Essential Items to Disconnect Before a Storm: Nine Everything's
When the skies darken and storms loom, it's natural to feel anxious about keeping your loved ones safe. While stocking up on groceries and securing outdoor items are common storm prep tasks, a less considered aspect is unplugging electronics.
Staying insulated from power surges due to flickering electricity or lightning during a storm can prevent damage to electronics and even stop potential fires. Before a storm strikes, take time to unplug the necessary appliances and household items, making a difference between weathering the storm securely and facing thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Here's a rundown of what to unplug before the next storm and some insights on power surges during severe weather.
Do not unplug electronics during a storm or lightning; secure your appliances well before any impending weather arrives.
## What to Unplug Before a Storm
Direct lightning strikes are not necessary for lightning voltage to enter homes through phone lines, electrical wires, cables, and plumbing, according to Safe Electricity. They advise turning off and unplugging appliances beforehand, stressing that surge protectors offer little protection against a lightning strike[1].
While it's not always practical to unplug every electronic device before a thunderstorm, understanding which devices are at high risk can help minimize damage[2]. Priority items to consider unplugging include:
- Coffee Makers: These devices are susceptible to power fluctuations and should be unplugged for safety[3][4].
- Computers and Laptops: Protect these devices from power surges and electrical spikes by unplugging them[1][4].
- Gaming Consoles: Eliminate the risk of damage from power surges by unplugging these devices[4].
- Hair Styling Tools: Hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons should be unplugged to prevent damage from power surges[4].
- Microwaves, Toasters, and Televisions: These small appliances can be damaged by power fluctuations and should be unplugged[3][4].
- Air Fryers and Smart Appliances: As with other electronics, unplugging these appliances can help prevent damage from power surges[4].
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## What is a Power Surge?
A power surge is an increase in voltage that disrupts the electric current to a house, causing interruptions in the power supply[2]. Depending on the source of the surge, the damage to devices can range from minor to severe, with lightning-induced surges having the potential to shut down major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and HVAC systems[2].
## Other Storm Safety Tips
Storm safety extends beyond merely unplugging electronics. Safe Electricity recommends:
- Turning off your air conditioner to protect the compressor from power surges and prevent costly repairs[1].
- Staying clear of water and plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, bathtubs, and faucets during a thunderstorm[1].
- Avoid washing dishes, showering, or using washers and dryers as they are linked to both plumbing and electrical systems and can offer paths for electricity through the dryer vent[1].
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[1] - Safe Electricity. (n.d.). What Type of Electricity is Needed for a Generator? Retrieved June 30, 2021, from https://www.safeelectricity.org/Knowledge-Center/Generators/What-type-of-electricity-is-needed-for-a-generator.aspx
[2] - Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical. (n.d.). Is it safe to plug computers, TVs, and electronics into power strips and surge protectors? Retrieved June 30, 2021, from https://acostaair.com/electrical-services/power-strips-surge-protectors/
[3] - Angie's List. (2018, July 17). Is a Power Strip Protector a Must-Have Device? Retrieved June 30, 2021, from https://www.angieslist.com/articles/is-power-strip-protector-must-have-device.htm
[4] - Popular Mechanics. (2020, September 21). Protect Your Electronics From SEvere Storms. Retrieved June 30, 2021, from https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/a31341822/protect-your-devices-from-severe-storms/
- During thunderstorms, it's crucial to safeguard your home and the elderly by unplugging essential appliances such as coffee makers, computers, gaming consoles, hair styling tools, microwaves, televisions, air fryers, and smart appliances to prevent damage from power surges.
- To further ensure safety, unplug these devices well before any predicted storms, and consider turning off your air conditioner to protect its compressor from power surges and prevent costly repairs.
- Severe weather is not just a threat to electronics; it's also important to stay clear of water and plumbing fixtures during a storm, and avoid using washers, dryers, or taking a shower as these appliances can offer paths for electricity.
