Storm Safety

Winter storms can cause problems outside and inside the home. The buildup of wind pressure, ice, and snow can cause trees and branches to drop on power lines leading to blackouts and electrical hazards.

These damages can affect the efficiency of major electrical appliances including your HVAC system. At ClimateCare, our aim is to keep you safe all year through our products and our We Care Maintenance & Protection Plans. To prevent damage from occurring in and around your home, here are some tips that can help keep your family safe.

Encourage storm safety in your neighborhood

Planning ahead is an effective way to ensure you and your neighbors are safe from electrical hazards.

• Keep your eye on the trees surrounding the power lines in your neighborhood.
• Contact your local electric utility company and have them trim the branches.
• If you notice any downed wires, report them immediately to the police and your local electric utility company.

You can never tell whether or not a power line is energized. That’s why it’s a good idea to let the experts to take care of the damages. In the meantime, it is recommended to keep your distance from the lines. The length of a school bus (10 metres or 33 feet) is a good rule of thumb to follow.

Keep your home safe from water damage

A lot of low lying homes flood in the winter. If your home has flooded, there may be damage to your electrical appliances.

A licensed electrical contractor is qualified to repair any of these damaged electrical appliances.  Do not attempt to use these appliances until they have been inspected by a licenced electrical contractor or the manufacturer.

Be aware of flood water levels. If they have reached your electrical outlets or power cords, they could be energized. Your hydro company will need to disconnect the power immediately to keep your family safe.

Purchase a portable generator

In the event of a power outage, a portable generator will allow you and your family to stay warm as you continue to use your heating system. Although a generator is a great alternative source of power, it is important to ensure that you are taking safety precautions.

• Only run the generator outdoors.
• Never connect the generator to an appliance that’s been affected by water.
• Allow the generator to cool for at least 2 minutes before refilling with gas.

Following these safety guidelines will help you to make the best use of your generator as you stay warm and cozy inside.

While we can’t control the weather, we have some degree of control over how to manage our safety and comfort during harsh weather conditions. To learn more about our We Care Maintenance & Protection Plans, give us a call.