Storms can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system, creating dangerous situations that require immediate attention. Understanding common post-storm electrical issues and knowing how to respond can protect your family and property. Here’s what you need to know about storm-related electrical problems and how the experienced team at East-West Electric can help restore safety to your home.
Common Electrical Problems Following Severe Weather
1. Power Outages
The most obvious post-storm issue is a complete loss of power. While utility companies work to restore service, your home may have sustained damage that prevents power restoration even after grid repairs.
2. Power Surges
Lightning strikes and power restoration can cause damaging power surges that affect:
- Major appliances
- Electronics and computers
- HVAC systems
- Security systems
- Smart home devices
3. Water Damage to Electrical Components
Storm flooding can compromise:
- Electrical panels
- Outlets and switches
- Underground wiring
- Outdoor lighting systems
- Pool and spa equipment
4. Damaged Service Lines
High winds and falling trees can:
- Tear down power lines
- Damage the weatherhead (where power enters your home)
- Pull the electric meter from its base
- Compromise the service mast
5. Circuit Breaker Issues
Post-storm, you may experience:
- Tripped breakers that won’t reset
- Breakers that trip repeatedly
- Burning smells from the panel
- Buzzing or humming sounds
6. Damaged Outdoor Electrical Equipment
Storms can affect:
- Exterior outlets and GFCI protection
- Landscape lighting
- Security lighting
- Electric gates and garage door openers
- Generator systems
Immediate Steps to Take After a Storm
1. Ensure Personal Safety First
- Stay away from downed power lines (assume all are live)
- Avoid standing water near electrical equipment
- Don’t touch electrical panels or outlets if water is present
- Keep children and pets away from damaged areas
2. Assess Visible Damage
From a safe distance, look for:
- Downed or damaged power lines
- Broken weatherheads or service masts
- Water around electrical equipment
- Visible damage to the meter or panel
- Sparking or smoking electrical components
3. Document the Damage
- Take photos for insurance purposes
- Note the date and time of the storm
- Record any unusual sounds or smells
- List affected appliances and systems
4. Turn Off the Power if Necessary
If you notice:
- Water near electrical components
- Burning smells
- Sparking or arcing
- Buzzing from the panel
Turn off the main breaker immediately if it’s safe to do so.
When to Call East-West Electric
Emergency Situations Requiring Immediate Professional Help
Contact East-West Electric immediately if you experience:
- Sparking or smoking electrical components
- Water in or around your electrical panel
- Downed power lines on your property
- Burning smells from outlets or switches
- Electrical shocks when touching appliances
Non-Emergency Situations
Schedule an inspection if you notice:
- Flickering lights throughout the house
- Outlets that don’t work
- Circuit breakers that won’t reset
- Appliances behaving erratically
- Unusual electrical noises
How East-West Electric Can Help
1. Emergency Response Services
East-West Electric provides:
- 24/7 emergency electrical services
- Rapid response to storm damage
- Priority scheduling for dangerous situations
- Temporary power solutions when needed
2. Comprehensive Damage Assessment
Our experienced electricians will:
- Perform thorough safety inspections
- Test all electrical systems and components
- Identify hidden damage
- Provide detailed repair recommendations
3. Professional Repairs and Replacements
East-West Electric handles:
- Service line repairs and replacements
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Water-damaged component replacement
- Surge protection installation
- Generator installation and repair
4. Insurance Documentation Support
We provide:
- Detailed damage reports
- Professional assessments for claims
- Before and after documentation
- Cost estimates for repairs
5. Preventive Solutions
Our team can install:
- Whole-house surge protection
- GFCI outlets in vulnerable areas
- Weatherproof outdoor components
- Backup generator systems
- Lightning protection systems
The Importance of Professional Electrical Service
Why Choose East-West Electric
- Licensed and Insured Professionals
- Fully certified electricians
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
- Up-to-date safety training
- Experience with Storm Damage
- Decades of post-storm repair experience
- Familiarity with local weather patterns
- Knowledge of regional building codes
- Quality Workmanship
- Industry-standard repair techniques
- High-quality replacement parts
- Warranties on all work performed
- Safety-First Approach
- Thorough safety protocols
- Proper testing procedures
- Code-compliant installations
Preparing for Future Storms
Preventive Maintenance
- Annual electrical system inspections
- Weatherproofing vulnerable components
- Upgrading outdated systems
- Installing protective devices
Emergency Preparedness
- Generator installation and maintenance
- Surge protection systems
- Emergency lighting solutions
- Battery backup systems
System Upgrades
- Modern circuit breaker panels
- Enhanced grounding systems
- Weather-resistant outdoor components
- Smart home integration for monitoring
Common Electrical Problems After a Storm
Storm damage to your electrical system requires immediate attention from qualified professionals. Don’t risk your safety by attempting DIY repairs or ignoring potential hazards. East-West Electric’s experienced storm damage team is ready to respond to your emergency needs and help protect your home from future storm damage.
Remember, when it comes to electrical safety after a storm, professional help isn’t just recommended—it’s essential. Trust East-West Electric to restore power and peace of mind to your home.
