For residents of the Twin Cities area, stormy weather is a part of life. Preparing for storms will keep you, your loved ones and your property safe during power outages. Steps you can take to be ready for electrical outages include assembling emergency kits, keeping trees trimmed and installing generators to keep you going. The professional electricians at Finch Home Solutions can help you stay comfortable and safe in your Twin Cities home or business when the weather turns stormy and the power fails.
Anticipate Stormy Weather
As a resident of the Twin Cities area, you are probably aware of the seasonal patterns and likelihood of storms. Watch the local weather or National Weather Service broadcasts to stay up to date on forecasts. Make a plan with loved ones and other household members about what to do in bad weather. Check the status of emergency gear. Ensure phones are charged so that you can communicate if you lose power.
If the power fails in your area, report it to your electrical company. Alerting them to outages helps them monitor the extent and severity of the disruption and ensures they know your area will need to be reconnected.
Assemble an Emergency Kit
Assemble an emergency kit so that you have access to crucial equipment when the electricity fails. Keep the supplies in a duffel bag or plastic bin in an easy-to-access location. Make sure all household members know where it is.
An emergency kit should include:
- Flashlights and battery-powered lamps
- Extra batteries
- Blankets
- Warm clothing
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable food
- First aid kit
- Basic toiletries
Experts also recommend including a whistle to call for help. Keep credit cards and cash in a safe but easy-to-access location.
If you have small children, check supplies of baby formula, bottles, diapers and other necessities. Ensure that people with medical conditions have a supply of prescription and non-prescription medicines to last several days. If you have pets, include pet food and water in your kit.
Have an Emergency Plan
Make an emergency plan, and ensure everyone in your household knows what it is. Keep emergency numbers, including police, fire department and medical personnel, in an easily accessible place. You can take a photo of the list and keep it on your cell phone so that you have it when you need it.
Know where emergency shelters are located. If family members are out when stormy weather hits, determine their location and help them find shelter if it isn’t possible to return home.
Severe cold weather can be dangerous to infants, older adults and those with chronic medical conditions. When the electricity fails, households often lose their source of heat. If you use gas appliances, fireplaces or woodstoves for heat, be aware that they can produce carbon monoxide if not properly vented. Keep a fire extinguisher near sources of flames. Never use a gas stove or oven for heat because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
Trim Trees and Vegetation
Severe weather, such as strong winds, heavy rain or snow, can dislodge tree branches or uproot trees. Keep trees and other vegetation on your property trimmed and in good condition throughout the year. Monitor the health of trees. Ask a tree specialist to evaluate the safety of large trees. If a tree falls on your property during a storm, call emergency personnel for help. Do not try to remove the tree yourself because there may be live power lines in the branches.
Use Common Sense to Stay Safe
Use common sense when you prepare for a storm. Keep communication devices charged so that you can make calls and monitor the weather during an emergency. Unplug computers, TVs and other electronic devices to protect them from power surges.
Turn off all light switches except one. Leaving one switch on lets you know when the power comes back. Keep your refrigerator door closed to keep the cold in. Refrigerated food can last up to four hours. Frozen food can last between 24 and 48 hours.
Install a Whole-Home Generator
Power outages are not only inconvenient. They disrupt normal life and affect the safety and security of your home. Installing a whole-home generator keeps you going during power failures. An emergency generator can support refrigerators, heating systems, lights and other equipment. They automatically kick in when the power fails, ensuring that your home and belongings stay safe and secure.
Contact the professionals at Finch Home Solutions to install a whole-home generator in your Minneapolis home or office. Although generators are convenient during emergencies, they must be properly installed. A trained professional will evaluate your home and property and determine the best location for the equipment. Improper installation and use can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, fires or electric shocks. Technicians will ensure the installation meets local codes and show you how to use your generator safely.
Protect Your Home With Whole-Home Surge Protection Devices
Power surges can damage heating and cooling systems, electronics, wiring, circuits and other electrical equipment. During a storm, the electrical grid is often unstable, resulting in surges and fluctuations in power. Lightening strikes, power surges and fluctuations due to downed power lines can damage appliances, cause shocks, knock out power and start fires.
Whole-home surge protection devices protect your home and your household from power surges. When installed at a breaker box, they keep surges from entering your home. Professionals also recommend installing surge protection devices inside your home, particularly in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections to Keep Your System in Good Working Order
Electrical inspections by a licensed electrician examine and calibrate all the components of your electrical system, including plugs, switches, breakers, surge protection devices and earthing. Degraded or worn components can cause fires or damage appliances.
Our electricians will alert you to problems and recommend ways to correct faulty equipment, upgrade components and bring your system up to code. Keeping your electrical system in good condition will help keep you and your home safe during power surges or disruptions.
Licensed Electricians
Finch Home Solutions has served the electrical needs of residents in the greater Twin Cities area for many years. Our company’s owner is a master electrician who oversees all the work we do. We specialize in residential electrical work but also provide commercial services. Our services include new installations, electrical repair, maintenance and service upgrades. We also install and service EV charging stations, ceiling fans and generators. Whether you would like to install LED lights, rewire a building or upgrade your main panel, we can do it.
We back our work with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and offer 24-hour emergency services. If you have a power failure or an electrical emergency during a storm, our electricians are available for emergency service calls to ensure your safety.
For more information about staying safe during power outages or scheduling an electrical inspection, call Finch Home Solutions.
