Losing Power Every Time There’s A Storm
As a homeowner or business owner, losing power during a storm can be frustrating and even dangerous. Electrical outages can occur for many reasons, including strong winds, lightning strikes, and fallen trees. Arrow Electric, a leading electrical service provider in Dallas, Texas, is here to help you understand why you might be losing power every time there’s a storm and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Power Outages During Storms
One of the most common reasons for losing power during a storm is damage to the power lines that deliver electricity to your home or business. High winds can cause branches or entire trees to fall on power lines, causing them to break or become disconnected. Lightning strikes can also damage power lines, as well as transformers and other electrical equipment.
Another common cause of power outages during storms is flooding. Heavy rain can cause rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water to overflow, which can damage electrical equipment located in low-lying areas. Floodwaters can also damage electrical systems in homes and businesses, leading to outages.
Steps to Take During Power Outages
If you experience a power outage during a storm, the first thing you should do is check to see if your neighbors have also lost power. If they have, it’s likely that the outage is caused by a problem with the electrical grid, and you should contact your local utility company to report the outage.
If you’re the only one experiencing an outage, check your circuit breaker or fuse box to see if a circuit has been tripped. If that’s not the issue, check with your utility company to see if they’re aware of any outages in your area that might be affecting your service.
If you’re experiencing a prolonged power outage, there are steps you can take to stay safe and comfortable. Keep a supply of bottled water and non-perishable food on hand, and avoid opening your refrigerator or freezer more than necessary. Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead of candles, which can be a fire hazard.
How to Prepare for Power Outages
One of the best ways to deal with power outages during storms is to prepare for them ahead of time. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that you’re ready for the next outage:
Create an emergency kit: Include items such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, and a battery-operated radio.
Install a generator: A generator can provide power to your home or business during an outage, allowing you to continue operating critical systems such as lights, refrigerators, and medical equipment.
Invest in surge protectors: Surge protectors can help protect your electrical devices from damage during power surges that can occur when power is restored after an outage.
Trim trees: If you have trees near power lines, consider having them trimmed or removed to prevent them from falling on the lines during a storm.
Losing power every time there’s a storm can be a frustrating experience, but with a little preparation, you can make sure that you’re ready for the next outage. Arrow Electric, a leading electrical service provider in Dallas, Texas, is here to help you understand why power outages occur during storms and what you can do to prepare for them. Remember to stay safe during outages and to contact your local utility company if you experience an extended outage.