Storm Smart: Protect Your Home and Energy Usage This Storm Season
Summer storms can arrive with little warning, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and power outages. While you can’t control the weather, you can take a few simple steps to help protect your home, improve safety, and even reduce unnecessary energy usage before and after a storm.
Prepare Before the Storm
A little planning goes a long way. Before severe weather arrives:
Charge phones, tablets, and backup battery packs.
Set your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest safe setting to help food stay cold longer if the power goes out.
Gather flashlights, fresh batteries, and emergency supplies instead of relying on candles.
Trim tree branches that could damage power lines or your home.
Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations that could become airborne in high winds.
Protect Your Electronics
Power surges caused by lightning or service restoration can damage valuable electronics.
Help protect your devices by:
Using surge protectors for computers, televisions, and entertainment systems.
Unplugging sensitive electronics if severe weather is expected and it is safe to do so.
Avoiding the use of corded electronics during lightning storms.
Save Energy During an Outage
If the power goes out:
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Turn off lights and unplug unnecessary electronics to help prevent overloads when power is restored.
Leave one light on so you’ll know when electricity has returned.
If using a portable generator, always operate it outdoors and away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
After the Storm
Once power has been restored:
Wait a few minutes before turning on multiple large appliances to avoid creating a sudden demand on your home’s electrical system.
Check your HVAC filter if your system has been running through heavy dust or debris.
Inspect outdoor electrical equipment for visible damage before using it.
Replace any damaged weatherstripping or seals to keep cooled air inside and improve energy efficiency.
Storm-Ready and Energy-Smart
Storm season is also a great reminder to make your home more resilient year-round. Small improvements like sealing air leaks, replacing worn weatherstripping, installing LED lighting, and scheduling HVAC maintenance can help lower energy use while keeping your home comfortable, no matter the forecast.
For more tips on storm preparedness:
