When storm clouds roll in, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your home’s electrical system can handle it. Between power surges, lightning strikes, and heavy winds knocking out lines, Iowa storms are no joke.
At Tesdell Electric, we help homeowners prepare for the worst, so you can rest easy when the weather gets rough. Here’s your go-to electrical safety checklist for storm season.
1. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection
Why it matters: Lightning strikes and grid fluctuations during storms can send dangerous power surges through your system, frying electronics and damaging appliances.
What to do: Ask a licensed electrician (like Tesdell) to install a whole-house surge protector directly at your electrical panel.
2. Check Your Backup Power Options
Why it matters: Losing power for hours or days can be more than an inconvenience. For some, it’s a safety risk.
What to do: Consider a backup generator, especially if you rely on medical equipment, sump pumps, or work from home. We can install the right generator system to match your needs.
3. Secure Outdoor Wiring and Fixtures
Why it matters: Loose wiring or fixtures exposed to high winds and rain can lead to electrical shorts or become dangerous projectiles.
What to do: Inspect outdoor outlets, lighting, and wiring. Tesdell can help reinforce or replace weather-damaged components.
4. Test Your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)
Why it matters: GFCIs help prevent shocks in wet areas, like bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor spaces.
What to do: Press the “test” button on each GFCI outlet to ensure it trips properly. If it doesn’t reset, it’s time to call us.
5. Inspect Your Electrical Panel
Why it matters: Your panel is the heart of your home’s electrical system. Old, outdated, or overloaded panels are at greater risk during storms.
What to do: Schedule a panel inspection before storm season hits. Tesdell’s team can identify and fix any red flags before they become problems.
6. Unplug Sensitive Electronics
Why it matters: Even with surge protection, a direct lightning strike can damage delicate electronics like TVs, computers, and routers.
What to do: During a storm, unplug high-value items if you’re not using them. It’s the safest (and cheapest) form of protection.
7. Have an Emergency Lighting Plan
Why it matters: A sudden blackout can be disorienting, especially for kids or seniors.
What to do: Keep flashlights, battery-operated lanterns, and emergency lighting kits in easy-to-find places. We can also install hardwired emergency lighting systems if needed.
Don’t Wait for the Storm to Hit
Storm season is coming—make sure your home is ready. At Tesdell Electric, we’re proud to help Iowa families stay safe, prepared, and powered up when it matters most.
Get peace of mind before the next big storm. Schedule your electrical inspection today.