Summer storms in St. Louis can be intense. Lightning, high winds, and flooding create serious electrical hazards. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a storm can protect your family and your home's electrical system.
Before the Storm: Preparation
Surge Protection
Lightning strikes can send massive voltage spikes through power lines, destroying electronics and appliances. Layer your surge protection:
Whole-home surge protection: Installed at your electrical panel, this device absorbs major surges before they enter your home. - Cost: $300-$600 installed - Protection level: 40,000-80,000 amps - Lifespan: 5-10 years (or until a major surge depletes it)
Point-of-use surge protectors: Additional protection for sensitive electronics - TVs, computers, gaming systems - Refrigerators (newer models have sensitive electronics) - HVAC equipment - Home office equipment
Schedule surge protection installation.
Generator Readiness
If you have a generator, verify it's ready before storms arrive:
Portable generator checklist: - [ ] Fresh fuel (gasoline degrades after 30 days without stabilizer) - [ ] Oil level checked - [ ] Test run for 15 minutes - [ ] Extension cords rated for generator output - [ ] Clear outdoor location identified (20+ feet from windows)
Standby generator checklist: - [ ] Automatic transfer switch tested - [ ] Fuel supply adequate (natural gas/propane) - [ ] Battery charged - [ ] Exercise schedule current
Emergency Kit
Prepare an electrical emergency kit: - Flashlights with fresh batteries - Battery-powered or hand-crank radio - Phone chargers (battery pack or car charger) - Glow sticks or battery lanterns - Cooler with ice packs (for food preservation)
During the Storm
Lightning Safety
Indoor precautions: - Avoid contact with plumbing (don't shower or wash dishes) - Stay away from windows and doors - Avoid using corded phones (cordless are OK) - Unplug sensitive electronics if possible (before the storm arrives) - Don't touch electrical equipment or cords
If lightning is very close (thunder within 5 seconds of flash): - Move to interior room away from windows - Avoid contact with concrete floors and walls (may contain metal)
Power Outage Protocols
When power goes out: 1. Check if it's your home or the neighborhood (look at neighbors' lights) 2. If just your home, check your main breaker 3. If neighborhood-wide, report to Ameren Missouri 4. Turn off or unplug major appliances (prevents surge when power returns) 5. Leave one light on so you know when power returns
Appliance protection during outage: - Turn off AC at thermostat (prevents compressor damage from quick cycling) - Unplug computers and TVs - Leave refrigerator closed (stays cold 4 hours, freezer 24-48 hours)
Generator Safety During Storms
CRITICAL: Carbon monoxide kills. Every year, people die from running generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Generator placement rules: - NEVER inside home, garage, or basement - At least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent - Pointed away from the house - On dry surface, protected from rain (but ventilated) - Use heavy-duty outdoor extension cords
Electrical safety: - Never plug generator into wall outlet (backfeeding can kill utility workers) - Use transfer switch for connecting to home circuits - Don't overload - know your generator's capacity - Let generator cool before refueling
After the Storm: Assessment and Recovery
Electrical Damage Signs
After any significant storm, inspect for these warning signs:
Immediate dangers (call electrician immediately): - Burning smell from outlets, switches, or panel - Visible damage to electrical meter or service entrance - Water in electrical panel or near outlets - Sparking or arcing sounds - Downed power lines on or near property
Concerning signs (schedule inspection soon): - Breakers that won't stay reset - Outlets that don't work - Flickering lights after power restoration - GFCI outlets that won't reset - Appliances that don't work after power returns
Downed Power Lines
If you see a downed power line: - Stay at least 35 feet away - Assume ALL downed lines are energized - Call 911 immediately - Keep others away from the area - Don't drive over downed lines
If a power line falls on your car: - Stay inside the vehicle - Call 911 - Honk horn to warn others away - If you must exit (fire), jump clear without touching car and ground simultaneously, then shuffle away with small steps
Post-Storm GFCI Reset
After power returns, test all GFCI outlets:
- Press TEST button (outlet should go dead)
- Press RESET button (power should return)
- If GFCI won't reset after storm, it may be damaged
Common locations for GFCI outlets: - Kitchen (near sink) - Bathrooms - Garage - Outdoor outlets - Basement/laundry
Water Damage and Electrical Systems
If flooding occurred: - Do not enter flooded areas with power on - Have electrician inspect before restoring power to affected areas - Outlets and devices submerged in water need replacement - Wet insulation in walls may need assessment
Appliance Assessment
Before using major appliances after a storm:
HVAC system: - Check outdoor unit for debris - Inspect for visible damage - Wait 30 minutes after power restoration before turning on (allows oil to settle) - Listen for unusual sounds on startup
Refrigerator/freezer: - Check food temperature (discard if above 40°F for more than 2 hours) - Listen for normal operation sounds - Verify cooling after 4 hours
Sump pump: - Test by pouring water into pit - Verify pump activates and water drains - Check discharge pipe for blockages
When to Call for Professional Help
Emergency Situations (Call Immediately)
- Burning smell or visible fire
- Exposed wires
- Water contact with electrical equipment
- Downed lines on property
- Breaker panel damage
Non-Emergency (Schedule Soon)
- Multiple outlets not working after power restoration
- Surge damage to electronics
- GFCI outlets that won't reset
- Flickering or unstable power
- Lightning strike on or near property
Post-Storm Inspection
After any major storm with lightning, flooding, or power outages, consider a professional electrical inspection:
What we check: - Panel and breakers for surge damage - GFCI functionality throughout home - Grounding system integrity - Visible wiring and connections - Outdoor electrical equipment
Storm damage to your electrical system? Don't wait - electrical damage can create fire hazards. Schedule an emergency inspection or call us directly for immediate assistance.