Electrical safety during tornado season

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The U.S. is no stranger to tornadoes. Between 2012 and 2022, there were over 13,000 confirmed tornadoes and over 1,000 resulting fatalities. 

In 2022 alone, Texas had 160 tornadoes, making it one of the top tornadic states in the U.S., only second to Mississippi. Residents of The Lone Star State must take serious precautions to stay safe during a tornado. 

Tornadic winds, sometimes hitting as high as 300 mph, wreak havoc in many ways. One of those ways is by causing electrical dangers.

Potential electrical dangers

While tornadoes present a risk to you, your family, and your property, they can also cause electrical dangers. Power outages are quite common during and after tornadoes, according to Benjamin Kolo, owner of Mr. Electric.

“This can be caused by downed high lines, individual overhead lines, or a home’s service mast being damaged or knocked down,” he explains. “If you experience a power outage after a storm, remember best practices and proper placement of a generator, keeping carbon monoxide emissions in mind.” 

A storm can also cause a power surge, which can damage your electronics and appliances.

In addition, power surges create an added risk of electrical shock. “It’s an extremely rare chance of this happening, but avoid touching electrical outlets and plugging in new things if possible until after the storm passes, especially if lightning is present,” Kolo advises.

Tips for keeping yourself and your electrical system safe during a tornado

Here are some general, easy-to-follow tips to stay safe from electrical damages after a tornado. 

• If damages are severe, stay inside until emergency responders can inspect the area. 
• Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines.
• Turn off electrical power, natural gas, and propane tanks to avoid the possibility of a fire, explosion, or electrocution.
• Avoid the use of candles and use battery-powered flashlights instead. 
• Do not use generators or charcoal-burning devices indoors or near open windows or vents to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

It’s natural to want to go outside and survey the damage after a tornado. However, this isn’t always a good idea. 

If you do go outside, Mark Dawson, CEO of Mister Sparky, recommends staying at least 35 feet away from a downed power line. “Also, avoid anything touching — this includes people — as you don’t know if it is energized or not. Assume all downed power lines are live.”

It’s also important how you move away from a power line. “According to Electrical Foundation Safety International (ESFI), the proper way to move away from a power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground,” Dawson says.

Another sign of downed lines could be the presence, or even the sound, of fallen trees. Kolo recommends calling the utility company in this situation. “Again, don’t attempt to inspect downed lines yourself; stay inside because you have no idea whether those lines will still have power running through them or not,” he explains.

In addition, Dawson recommends shutting off electrical power, natural gas, and propane tanks to avoid the possibility of a fire, explosion, or electrocution — especially if you smell something burning. “Have a licensed electrician inspect your electrical system before powering up,” he advises.

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, you should leave your home immediately and contact the fire department. Dawson also recommends using a flashlight instead of a candle to limit the chance of a fire or explosion.

If you have a generator or charcoal-burning device, Dawson says you should not use them indoors. “In fact, you shouldn’t use them even outside near an open window, door, or vent because without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can occur.”

Preparing before the storm

There are also steps that you can take to reduce your risk of electrical problems.

• Unplug powered-down electronics, including computers and televisions. 
• Use surge protectors for times you may be unable to unplug electronics.
• Consider hiring a licensed electrician to move overhead electrical lines underground.

“Turn off and unplug electronics, computers, and TVs if a storm is on the way – especially if you don’t use a surge protector,” Kolo says. 

However, he recommends that you do invest in surge protectors for your electronics.

“People go through a storm and then find an appliance or garage opener that doesn’t work afterward,” he says. “This could be because, during storms, high winds whip around the high lines against each other, causing voltage surges which can damage a home’s electrical appliances or devices.”

But if you have surge protectors in place, you can minimize the chance of this happening. “There are options you can install yourself or consider hiring an electrical service professional to save time and stress,” Kolo says. “It’s also important to have nonperishables, batteries, flashlights, battery-powered radios, and other emergency items to be ready for potential outages.”

Another option is to move your overhead lines on your property underground. For this, you’ll need to hire a professional. “This can help protect them from wind damage and minimize electrical outage chances,” Kolo says. 

As an added bonus, the lines will also be protected from ice, heavy rains, and falling trees. “Lines for any newly built developments are all put underground, but there are still thousands of lines out there above ground,” he explains.