A dangerous storm can knock out power to your home, causing you plenty of frustration and inconvenience. If your home has lost power after a lightning strike, there are some do’s and don’ts you should follow. Power outages caused by storms are usually the job of your local power company to fix. As a homeowner, there are some things you should do to be safe and proactive while you wait for the power to return.
Staying Safe
After the storm has passed, stay clear of any downed power lines, debris, and stay out of flooded areas. Never walk in standing water, and never go outside in the dark. You will be unable to see downed power lines that can cause serious electrical shock and death. Contact your local power company to find out about outages in your area. They should be able to give you a timeframe as to when power will be restored. In the meantime, use flashlights and battery-powered lights and avoid using candles since they can cause a fire hazard.
Check Your Appliances
If the power isn’t coming back on after a lightning strike, turn off your air conditioning system and other large appliances like washing machines, dryers, and ovens. Allow at least 15 to 30 minutes after the power has been restored before you turn them back on. This allows your power company to manage the electrical load, and it helps them with assisting other customers. Check your circuit breakers and fuses to ensure that there is not an electrical problem. You can also check your meter box for any damage and contact a licensed electrician to make any needed repairs.
Other Helpful Tips
When a storm hits, there are a few things to keep in mind if you can’t get your power to come back on. First, leave your refrigerator door closed for as long as possible in order to preserve your food and keep it cold. Unplug items like your computer and television set to avoid a power surge. This surge could potentially damage your electronics. If the outage is community-wide, avoid driving until power has been restored since traffic lights will be out. Remember that patience is key during a power outage and that your electric company is working as fast as possible to have everything restored.
For all your electrical service needs or if you have an emergency, contact Electrical Pros at 770-822-2150 for prompt, friendly service.