These days, it seems like every storm comes with a power surge or outage. Whether it’s an early summer rainstorm or a mid-winter cold snap, Omaha homeowners can hardly go a season without having to dig for flashlights—and reset every clock.
If you feel like power surges and power losses are becoming increasingly common during storm seasons, according to the Associated Press, you’re not wrong. Over the past 20 years, the rate of power outages nationwide has doubled! And a full 40 states have experienced longer power outages in recent years. In 2020 alone, households experienced an average of over eight hours of outages. That’s a full workday!
From hot summers that tax our transformers, to wickedly cold winters with swirling snowstorms, our power grids are doing their best to keep up—but power surges and outages persist.
But there is good news—with just a few proactive steps, you can protect your home from seasonal surges and storm outages.
From installing a whole-house surge protector, to unplugging your big electronics during storms, these simple tips can keep your home safe and your electronics operational—no matter what Omaha weather throws at it!
Power Protection Tip #1: Unplug your electronics during storms
During a major Omaha storm, a single lightning bolt strike on or near your home can carry up to 30,000 amps of electricity! Considering homes are typically wired to carry just 15 amps, you can see why a single strike can wipe out every wired device—in your home, and your neighbor’s.
When the storms roll in, unplug all non-essential electronics and appliances in your home. This can help protect your devices from damaging surges, and lowers your risk of a home fire in the event of a nearby lightning strike.
Power Protection Tip #2: Invest in a backup generator
If you rely on life-saving electrical devices, a backup generator isn’t just a convenience—it can be essential.
Whole-home generators are a hands-free way to maintain power to your most important electronics in the event of an outage. These systems turn on automatically the moment the outage starts, and shut off once power is restored. And because they tap into your natural gas supply, they can run continuously for days or weeks without needing a messy fuel refill.
A small generator can typically support a few electronics, like your lights, refrigerator, and charging devices. A larger whole-home generator can run these electronics, plus your HVAC system and kitchen appliances—which is particularly beneficial when the power is out for days at a time.
Power Protection Tip #3: Install a whole-house surge protector
A whole-house surge protector can stop powerful surges—from lightning strikes or power grid maintenance—from damaging your electronics or starting an electrical fire.
Just as a single surge protector equalizes the voltage passing through your outlet, a whole-house surge protector diverts excess voltage away from your home’s main electrical system. As a result, your appliances, electronics, and other devices receive consistent voltage 24/7—no matter what happens outside.
As an added benefit, because whole-house surge protectors feed consistent voltage to your home, they can also stop the flickering lights caused by disruptions along your power line. If you notice your lights frequently blinking, or your appliances cutting out throughout the day, a whole-house surge protector can equalize the amps your home receives—minimizing those minor disruptions.
Stop up to 40,000 amps of electricity with a whole-house surge protector from Burton
The solution to Omaha’s wild weather and powerful surges? It’s shockingly simple! Protect your home and electronics from lightning and electrical bursts with a whole-house surge protector, installed and maintained by our licensed electricians. Peace of mind and home protection are just a call or click away: (402) 343-0011 or send us a message.
