Electrical Problems That Are Common During Hurricane Season
Hurricane season is already upon us in South Florida and whether we’re new here or seasoned storm veterans, our families and homes must prepare for the worst and hope for the best. While hurricanes and tropical storms can cause many types of damages to your home, one of the scariest and most prominent problems that can occur is anything electrical. Here the experts at Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric explain common electrical problems and how to protect your home during hurricane season!
South Florida Hurricane Basics
One of the most damaging storms to hit South Florida in recent years was Hurricane Michael, which first touched down as a Category 4 storm on October 10, 2018. This is especially concerning considering hurricanes only reach up to a Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Over the next few days, Hurricane Michael left 1.7 million people without power across six states: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia. Nine days after the storm, 125,000 still had no electricity, with a remarkable 80% of those customers living in Florida. These incredible statistics make it that much more important to protect your home and family from hurricane-related electrical issues.
We often first think about visible, physical damage such as missing shingles or broken windows when it comes to hurricanes, but electrical issues can cause lasting damage or even injury! Here are some of the problems you should be aware of:
Electrical Problems
There is no doubt that hurricanes can cause winds capable of taking down power lines that can cause problems for your home but lightning also poses a critical threat. When lightning strikes a power line, the voltage can jump over one million volts in a fraction of a second, which can cause massive power outages. Even if the strike occurs ten miles away, it can still affect your power. If you suspect that your power issues are occurring because of electrical lines, contact your electrician immediately.
Water Problems
Though water damage offers its own massive set of problems, water can also cause irreparable damage to your electricity. While people mainly concern themselves with the physical damage flooding from hurricanes has caused to their homes, they often forget the problems it can cause to the electrical components. As water seeps into your walls, roof, and foundation, it can reach the wiring, which not only runs the risk of electrocution but can also ruin your appliances and cause your home to catch fire. If your home floods or you expect water has reached your wiring, it is crucial that you do not inspect the home yourself – contact your electrician at once.
Generac® Whole-Home Generators
One of the best ways to protect your home from electrical problems during hurricane season is to invest in a whole-home generator. When your power goes out, there is no telling if it will be hours, days, or even weeks until it comes back on. This can lead to problems such as unexpected hotel bills and wasted food! Purchasing a Generac® generator gives you peace of mind as it is the number one choice of whole-home generators among homeowners across the nation. This trust and popularity are due to their remote monitoring and intuitive operating. A Generac® whole-home generator makes a terrific addition to any home in danger of electrical problems.
Hurricane season puts a lot of South Florida residents on edge but with the right electricians, it does not have to. Whether you need a pre-season inspection to make sure your home is hurricane protected, you are ready to install a whole-home generator, or you expect power line problems or water damage during the season, Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric is here for you! Give us a call today at 1-800-475-1504!
