Georgia’s spring and summer storm season is hard on home electrical systems, whether it’s a direct lightning strike, a surge from grid switching during storm restoration, or a prolonged outage. A little preparation before the season really gets going can prevent bigger problems later. Here’s a practical checklist for homeowners in Cumming and North Atlanta.
1. Have Your Electrical Panel Inspected
Your panel is the first line of defense during a storm-related power event. If you’ve noticed warning signs like frequent tripping or flickering lights, get it looked at before storm season, not during it.
2. Consider Whole-Home Surge Protection
A whole-home surge protector installed at your panel is one of the most effective ways to protect your HVAC system, appliances, and electronics from storm-related voltage spikes — far more effective than plug-in power strips alone.
3. Test Your Backup Power Plan
If you have a standby generator, make sure it’s been serviced and tested before you actually need it. If you don’t have one, storm season is a reasonable time to weigh whether one makes sense for your household.
4. Know Where Your Main Breaker Is
Every household member should know how to shut off power at the main breaker in an emergency, particularly if flooding or storm damage affects your home’s wiring.
5. After a Storm, Watch for Warning Signs
Burning smells, warm outlets or switches, flickering lights, or a breaker that won’t reset after a storm are all reasons to stop using that circuit and call an electrician before continuing to use it.
6. Don’t DIY Storm-Related Electrical Damage
Downed lines, water-damaged wiring, and storm-related electrical faults are not a DIY repair. If you suspect storm damage to your home’s electrical system, treat it as a hazard until a licensed electrician confirms otherwise.
Get Ahead of Storm Season
Coal Mountain Electrical helps homeowners throughout Cumming and North Atlanta prepare their electrical systems before storm season, and respond safely if damage happens. Contact us or call 404-424-2131 to schedule an inspection.
