions. In fact, any evening in summer can bring a strong storm. For anyone riding out one of these storms – especially a hurricane – electrical safety should be a major concern. Flooding, lightning, and power lines can pose serious threats. Here’s how to be sure you and your family understand the danger and know how to take precautions.
Power Lines
Downed power lines are bound to happen when we’ve got strong winds. Here’s how to properly react when you see a downed line:
• Do not approach the line or try to move it. Call the power company to report the line.
• If you don’t realize you’re close to a downed line until you’re close to it, move away quickly. Shuffle your feet backward without picking them up off the ground, as electricity wants to move from a high voltage area to a lower voltage area. If you lift up a foot, you provide an attractive jumping point for the electricity.
• If the line is touching water at all, get as far away as possible. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and is dangerous to touch when a wire is laying in it.
• If you see someone who has come in contact with the line, do not touch them–you’re more likely to harm yourself than help the situation. Call 911 immediately and wait for professionals.
Home Flooding
If your basement floods, take careful note of your surroundings before entering the flooded area.
- Check the water level. If any outlets or electrical systems are touching the water, there’s a significant chance that the water is electrified. Call a professional and do not enter the water.
- Replace any units or outlets that got wet, as water and sediment build-up can cause serious issues.
- If any of your electrical appliances got wet during a flood, have them inspected by an electrician for damage. It’s dangerous to operate a faulty or damaged appliance, as the affected components could cause an electrical fire–especially if they are still wet.
Lightning
- If you find yourself unprotected outside during a storm, move to a low point in the terrain. Lightning takes the path of least resistance, so it will hit the tallest object in the area. When in flat places where you’re one of the tallest objects, get as low as possible.
- Move away from trees, as they are targets for lightning strikes.
- Do not touch anything that acts as a strong conductor of electricity, such as metal or water.
- Spread apart from other people.
- If you feel your hair standing up on end, lightning may be about to strike. Crouch down, cover your ears, and tuck your head until the feeling passes.
- If you are in your car during a lightning storm, do not leave the vehicle. You are safe inside your car, since any electricity from a lightning strike will be conducted around the outside of the car and won’t make it to the interior. Avoid using electrical equipment like the radio during the storm.
While these tips are not all-encompassing, they provide a good baseline of electrical safety during a hurricane. Stay safe and arm yourself with the knowledge to protect your family this summer.
If your home has sustained any electrical damage, or if you need an inspection to determine any electrical safety issues which may exist – call Promise Electric today. Our team of master electricians provides residential and commercial services to the greater Sarasota area.
