“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
According to a May 2021 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), forecasters predict a sixty percent chance of an above normal Atlantic hurricane season this year. So far, their prediction is coming true. As of this writing, fifteen days into the official hurricane season we already have a second named storm (Tropical Storm Bill) brewing 240 miles southeast of Nantucket. When you take into account that the 2020 hurricane season racked up an aggregate cost of nearly $47 billion in damages, it’s probably a good time to take a cue from Ben Franklin and prepare.
When facing the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, it’s crucial to be prepared. PK Electric NYC, a team of reliable electrical contractors in NYC, understands the importance of safeguarding your electrical system during such events. We offer emergency electrician services to ensure your safety during hurricane situations. From electrical violation removal to commercial electrician services, we are well-equipped to handle any electrical challenges that may arise. Our experienced team prioritizes the security and functionality of your electrical system, providing you with peace of mind during severe weather conditions. Trust PK Electric NYC for expert assistance in weathering a hurricane and maintaining the safety of your property.
While there really aren’t too many upsides to weathering a hurricane, compared to the immediacy of a blackout caused by a heatwave or a tornado, you do have the luxury of time being on your side. We’ve put together a list of ten tips that will help you prepare for (what looks like will be) a busy hurricane season.
INVEST IN A GENERATOR
We won’t lie. At $2,500 to $10,000, standby generator is a substantial investment. But when you consider the potential cost of spoiled food and damaged electronics, it may be the best check you write this year. Also, if you work from home or own a commercial operation, a generator will ensure that your business will skip fewer beats until the power comes back.
BUY SURGE PROTECTORS
Did you know that a $9.99 investment in a two-pack of power strips with surge protectors could save you thousands of dollars? The first casualties of a hurricane are often power lines. When the power comes back on abruptly it can damage your electronics.
TURN OFF/UNPLUG MAJOR APPLIANCES
To avoid major damage, make sure major appliances that draw substantial power like ovens, washers and driers are turned off or (if possible) unplugged.
KNOW HOW TO SHUT OFF YOUR WATER AND GAS
Storms can potentially cause damage to your utilities. If this happens, you may be instructed by your utility company to turn them off. Better to know how to do this beforehand rather than figuring it out in the dark.
PRE-COOL, THEN TURN OFF THE AC
There’s a good chance that you’re going to have to shut down your air conditioning to protect it from damage. To prepare for a potential prolonged power outage, crank up your AC in the hours leading up to where you’ll have to shut it down. This will buy you some extra cool hours.
FILL YOUR BATHTUB(S) WITH WATER
Water supplies can sometimes be compromised by hurricanes and either stop flowing or (worse yet) become undrinkable. A full tub will give you clean water for drinking, washing, and flushing the toilet. For safety measures, if you have small children in your home, you may want to only half-fill the bathtub and keep buckets and large pots filled with water.
CHARGE YOUR ELECTRONICS AND YOUR MOBILE CHARGERS
Since your phone and tablet may not only be a lifeline to information but also your source of entertainment during a blackout, make sure they’re fully charged. If you have a lot of devices, you may want to invest in a mobile power bank that can charge several devices on hand.
GET A REAL FLASHLIGHT
When the lights go out, what do you instinctively do? If you’re like most people, you reach for your cell phone and use it as a flashlight. This is great for a quick fix, but if you’re going to use your phone as a flashlight for more than a few minutes, you’ll be draining your phones battery very quickly. You’ll be needing that phone for emergency calls and updates. Get a few flashlights and make sure you that you have plenty of batteries on hand.
GO ‘OLD SCHOOL’ WITH A BATTERY-OPERATED RADIO
Your phone will be your lifeline for emergency calls and to check in on loved ones. Save its power for phone functions. Having an ‘old school’ battery-powered radio on-hand will keep you informed and your phone free for phonecalls.
KEEP PHOTOS PRESCRIPTION LABELS ON YOUR PHONE
If you get caught in a storm away from your home pharmacy and need to refill your prescription medications, you can speed up the process by having images of the name of your medication and its dosage on your phone. Once you make it to an open drug store, you’ll have all the information literally in the palm of your hand for the pharmacist to call your doctor.
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