Spring Storms in Florida: What You Need To Do Now
Living in Florida means that severe weather is something we can expect, especially during the spring. In addition to destroying property and causing harm, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and tropical storms often knock down power lines and cause power outages, especially in the Northwest.
With spring here, it’s important to prepare yourself, not just for safety, but also for unexpected power outages. In this blog, we’ll discuss all you need to know to stay safe and powered during spring storms.
How Spring Storms Are Affecting the Power Grid
Spring storms in Florida can be unpredictable, but one thing is for certain: they put pressure on the power grid. These power outages can last for hours, days, or even weeks, especially in more hard-to-reach locations. Here’s how severe weather is affecting the grid:
Strong winds can wipe out power lines and other critical utilities.
Excessive flooding can damage some key components of the power grid.
Lightning can trip circuits and lead to temporary power outages.
How to Prepare Your Home for Power Outages
Downed power lines and damaged infrastructure can cause widespread outages, and it often takes time for utility companies to restore full service, particularly in remote areas. Here’s what homeowners can do:
Install a Solar Power System
One of the most reliable and sustainable ways to prepare for power outages is by investing in a solar power system for your home. If you get frequent sunshine in your area, solar energy can provide a clean, renewable energy source to keep your home running when the grid is down. These systems can usually power essential appliances, such as lights, refrigerators, and medical equipment, for hours or even days, depending on your setup.
Invest in a Backup Generator
Homeowners can also use backup generators to stay powered during severe storms. These can often be used to power refrigerators, air conditioning, and other essentials when electricity goes out. It’s worth recognizing that backup generators come in various forms, from portable models to permanently installed standby units.
When choosing a generator, it’s always a good idea to consider the size of your home and the appliances you need to power. Smaller generators are cheaper to run but may only be sufficient for just the basics. If you plan to keep your entire home functioning during the storm, a larger generator may be needed.
Aside from investing in backup solutions, it's important to ensure your home's electrical setup is protected. Installing surge protectors in your home can help prevent damage to your devices when power returns after an outage.
Additional Tips
While it helps to have backup power during severe weather, it’s important to make sure you and your family are ready for any situation that may arise during spring storms. Here’s how you can get ready:
Stock Emergency Supplies
Storms can last for hours and sometimes days on end, making it difficult to access stores or get help from outside. If the situation permits, stock up on the basics to ensure you’re covered during this time. These can include non-perishable food, drinking water, a battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, and any other personal items that will help you get through the first few days without power.
Stay Up to Date with the Latest Information
In addition to having emergency supplies, it’s important to stay informed with the latest updates about the weather. Weather-related events can change quickly, and it’s important to know what’s happening in your area in real time.
While the National Weather Service or local news stations are reliable sources, it’s always a good idea to have battery-powered devices or solar-powered radios handy to ensure that you don’t miss crucial updates. You can also sign up for emergency alert systems from local authorities, which will send notifications directly to your phone, even without electricity.
Invest in Battery-Powered Lighting
When the power goes out, the last thing you want to worry about is finding a flashlight or trying to light candles. Battery-powered lights or lanterns can light crucial locations in your home while the power is out.
Stay Powered and Protected with KingAire
At KingAire, we offer a range of backup solutions for different needs. If you’re unsure about how to keep your home powered when the grid is down, our experts will be happy to help you choose and install the perfect backup solution for your specific needs. To learn more, connect with us or give us a call today at (850)-466-8984.