Not only can natural occurrences like cyclones and massive storms affect civilian life, but they can also have a long-lasting effect on a nation’s economy. While it is recommended to stay at home during the storm season, you might not be entirely safe in your house. Natural disasters can lead to potential fire hazards and you might be at severe risk if your home has faulty or old wiring.
Taking necessary safety measures is of paramount importance. Here is what you need in order to get ready for a storm.
Preparing your house
It is important you take certain measures before a storm strikes. You must incorporate the following measures just in case:
- Install a safety switch and make sure it is working.
- Pack all of the electrical appliances that are no longer in use and store them away.
- Keep in mind the things that you need to turn off when the storm strikes. Make sure you turn off the gas, water supply, and electricity.
- Unplug all outside appliances like TVs or switches and store them in a dry area.
- Make sure you keep aerial, non-fixed appliances somewhere safe.
- Use the safe isolation procedure to shut down your solar PV panels.
- Make sure to switch off all of the appliances before the storm approaches.
Here are some measures you can keep in mind to be safe during the storm
Keep a radio handy. Listen to all the updates to know when the storm is over.
Stay away from trees, water streams, and electricity poles.
Move all appliances to a higher level if you think a flood might approach the area.
In case there is a power cut, turn off all the appliances.
Avoid using telephones or other electrical appliances during the storm.
What to do after the storm?
It is vital you take clean-up measures once the storm resides. Here are a few of them.
Listen to the radio for updates.
In case of any casualties, go to the hospital.
Inform the local authorities in case of a fallen tree or electricity pillars.
Stay safe from electrical poles as they might have conductive materials lying around on the ground.
If your switchboards are damaged by water, make sure no one touches them.
If there is a cut-out or some faults with the electricity, call a professional. Do not handle these things on your own.
In case you have a solar panel on the roof, try not to go to the roof unless necessary. Stay away from the panels and their cables.
What to do if there is property or connection damage?
If you have property damage or connection problems, you will need to go through a verification test before getting them installed again. You must call a professional and licensed electrician to get verified and carry out the repairs. It is better not to do these practices on your own. It is also wise to choose the best energy provider to find a suitable plan for your home.
What to do if your solar panels are destroyed?
One thing to remember is that the solar panel will always be live even if the sun goes down. If the solar panels are destroyed during the storm, call a licensed electrician and make sure they are electrically safe before you recommission it.
After the storm, make sure to stay away from the panel as it might be generating electricity.
Summing up
Another thing you must keep in mind after and during the storm is the generator. Make sure you ask an experienced electrician to turn on the generator and run the generator in a well-ventilated area to avoid mishaps.