When a storm is on the horizon, many homeowners wonder if they should unplug their appliances to protect them from potential damage. While it might seem inconvenient, taking a few precautions can save you from costly repairs or replacements.
Should I Unplug Electronics During a Lightning Storm?
Yes, unplugging electronics is one of the best ways to protect them during a lightning storm. A nearby strike can cause power surges that travel through your home’s wiring, damaging TVs, computers, and appliances. Even surge protectors can’t always stop a direct surge from lightning. If a storm is approaching, unplug devices from both the wall and cable connections to keep them safe.
Should I turn off breakers during a hurricane?
Yes, in some cases. If flooding is possible or you need to evacuate, it’s safest to turn off the main breaker to prevent electrical damage or fire when power is restored. However, if you’re staying home and the area isn’t expected to flood, you can usually leave breakers on. Always unplug sensitive electronics and follow local emergency guidance — and never touch your electrical panel if it’s wet or you’re standing in water.
What is the 30-30-30 Rule for Lightning?
The 30-30-30 rule is a simple safety guide: If you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, go indoors immediately — the storm is close enough to strike. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going back outside. This helps ensure you stay protected while the storm moves safely out of range.
Why Should You Unplug Appliances?
One of the biggest concerns during a storm is power surges. These occur when there’s a sudden spike in electrical voltage, often due to lightning strikes or disruptions in the power grid. Power surges can damage or completely destroy electronic devices and appliances, especially those with sensitive internal components.
Which Appliances Should You Unplug?
- Sensitive Electronics: Devices like televisions, computers, and gaming consoles are particularly vulnerable to surges. Unplugging these items can prevent costly damage to their internal circuitry.
- Small Kitchen Appliances: Microwaves, coffee makers, and toasters are susceptible to damage from power fluctuations. Unplugging them is a smart move, especially since they are easy to disconnect.
- Large Appliances: It may not always be practical to unplug refrigerators, washing machines, or air conditioners, but they are also at risk. If you can’t unplug them, consider installing surge protectors or using whole-house surge protection.
- Chargers and Battery-Operated Devices: It’s a good idea to unplug phone and laptop chargers, as they can act as a bridge for surges to damage your devices. Battery-operated devices, however, are safe from electrical issues.
Using Surge Protectors
A high-quality surge protector can help shield your appliances from unexpected power spikes. For essential electronics like computers and entertainment systems, invest in a reliable surge protector with a high joule rating. If you live in an area prone to frequent storms, consider whole-house surge protection, which provides comprehensive coverage for all your home’s electrical devices.
Smart Tips for Storm Preparedness
- Keep a Checklist: Create a quick checklist of appliances to unplug during a storm. This helps you stay organized and ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Plan Ahead: If you know a storm is coming, unplug non-essential electronics in advance. This prevents you from having to rush when the storm hits.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Verify that your homeowner’s insurance covers damage from power surges. If not, you may want to consider additional coverage or surge protection plans.
When You Don’t Have Time to Unplug
If you’re caught off guard by a sudden storm and can’t unplug everything, make sure to prioritize sensitive and expensive electronics first. It’s better to protect your home theater system or computer than to worry about unplugging every single lamp or small appliance.
What to Do if the Power Goes Out
First, check whether it’s a neighborhood outage or just your home. If it’s just you, inspect your breakers for a tripped switch. If it’s widespread, report it to your utility company and avoid opening your fridge or freezer to keep food cold. Unplug major appliances to protect them from surges when power returns, and use flashlights instead of candles for safety. If your power doesn’t come back after the outage is cleared, call a licensed electrician to check for damage to your system.
After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, you can safely plug your devices back in. However, if you notice any issues like flickering lights or malfunctioning appliances, it’s best to contact a licensed electrician to check your system.
Stay safe and prepared this storm season
While it may not be practical to unplug every appliance during a storm, taking precautions with your most valuable and sensitive electronics can save you from potential headaches and expenses.