Spring Storm Preparedness: Ensuring Your Home's Electrical Safety in Wichita

Spring storms in Wichita bring unpredictable weather, including heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning strikes. These conditions can put your home’s electrical system at risk, leading to power surges, outages, and potential damage to appliances. Taking the right precautions now can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe when storms arrive.

At Integrity Trade Services, we help homeowners prepare their electrical systems for storm season. Here are four essential steps to take before severe weather hits.

1. Surge Protection: Preventing Damage to Appliances

A sudden power surge can destroy household appliances, disrupt your HVAC system, and fry electronics. Even a brief surge can cause long-term damage, leading to expensive replacements.

How to Protect Your Home:

• Install a whole-home surge protector to guard against voltage spikes.
• Use power strips with built-in surge protection for sensitive electronics.
• Unplug non-essential appliances during storms to reduce risk.

?? Example: A Wichita homeowner installed a whole-home surge protector just weeks before a severe storm. When lightning caused a power surge across the neighborhood, their appliances remained undamaged, saving them thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.

2. Backup Generators: Maintaining Power During Outages

Storm-related power outages can last for hours or even days. Having a reliable backup power source ensures your home remains functional when the grid goes down.

How to Stay Prepared:

• Install a standby generator that automatically turns on when the power goes out.
• Check that your generator is well-maintained and tested before storm season.
• If a permanent generator isn’t an option, consider a portable model for essential power needs.

?? Example: After a strong storm caused a 12-hour power outage, a Wichita family relied on their standby generator to keep their refrigerator running and essential medical equipment powered. This prevented food spoilage and ensured their household remained safe.

3. Electrical System Inspection: Identifying Potential Issues

Storms can expose hidden problems in your home’s wiring and electrical components. A thorough inspection before storm season can help address hazards that might lead to outages or electrical fires.

What to Check:

• Outdated or damaged wiring that may not handle sudden power fluctuations.
• Overloaded circuits or aging electrical panels that could fail during a storm.
• Outdoor outlets and wiring that need weatherproofing to withstand rain and wind.

?? Example: A Wichita homeowner noticed flickering lights and occasional circuit trips. An electrical inspection revealed outdated wiring that posed a fire risk. After making necessary upgrades, their home was safer and more efficient.

4. Outdoor Lighting and Wiring: Securing Exposed Components

Outdoor electrical systems are especially vulnerable during storms. Loose wiring, unsecured fixtures, and unprotected outlets can become hazards in severe weather.

How to Protect Outdoor Electrical Systems:

• Secure all outdoor electrical connections with weatherproof covers.
• Inspect and replace damaged wiring before storm season.
• Install motion-activated floodlights to improve visibility and security.

?? Example: A homeowner lost power to their outdoor lighting after a heavy storm. Upon inspection, they discovered exposed wiring had shorted out. Replacing the damaged wiring and using weatherproof enclosures helped prevent future issues.

Get Your Home Ready Before the Storms Arrive

Spring storms can be unpredictable, but preparing in advance can help keep your home safe. Installing surge protectors, securing a backup generator, scheduling an electrical inspection, and reinforcing outdoor wiring are all practical ways to reduce risks.

Integrity Trade Services is here to help. If you want to ensure your home’s electrical system is ready for storm season, reach out to our team today.

Stay safe, Wichita!

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