Electrical Safety Tips for Before, During, and After a Hurricane

Your home might not take a direct hit, but take some simple preventative steps to protect your family as well as your appliances and electronics during the hurricane season.

Before a Storm
Trim trees that pose threats to power lines. If this is risky to undertake, call GRENLEC for assistance.
	Install surge protectors if possible, to provide greater protection for your appliances and help prevent damage from lightning.
	Pay attention to weather changes. Lightning often precedes rain, so don't wait for raindrops to fall before going indoors.

When a storm is Approaching
Unplug your appliance power cords and cables from outlets. This protects them from power surges.
	Remember, lightning can travel through wiring and water pipes
	Avoid using a corded telephone or any electrical appliance.
	Turn off the air conditioner if you have one.
	Leave refrigerator on and set to coldest setting to help perishables last longer.
	Food will stay frozen between 36 and 48 hours in a fully-loaded freezer, 24 hours in a half-filled one. Try not to open the doors unless absolutely necessary.
During a storm
	Listen to your local radio station for outage and weather information.
	If power goes off unplug you refrigerator.
	Check to make sure all appliances are unplugged.
After the storm
Keep away from downed power lines. Some energized wires spark and snap, others do not, but both are dangerous.
	Assume all wires on the ground are electrically charged. This includes cable TV feeds. Post hurricane debris can hide fallen power lines. Be careful.
	Report downed or damaged power lines to GRENLEC on 237# 0r 440-5901. You may also call emergency services.
	If your home has sustained flood or water damage, and you can safely get to the main breaker or fuse box, turn off the power.
	Remove standing water, wet carpets and furnishings. Air dry your home with good ventilation before restoring power.
	Have a licensed wireman check your home for damage to the installation before using electricity again.

GRENLEC has a Top priority power restoration plan.
In the event of a damaging storm, the Company will restore power first to critical facilities such as hospitals, police and fire departments, water supply pumps and other emergency facilities. From there, we will begin restoring electricity to our commercial and industrial centers, followed by residential areas. This unfolding, methodical approach ensures that the community's highest-priority needs are met as soon as possible.