Be Prepared: Wind
As hardened Michiganders, we’re all accustomed to extreme temperatures. But would you know what to do if some extreme winds were to compromise your electricity?
It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, knowing what to do can be a matter of life or death. Here’s how you can prepare should you ever find yourself confronting a wind-related electrical emergency.
Before the storm:
If you’re especially at risk of a downed power line, you may want to unplug electrical devices arrives. Don’t forget to save any important documents on your computer and use a portable charger for your phone.
Insulate windows with plastic to keep the wind out of the house. This is an important precaution to take during the winter, especially if there’s a power outage.
Think about investing in a portable generator, if you don’t already have one. These should always be used outside and be installed professionally with GFCI protection.
Another good investment is a whole house surge protector. These devices let in the energy your house needs, while blocking out any excess electricity that could cause a surge. A SPD (Surge Protection Device) would come in extremely handy during a storm.
In the same vein of automatic protection, a standby generator is a back-up electrical system that functions automatically. In the event of an electrical outage, a stand-by generator would turn on immediately, and provide power to your home.
During the storm:
Stay indoors until the weather advisory notifies you of further instructions.
Use a battery powered light instead of candles to reduce the risk of fire in the case of a power outage.
After the storm:
If you see a cut power line, you should immediately call 911 and the utilities service provider for assistance. Don’t touch anything that touches the power line, even if it’s a person, or you could risk your own safety. Wait for 911 to safely and properly treat the situation.
Pay attention to where you’re standing as well. Snow and puddles can conduct electricity.
Does your home need a wind-proof update? Give Butler Electric a call at 616.643.8287 for all of your electrical questions and needs.
