With an El Niño weather pattern now having been officially declared by the Bureau of Meteorology it means that the threat of damaging cyclones and flooding has been reduced for the summer ahead. However, because of the predicted increase in temperatures it still means that Australia may be impacted by dry but damaging storms with high levels of lightning strikes.
Along with the usual storm preparation, it's worth giving some thought to protecting your electrical goods and electricity supply from storm damage:
Get your house storm surge protected
If your home, or the power lines which supply your home with electricity, are struck by lightning, an enormous amount of energy can surge through your powerlines. This power surge is enough to destroy many of your electrical items such as computers, modems, and televisions.
Many people turn off and unplug their electrical items during storms for this reason. However, if you're not home or a storm strikes without warning your appliances are very vulnerable to this type of damage.
For this reason, it's a good idea to hire an electrician to install protective devices which act as a barrier against power surges. Surge protectors can be used on individual devices, but the most effective protection is to have a powerful surge protector installed on your main supply board. This means that all of your devices, appliances, and electrical output points will be covered.
Install a backup generator
It's not uncommon during storms for your electricity supply to be disconnected due to lightning strikes or high winds damaging electricity lines. This can be a real problem, especially during heatwaves which may see temperatures soar into temperatures in excess of forty degrees Celsius.
During these heat waves, your health can be seriously compromised if you don't have air-conditioning to cool you down. Young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Having an electrician install a petrol powered generator as a backup power source is a precaution well worth taking. It doesn't have to be a large generator, just one that will allow you to run your air-conditioning and keep your fridge and freezer operating efficiently. Your electrician will be able to advise you on the best size and model for your needs.
Installing surge protection and a generator will of course cost you some money, but it's money well spent. Replacing all your electrical goods will be significantly more costly, and keeping your family cool and safe during a heat wave is a priceless investment. To learn more, contact a company such as Foreman-Sheean Electrical & Communications with an yquestions you have.
