Pre-Storm Electrical Preparedness Checklist for Round Rock Homeowners

1. Before the Storm (24-48 Hours Out)

Charge all phones, laptops, tablets, and portable power banks

Fill your car's gas tank (gas stations may be without power)

Buy bottled water and non-perishable food for 3-5 days

Locate your electrical panel and know how to turn off the main breaker

Make sure the area around your panel is clear and accessible

Have flashlights and extra batteries ready (not candles)

Fill your bathtub with water for flushing toilets

Check that your generator is in good working order (if you have one)

Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors

Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and loose items that could damage power lines

2. When the Storm Arrives

Unplug sensitive electronics (TVs, computers, gaming consoles) Do Now

Turn off and unplug pool equipment and pumps Do Now

If you have a whole-house generator, ensure it's ready to start automatically

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food Do Now

Stay away from windows and electrical equipment during the storm Do Now

If power goes out, turn off major appliances to prevent surge damage when power is restored Do Now

If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911 Emergency

If you see sparks or a burning smell from outlets, turn off the main breaker and call 911 Emergency

3. After the Storm (Safety Check)

Check for downed power lines before going outside. Stay at least 35 feet away. Critical

Do not step in standing water if there are downed lines Critical

Visually inspect your electrical panel for any signs of damage or water intrusion

Check your meter base and service entrance for visible damage

If you turned off the main breaker, wait 5-10 minutes after power is restored before turning it back on

Turn on breakers one at a time, waiting a few seconds between each

Check for any burning smells from outlets or your panel

If you have a generator, ensure it's properly grounded and not backfeeding into the grid

Never use a generator indoors, in garages, or near open windows (carbon monoxide risk) Critical

Check appliances for damage before using them

4. Longer Outages (24+ Hours)

Minimize refrigerator opening to keep food cold longer

If you have a portable generator, use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use

Run generator at least 20 feet from your home Critical

Don't use gas stoves or ovens for heating (carbon monoxide risk) Critical

If your sump pump isn't working, manually remove water from the pit

Check on elderly neighbors and those with medical equipment

Turn off circuit breakers for areas with water damage

If you have well water, conserve water as the pump won't work without power

Monitor food temperatures in refrigerator (safe under 40°F)

5. Signs of Electrical Damage to Watch For

Flickering or dimming lights after the storm

Breakers that trip repeatedly

Warm or discolored outlets

Buzzing or crackling sounds from walls or panel

Burning smell from outlets, switches, or panel Emergency

Water stains or moisture inside your electrical panel Call Electrician

Visible damage to the service entrance or meter base Call Electrician

Appliances that don't work or show error codes after power is restored

Partial power loss (some lights work, others don't) Call Electrician

If any of these signs appear, call a licensed electrician immediately Call Electrician

Pre-Storm Electrical Preparedness Checklist for Round Rock Homeowners

⚠️ Round Rock Storm Season

1. Before the Storm (24-48 Hours Out)

2. When the Storm Arrives

3. After the Storm (Safety Check)

4. Longer Outages (24+ Hours)

5. Signs of Electrical Damage to Watch For

Did Your Home Experience Storm Damage?

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