Hey there, Richmond neighbor! You are aware of the fact that we live in weather, and that we have a weather mind of your own, did you ever live in this place over a few months. You can be having a wonderful day on the banks of the James River and the next minute you can see your skies changing an ominous shade of grey. The wind increases and you hear that at first, far off rumbling of thunder.
It is during such a time that most of us pose a question, “Is my home good enough to have this?
Being a local electrician in Richmond who has been serving this community over the years, I have been in hundreds of homes when a storm has swept. I have witnessed the burnt electronics, the broken panels and the anxious home owners. The good thing is, though, that most of that damage is totally avoidable.
Imagine this guide was a neighboring fence conversation. I will take you through some basic steps that are easy, practical and can be used to secure your home and your family. I will not use confusing jargon, I assure you. We will divide it into pre-storm, during the storm, and after the storm.
Part 1: Before the Clouds Roll In(Your Peace-of-Mind Checklist)
It is all about taking the initiative. Even one hour in a sunny day can get you out of a gigantic headache in the future.
- Locate Your Electrical Panel (And Train!
I cannot describe the number of people I encountered in an emergency that do not know where their electrical panel is. It is the Master Control Station of electricity in your house! Go and locate that gray metal box, which is typically located in the basement, in the garage, or somewhere in a hallway.
Call your family and locate the main circuit breaker. It is the largest one, and it is usually at the top or bottom. Train to switch it to the OFF position. It is a game-changer to know how to do this before a storm calmly. In case you are not so sure or the panel is old or disheveled it is an excellent idea to get a good local electrical person whom the residents of Richmond can trust to come in, and label it effectively on your behalf.
- Become a Surge Protector Pro
Power strips are not made equally. A mere $10 power supply will not give your flat screen television or gaming computer a lightning generated power-surge. You require a surge protector with high “joule rating” (you should find at least 1,000-2,000 joules).
- Where to put them:Plug computers, entertainment centers, and any other sensitive electronics into these quality surge protectors.
- The Gold Standard:For the ultimate protection, ask a local electrician about installing a Whole-Home Surge Protector. This device gets wired directly into your electrical panel and acts as a mighty shield for your entire house, stopping massive surges before they ever reach your outlets.
- Give Your Generator Some Space
If you have a portable generator, you are already a step ahead! But please, hear me on this: never, ever run a generator inside your home, garage, or even an enclosed porch.The exhaust contains carbon monoxide—a silent, odorless, and deadly killer.
Always place the generator at least 20 feet away from your house, with the exhaust pointing away from any windows or doors. This is one of the most critical safety tips I can give you as a local electrician in Richmond.
Part 2: When the Storm is Here – Hunkering Down Safely
The storm has arrived. The rain is lashing against the windows. Here’s what to do right now.
- The One-Hour Rule
If you can hear thunder, the storm is close enough for lightning to be a threat. A great habit to get into is the “one-hour rule.” Unplug your major electronics and appliances one hour beforethe storm is predicted to hit. This is the single most effective way to guarantee they are safe from a power surge.
If that’s not possible, at a minimum, unplug the expensive and sensitive stuff the moment the storm starts.
- Avoid Water Like the… Well, You Know
Water is a fantastic conductor of electricity. During a storm, stay away from sinks, don’t take a shower or bath, and don’t wash dishes. Lightning can strike outside and travel through your home’s plumbing. It’s a rare event, but why risk it? - Keep Your Fridge Closed
When the power is flickering or goes off, your initial thought may be to inspect the food. Resist it! With a well insulated refrigerator, you can store food and preserve it at a cool room temperature of approximately 4 hours in case you keep the door shut. Its freezer will maintain a full load of approximately 48 hours. You open the door every time you lose the cold air.
Part 3: The All-Clear (With Caution) (After the Storm Passes).
The rain has been put off, and the sun is peeking out. And yet your precaution measures are not exhausted.
- Look Before You Plug
Look about you before you run about re-plugging everything in. Have you noticed water problems of any kind around your outlets? Do you smell anything burning? In case of doubts, switch the circuit off and seek the attention of a professional. Better the devil is dead.
- Reset Your Appliances
In case there was a power outage that took some time, here is an intelligent way of not to overload your system when the power is restored. Move your way around your house and switch off some of the big appliances such as air conditioner, water heater and oven. Then switch your primary circuit breaker. When power goes off, then one can switch these appliances on one after another after a couple of minutes.
- Know When to Make the Call
Other problems are larger than a broken circuit breaker. You must contact a local electrician Richmond professional at once in case you observe:
- A persistent burning smell.
- Your sockets or switches are discoloured, hot or sparking.
- You observe flickering lights in spite of the fact that there is power.
- Your breakers keep on tripping and throwing.
They are indicators of more serious damage that require the trained eye. It can be a good step to any homeowner to find a good local electrician in Richmond before an emergency occurs.
Chapter: Conclusion: Your Safety is Everything.
Dwelling in Richmond implies having to endure some glamorous storms. They need not worry you, however, with a bit of preparation and knowledge. These tips should not seem like a task, but as a family safety manual.
It is just a matter of being smart and playing on the safe side. An hour now could save you the largest and most important investment you will ever make in your life your home.
Stay safe, Richmond