When hurricane season strikes the Tampa Bay area, many homeowners experience electrical issues. High winds and heavy rains can cause significant damage and leave people with an electrical system that is no longer safe or functional.
In this article, the expert electricians at Hoffman Electrical & A/C cover the most common issues caused by hurricanes and the steps Florida homeowners should take after a storm to restore their system properly.
5 Common Electrical Issues Caused by Hurricanes
- Power outages: Wind and flying debris can damage power lines, cutting power to your neighborhood.
- Damaged wiring: Storms may dislodge or sever wiring attached to outdoor structures, trees, and other structures, leaving hazardous exposed wiring.
- Power surges: Sudden voltage spikes when power outages are restored can lead to costly damage to your electrical fixtures and appliances.
- Broken electrical panels: Water exposure, power surges, and physical impact from flying debris can all cause electrical panels to break.
- Water damage: Floods and rain can allow water to enter outlets, wiring, electrical panels, and appliances, leading them to short circuit.
Perform a Visual Inspection
After a storm, homeowners should do a visual inspection to check for damage to their electrical system and request electrical repair when necessary. Never touch any of your home’s electrical components until you’re sure of their safety, and call a professional if you notice:
- Visible water damage or stains around outlets, switches, or your electrical panel
- Scorched outlets or any burn marks or melting
- Unusual sounds or smells
- Flickering lights
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your insurance provider may cover damage done to your electrical system by a hurricane. Review your coverage to determine any benefits for storms and then document damage thoroughly. This includes notes from your visual inspection as well as photos. You can then file the claim within the appropriate time frame and arrange for an inspection.
Contact Your Local Electrician
After filing an insurance claim, receive quotes for all repairs from a local electrician. It’s important to work with someone who is licensed and insured, and we highly recommend reading reviews to find someone who is reliable and professional.
When addressing the damage done to your electrical system, homeowners should take care of the greatest safety concerns first. This includes:
- Power restoration: Ask your electrician to provide the necessary repairs to safely restore power to your home.
- Electrical panel and wiring: A professional should check for water damage and exposed wiring in your electrical panel, breakers, and main circuits.
- Outlet replacement: Outlets that have been exposed to water or melted by a power surge should be replaced to avoid safety hazards.
- GFCI outlets: Ensure these outlets have been reset or replaced if necessary to restore function.
Get Electrical Service in Tampa Today
After a storm, trust your electrical repairs to the team at Hoffman Electrical & A/C. Since 1989, our team has provided comprehensive electrical service to the residents of Tampa to ensure they have the functional and reliable power they need. Our family-operated and -owned company can provide you with the personalized service you deserve. Plus, with our affordable and fair pricing, there’s always an option that fits your budget.
Contact Hoffman Electrical & A/C to schedule electrical services for your Tampa Bay-area home today.
