spring-storm-preparedness

Prepare Your Home for Spring Storms: Electrical & Generator Protection Tips

As spring approaches, so does the threat of severe weather. Houma, Morgan City, Thibodaux, and the surrounding areas frequently experience powerful thunderstorms, heavy winds, and even hurricanes. While we can’t control the weather, we can take steps to prepare and protect our homes and families. At Shockwave Generators & Electric, we want to help you stay safe and ensure your electrical system and generator are ready for anything nature throws your way.

Understanding Spring Storm Risks

Springtime in Louisiana brings unpredictable weather, including severe thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rainfall, and hurricanes. These storms can cause widespread power outages, surges, and electrical hazards, leaving homes without power for days or even weeks. Preparing your electrical system and generator in advance can help keep your home safe and powered through any storm.

Steps to Prepare Your Home for Severe Weather

1. Protect Your Electrical System

Severe storms often bring power surges and outages, which can damage electrical components and appliances.

  • Install whole-home surge protection to safeguard appliances, HVAC systems, and sensitive electronics.
  • Ensure your electrical panel is up to code and can handle sudden disruptions.
  • Secure outdoor electrical wiring and inspect for vulnerabilities before storm season.

2. Ensure Your Backup Generator is Storm-Ready

A backup generator is essential for keeping your home powered during an outage.

  • Schedule a generator inspection and maintenance before storm season to ensure it’s in peak condition.
  • Keep extra fuel or maintenance supplies on hand to avoid downtime.
  • If you don’t already have a generator, consider installing one to maintain power when the grid goes down.

3. Secure Outdoor Electrical Equipment

High winds and heavy rain can damage outdoor electrical systems and increase the risk of outages.

  • Cover outdoor outlets with weatherproof covers to prevent water damage.
  • Secure electrical wires and outdoor panels to minimize exposure to wind and flying debris.
  • Ensure your generator is properly anchored to prevent movement during a storm.

What to Do After a Storm

Once a storm passes and it’s safe to go outside, checking on your electrical system and generator is crucial before restoring power.

  • Inspect your electrical panel for any signs of damage, such as burnt marks, exposed wires, or tripped breakers.
  • If your home experienced flooding, do not turn on power until an electrician has inspected the system.
  • Check your generator for damage before starting it—flooding or debris can cause malfunctions.
  • If power surges occurred, inspect appliances and outlets for potential damage.

Stay Informed and Have a Plan

  • Keep a weather radio or mobile alerts activated to stay updated on severe weather warnings.
  • Create an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and bottled water.
  • Have a backup power plan in place, especially if you rely on medical equipment or other essential electrical devices.

Shockwave Generators & Electric Is Here for You

At Shockwave Generators & Electric, we understand how crucial power is during and after severe weather. Our experienced technicians are on standby for generator installations, electrical inspections, and emergency repairs to help you recover quickly after a storm. Whether you need a whole-home generator, surge protection, or post-storm electrical inspections, we are just a phone call away at (985) 261-0937.

Don’t wait until severe weather strikes—take steps today to protect your electrical system and backup power. For professional inspections, installations, and emergency services, contact Shockwave Generators & Electric today.

Christmas Light Electrical Safety Shockwave Generators and Electric, Houma, LA

Brighten Your Holidays Safely: Christmas Light and Decoration Safety Tips

The holiday season will soon be upon us, and there’s nothing quite like the joy of bright, colorful lights and festive decorations to get us in the spirit. However, as beautiful as these displays can be, they can also pose risks if not installed and maintained correctly. To ensure your holiday decorations are as safe as they are stunning, here are some key safety tips to keep in mind, along with how our team at Shockwave Generators & Electric can help you safeguard your home this season.

1. Avoid Overloading Circuits and Breakers

One of the most common holiday electrical hazards is overloading circuits. While it may be tempting to plug multiple strings of lights into one outlet, this can easily lead to tripped breakers or even a fire hazard. Each outlet in your home has a limit to how much it can handle, and Christmas lights, inflatable decorations, and other electrical items quickly add up.

  • Tip: Use a dedicated circuit for your outdoor holiday lighting whenever possible, and avoid chaining multiple extension cords together.
  • Upgrade Option: If your breaker trips frequently or if you’re considering a larger holiday display, a panel upgrade might be a good idea. Shockwave Generators & Electric can inspect your panel to ensure it’s up to date and recommend upgrades if needed.

2. Use Proper Outdoor Lighting and Cords

Holiday lights and decorations often end up outside, exposed to the elements. It’s essential to use lights, extension cords, and plugs rated for outdoor use to avoid shock or fire hazards.

  • Tip: Check for an outdoor safety rating on all lights and extension cords you use outside. If in doubt, it’s always better to invest in a new, weatherproof product than risk using something that could short-circuit in the rain.
  • Safety Inspection: Not sure if your outdoor outlets are GFCI-protected? Shockwave Generators & Electric can inspect your outlets and wiring to confirm they’re safe, especially in high-moisture environments.

3. Inspect Your Lights and Decorations for Damage

Before you start hanging up last year’s lights, take the time to inspect them for signs of wear and tear. Cracked bulbs, frayed wires, or damaged plugs can lead to sparks, shocks, or worse. Even new lights can sometimes have manufacturing defects, so give each strand a thorough once-over.

  • Tip: Replace any damaged strands or bulbs, and avoid “fixing” broken wires with tape or glue, as this can compromise their safety.
  • Professional Repairs: If you notice repeated issues with lights or outlets around your home, it could signal a deeper electrical issue. Contact Shockwave Generators & Electric to address these concerns safely and professionally.

4. Take Extra Precautions with Ladders and Outdoor Installations

Putting up lights often requires using a ladder or reaching high places. When working around power lines or on the roof, always use a wooden or fiberglass ladder, as metal ladders can conduct electricity.

  • Tip: Try to work during daylight hours, ensuring clear visibility. Keep lights and extension cords away from walkways or places where they could pose a tripping hazard.
  • Electrical Safety Check: If you’re adding significant outdoor lighting or decorations, consider a safety inspection. Our team at Shockwave Generators & Electric can evaluate your setup to make sure everything is up to code and safe for use.

5. Set Timers and Use Smart Technology to Manage Your Lights

With so much going on during the holidays, it’s easy to forget to turn off lights. Using timers or smart outlets is a convenient way to manage your holiday lighting while preventing overheating or prolonged electrical use.

  • Tip: Set timers to automatically turn off lights during daylight hours or late at night. This saves energy and reduces the risk of overheating.
  • Energy Efficiency Consultation: Shockwave Generators & Electric offers consultations to help you set up energy-efficient systems for your holiday lighting, so you can enjoy a festive display without a hefty electric bill.

6. Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection Before the Holidays

For ultimate peace of mind this holiday season, consider scheduling an electrical safety inspection. Our licensed electricians at Shockwave Generators & Electric can check for outdated wiring, potential hazards, and areas that may need repair or upgrading before the extra electrical demand of the holidays.

  • Panel Upgrade Consideration: If your home’s electrical panel is old or frequently overloaded, upgrading to a modern panel can ensure safe power distribution during the holiday season and beyond.

Wishing You a Safe and Bright Holiday Season!

Everyone at Shockwave Generators & Electric wishes you a joyous and safe holiday season. Remember, electrical safety is always in season, and our team is here to help with everything from inspections and repairs to upgrades. Contact us at (985) 261-0937 for your inspection or consultation, or easily request an appointment online. Happy decorating!