Everyone knows the saying: April showers bring May flowers. But don’t let that saying deceive you, for April showers can look more like April severe storms in many parts of the world. With March right around the corner, it is time to start thinking about how to take precautionary steps towards protecting your home from spring storms. Many people may think storms are just about the rain, but there are several things to consider when deciding if your house is as storm-proofed as it can be.
When it comes to your electricity, there are two ways to approach these precautionary steps. The first is to protect it from damage, and the second is to prepare for when damage occurs.
Any damage to the structure of your house puts your electrical systems at risk. During a spring storm, specific parts of your house to focus on are your roof, gutters, windows, and doors to the outside. Your roof, without the proper inspections and checkups, can become extremely susceptible to wind and water damage. You do not want storm rain and weather leaking from your roof into your house and reaching the wiring.
One way to ensure your roof is as safe as possible is to clear your gutters. Clogged gutters from past storms will cause immense water backup, leading to water accumulation and erosion on your roof. A good precautionary step to take is to inspect your gutters after the winter temperatures have passed and things around your house begin to thaw – you can expect to find winter debris.
Your windows and doors, if not properly sealed, can be another point of entry for water into your home. Before the spring comes, take the time to re-seal any wear and tear around the window and door edges. Like with roofs, water slowly leaking in through those openings can lead to electrical wiring damage. Take any gap or possible entrance for water – no matter how small – seriously.
In an ideal scenario, the precautionary measures you took pay off and no water damage occurs. But, in the case that you do experience damage to your electrical systems (or even think water is within the area) be prepared to turn off power; find the main panel in your home that can take care of this before a storm comes. Call your local electrician to ensure everything is in order, and call a roofer to repair the damages.
Photo by Márcio Azevedo on Unsplash