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When electrical power is disrupted, the potential exists for costly damage. Whether it’s lightning from a thunderstorm, the strong winds of a tornado or the heavy snows of a blizzard, powerful storms can cause blackouts, brownouts, and other electrical disruptions.
While you can’t control the weather, you can safeguard your valuable appliances and electronics against the threat of a power disruption. Following these tips can save time and potentially expensive replacement costs.
1. Power down and pull the plug
Whenever a storm approaches, take the time to go through your home to turn off and unplug all small electronics and appliances. Lightning can enter your house through the wiring and disconnecting these items from their power source will protect them from damage. If you notice signs of a brownout once the storm hits, such as a prolonged dimming of lights, your refrigerator’s motor might have difficulty operating in this low-voltage situation. Don’t risk touching the plug or outlet during the storm, but you may want to break out the ice cream before it melts.
2. Purchase surge protectors
Think of surge protectors as inexpensive insurance for your electronic items. If you have a $1,000 television, it’s worth investing a few more bucks in a UL-listed surge protector. The same goes for any expensive electronic devices you own.
3. Back up your computer power
If the power goes out while you’re working on a desktop computer, you risk losing everything that wasn’t saved. An uninterruptible power source (UPS) gives you a “grace period” of five to seven minutes of reliable power to save all your work and shut down properly. A more expensive alternative is to replace your desktop computer with a laptop. Keep the battery charged, and you’ll have plenty of time to save your work in the event of a power outage.
4. Invest in a generator and use it wisely
Portable generators can be a great solution during a blackout. But if one is connected to the main power supply of your home when the power comes back, your generator can be destroyed. When running a generator, turn off your main breaker to disconnect from the electric utility. Remember to unplug the generator before turning the main breaker back on.
These tips can help reduce damage is to appliances inside your home. If you do experience storm damage to the outside of your house, remember that the professionals of SunGlo Disaster Restoration Specialists are here to help with your clean-up and restoration.