Electrical Safety During and After a Tornado

Signs That a Tornado is Approaching

The first step in preparedness is being able to identify when a tornado is on the way. While having access to weather alerts and local news stations is helpful, it’s also important to know what to look for yourself, especially if the electricity has gone out due to high winds or heavy rain. Before a tornado, the sky will often turn a dark shade of green, and a wall cloud may be present. You’ll probably experience hail as well, and perhaps loud sounds, similar to a train. If you live near a metropolitan area in a climate that frequently experiences tornadoes, you may hear sirens. This is a clear indicator that an actual tornado has already been viewed nearby, and it’s time to seek proper shelter. 

What to Do When You’re Home During a Tornado

If you’re at home during a tornado, it’s important to take the proper precautions. Keep an emergency kit in a safe place. Be sure to include flash lights, non-perishable food, water bottles and a manual emergency radio. Make sure that everyone in the household remains far away from glass windows and doors. Hallways are often the only space in the house where a window isn’t present. Crouch down under a piece of durable furniture, such as a dining table, and be careful to protect the head and neck area until the storm passes. 

How to Safely Handle Electrical Issues Following a Tornado

When the storm is over, continue to stay informed about the weather, as other tornados and bad weather may continue over the next several hours. Downed power lines are a common problem after high winds. Contact emergency personnel to let them know about the exposed wires, don’t attempt to fix the problem yourself. Avoid walking anywhere near these electrical lines, as the wet environment surrounding them can put you and your family at risk of electrocution. If the lights are out, it may be tempting to pull out a gas generator to charge cell phones or plug in a toaster oven. However, using a generator outdoors during a severe storm can be very dangerous, and using a generator indoors will fill your home with noxious fumes. It’s better to wait until the bad weather has completely subsided before venturing out of your home. If the storm has passed and your electricity is still not working, call your local utility company to find out if there is an outage. There’s a chance the electrical issue is an internal one that will need to be repaired by an experienced electrician. 

Need a Certified Electrician in North Texas? Call Mr. Electric of Dallas Today

Has severe weather caused damage to your electrical system? Are you ready to invest in a standby generator so you can be prepared in the future? Then call Mr. Electric of Dallas. Our team of certified, licensed and insured electricians are proud to offer new generator installation and emergency electrical repair services. If you live in Dallas, North Dallas, Highland Park, Lake Highlands, Oak Lawn, Farmers Branch, University Park, Lakewood, Inwood, Arlington, Texas or another surrounding DFW community, contact our office and schedule your next appointment. .