Nature is unpredictable and it becomes fearsome when it shows its outrageous form. A storm can be a nightmare as it can stimulate flooding, power outage, lightning, etc.

Severe storms turn out to be very destructible for homes, buildings, public places, and in the worst-case scenario it takes a toll on lives too. However, we should always be prepared and avoid panicking at such times.

One of the major impacts a storm can create is electrical hazards, which can get dangerous to the surroundings alongside with storm itself. It can result in power outages, downed power lines, and damage to electrical appliances.

While you wait for the security crew to help you out, here are 5 electrical safety tips during and after a storm that can keep you safe:

Downed Power Lines

When an area is hit by a wild storm it can always affect the power lines and there are great chances of getting a fatal electric shock. As these power lines run with big units of electricity, any damage to it and you are prone to get affected by it.

It is suggested to stay at least 10 feet away from downed power lines because the human body is a great conductor of electricity, a wrong step and it becomes lethal for you.

If by any chance you get close to a downed power line, take small steps backward and try keeping both of your feet together on the ground, all the time. This will reduce the potential difference between you and the power line, as electricity flows from high potential level to low potential level.

If you are in your car do not drive over the downed power line wires, it is very dangerous to do that. Instead, take another route or pass by, by keeping as much distance as possible.

Moreover, you should always contact and inform the line crew about the destruction of the power line and do not assume that it must have been done by someone else.

Pull Out The Plugs

Whenever there’s a storm the foremost step is to unplug all the electrical appliances and shutting down the power of major devices like fridge, television, computer, air-conditioner, etc.

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Power outage at the time of storms can come with a rapid strike in the power supply which can damage the electrical appliances gravely and can also result in electric shocks.

At times like this, you should only let one light on to indicate if the power is back or not.

Power Backups

To survive through a storm not only do you need to stock up replenishable food items but also have to have backups to use your electronic devices at the time of need, in case of a power outage.

Few ways to stock up the backups that can be used at the time of need are:

  • Always quip with extra batteries and other power supply sources at the time of power cut-offs.
  • Keep your phone charged and other electrical devices charged.
  • Always have a portable charger with you in case of emergency.
  • Keep flashlights and torch handy when in need.
  • Get installed a standby generator at your home.

It is recommended that your standby generators should be installed and wired by a licensed electrician with proper grounding to avoid any electrical hazard.

Moreover, your generator should have an automatic transfer switch that separates the home circuits from power lines. In case of no transfer switch, the generator can back feed the electricity into main power lines which can further cause an electric shock to anyone and can damage the appliances.

To be on the safer side the generator should be installed outside the house or the building.

Protecting The Electrical Equipments

During a storm, any device or equipment that runs on electricity is more prone to getting damaged, and hence, it is recommended to turn off all electronic devices.

It gets more dangerous at the time of lightning as lightning can travel through television reception systems, electrical systems, metal wires, radio systems, or through concrete walls and floors. And if you are using appliances connected to an electric power supply then it can harshly damage the devices.

It is recommended to not use any heating device during the storm because it can cause a fire.

Also, after the storm has passed do not think that risks for you and your devices are over. Always check for wet appliances and do not use them without getting them examined by a qualified electrician to ensure the usability of such devices.

You can further go through the guidelines by NEMA for Handling Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment. Thunderstorms and cyclones can also cause damage to electrical equipment. To keep them safe you can protect your appliances with an operator interface enclosure, which not only protects them but also acts as a shield from water and dust giving top-quality protection.

Flooded Area

Flooding can be one of the results of getting hit by a storm which worsens the situation. Water being a good conductor of electricity increases the risk of getting an electric shock.

It is very risky to enter a flooded area where wires, cords, electrical outlets, and appliances are covered with water, as they can get energized.

Never turn off the power while you are standing in water, you get more inclined to get an electric shock.

Conclusion

During a storm, you should try to keep yourself safe following the few above-mentioned tips until you get help from the security crew.

Although, there are power line workers that are working hard, out there in life-threatening conditions one should not rely on them. As the old saying says “Your safety is in your own hands”.