Key takeaways:
- Spring storms can be severe in Middle Tennessee and damage the local power grid and your electrical infrastructure.
- Not all electrical emergencies are obvious. It’s important to learn to recognize the signs of a serious electrical problem after a storm.
- Airstream provides fast, reliable emergency repair services if your electrical infrastructure is damaged in a storm.
The spring months can bring severe weather to Middle Tennessee, including heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.
These weather conditions can lead to electrical problems. While some, like power outages, are obvious, others might not seem as alarming. However, these issues can quickly turn into emergencies if you wait.
Read on to learn more about electrical damage caused by storms, and when to call an emergency electrician in Tennessee for repairs.
Spring Storms and Electrical Risks for Your Middle Tennessee Home
During a spring storm, the combination of wind, rain, and lightning can damage power lines in your neighborhood, as well as your own infrastructure:
- Lightning can overload your electrical system.
- Falling branches can damage the service line connecting you to the grid.
- Flooding is another hazard for electrical equipment.
- Other issues, like small power spikes caused by an unstable grid, aren’t obvious, but they can damage your electrical wiring.
Because storms often cause power outages, it can be difficult to spot these issues until the power is restored.
Electrical Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Do you know how to spot an electrical emergency? Here are some common scenarios to watch out for:
- Downed or sparking power lines are extremely dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and call 911 right away.
- Signs of water intrusion near outlets, panels, or appliances create an electrocution risk. If it’s safe to do so, shut off the power at the panel and call an emergency electrician.
- You should also call for emergency repairs if you notice anything unusual after a storm, like buzzing sounds, burning smells, or hot outlets.
- Partial or complete power loss in your home can also indicate damaged wiring that requires immediate attention.
Don’t wait if you run into any of these situations. If an electrical issue occurs after a storm, there is likely damage to your electrical infrastructure, which could pose a risk of electrical fire or electrocution.
How to Handle an Electrical Emergency After a Storm
Stay calm and follow this checklist to keep yourself and your family safe:
- Stay away from the malfunctioning electrical components. Always assume there is live power and that you could get electrocuted.
- If you can access your main panel safely (if it’s not affected by flooding or water damage), locate the main breaker and turn the power off for your entire home.
- Keep people and pets away from flooded areas. Water can carry electricity, even after you shut off the power.
- Report local outages to your utility. For Middle Tennessee Electric, you can report outages online or call 877-777-0215.
- If the outage only affects your home, or you’re seeing signs of electrical damage, call an emergency electrician right away.
When you call an emergency electrician, make sure to describe the issue and any steps you’ve taken so far. They will likely have more recommendations for keeping your home and family safe while they get there.
If you’re not sure about shutting off the power, call an emergency electrician first and describe your situation to get an expert’s opinion.
Emergency Electrical Repairs in Middle Tennessee
Airstream has been serving Middle Tennessee communities since 2012. As a local electrician, we know how serious spring storms can get, and we’re familiar with common electrical issues caused by severe weather in the area.
If you’re experiencing a partial outage or noticing anything unusual with your electrical systems after a storm, give us a call at 615-413-8461 or fill out our online form to request an emergency service.
Our team is here to handle emergencies promptly, and we’ll do everything we can to resolve the issue quickly while keeping your home and family safe.
FAQ
What electrical problems can spring storms cause in Middle Tennessee?
Spring storms can damage power lines, overload electrical systems, knock out service lines due to falling branches, and cause flooding around electrical equipment. They can also cause smaller power spikes that may not be obvious right away but can still damage wiring and appliances.
When is an electrical issue after a storm an emergency?
An issue becomes an emergency when you see downed or sparking power lines, smell burning, hear buzzing, notice hot outlets, or find water near outlets, panels, or appliances. Partial or complete power loss in only part of the home can also point to damaged wiring that needs urgent attention.
What should I do if I see a downed power line?
Stay at least 30 feet away and call 911 right away. Never try to move the line or go near anything it may be touching, including fences, puddles, or vehicles.
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