Your first thoughts towards preparedness should be to modify the structure of your home to fare better during hurricane season. Since disturbances like this can also greatly affect your electrical system, finding ways to protect your system and keep it functional is also ideal.
We have put together vital tips to help you keep your electrical system prepared.
- Consult with an electrician near you
One of the best ways to protect your electricity is to consult with an electrician near you. A professional electrician will be able to find any weaknesses or faults in your electrical system that need to be addressed ahead of hurricane season. They can also provide suitable suggestions for what you can do to make sure your electrical system is safe and functional. - Ensure your wiring is up to national standards.
A solid advantage of using the services of a professional, experienced, and a licensed electrical contractor is that they ensure your wiring is up to code. Depending on where your home is, the standards may differ to protect you from any events common to the area. For example, if you live in a storm surge zone, your home’s wiring should not have Romex or nonmetallic wiring to prevent electrical hazards. - Whole house surge protectors
Hurricanes can cause a lot of damage and ultimately lead to power surges. When these surges occur they can damage an unprotected system and electrical appliances. However, with whole house surge protectors installed, you can avoid this and protect your appliances. - Use GFCI outlets
Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets are important for homes at risk of flooding or for any areas exposed to water in your home. They protect your system when a ground fault occurs and this, in turn, keeps you safe from shocks or and electrical hazards. They serve as an additional layer of security for your electrical system. - Install a standby generator
Regardless of the measures taken to secure your electrical system and power from the utility company, it’s even more important to have a standby generator. Your electrician can install a portable generator sufficient for emergency power needs. Take extra precautions to always keep the generator fueled and ready to go in an emergency. Having an automatic control for the generator is also important to avoid the need for anyone to go out during the hurricane.
Utility workers in your area are also expected to keep up with necessary preparedness measures for the hurricane season. Ensure your home is equipped with other power, communication, and safety options such as batteries, weather radios, emergency disaster kits, and more.