Summer in the Northwest is a time for sunshine, backyard barbecues, and evening hikes—but it also brings something a bit more unpredictable: summer storms. From rolling blackouts to lightning-induced surges, these storms can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system if you’re not prepared.
At VPC Electric, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when a home’s electrical setup isn’t ready for sudden power outages or surges. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prep your home’s electrical system for summer storms, so your family stays safe, your devices stay protected, and your summer goes uninterrupted.
Why Summer Storms in the Northwest Are a Risk to Your Electrical System
Spokane and Coeur d’Alene are no strangers to intense summer weather. From high winds to lightning strikes, storms can knock out power lines, flood basements, and trigger unpredictable voltage spikes. The result? Burned-out appliances, fried circuit boards, and, in some cases, even house fires.
Electrical systems are vulnerable to:
- Lightning strikes near your home or power lines
- Downed trees or poles causing short circuits or outages
- Flooded basements that reach wiring or outlets
- Brownouts and blackouts that disrupt sensitive devices
Preparing your electrical system before storm season hits is not just smart—it’s essential.
1. Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector
One of the most effective defenses you can install is a whole-home surge protector. Unlike plug-in surge strips, these devices are hardwired into your main panel and protect your entire electrical system from high-voltage events.
Benefits:
- Shields all appliances and electronics from sudden surges
- Offers protection from lightning and utility grid issues
- Prevents expensive damage to HVAC systems, refrigerators, TVs, and more
Surge protection is especially important during summer when storms can roll in fast and without warning. VPC Electric offers professional surge protector installation tailored to your home’s unique layout.
2. Inspect and Label Your Electrical Panel
Your home’s breaker panel is your first line of defense during an outage. Make sure it’s ready:
- Have it inspected for loose connections, burn marks, or outdated breakers
- Ensure all breakers are labeled clearly so you can act quickly in an emergency
- Check that there’s space for emergency circuits, if needed
If your panel is over 25 years old, it may not meet current safety standards. A modern upgrade can reduce risk and add capacity for future home improvements.
Want to know the signs of a failing panel? Read: 5 Warning Signs Your Circuit Breaker Needs to Be Replaced
3. Secure and Ground Outdoor Outlets
Outdoor outlets are particularly vulnerable to storm damage. Ensure that:
- All exterior outlets are covered with weatherproof housings
- GFCI protection is installed for outdoor use
- Outlets are properly grounded to direct excess electricity safely into the earth
If your outdoor outlets are more than a few years old, they may not be up to code. VPC Electric can inspect and replace them to ensure your home is storm-ready.
4. Unplug Sensitive Electronics Before the Storm
Even with a surge protector, it’s wise to manually unplug the following if you know a storm is coming:
- TVs
- Gaming consoles
- Routers/modems
- Computers
These devices are often plugged into outlets that may not have secondary surge protection, and unplugging them is the safest way to prevent damage.
Tip: Create a checklist of items to unplug when storms are forecast.
5. Install a Backup Generator (or Prep for One)
Power outages aren’t just inconvenient—they can be costly. Food can spoil, medical devices may fail, and security systems can go offline.
A whole-house backup generator provides automatic power to your home during outages. For smaller homes or budgets, a portable generator and transfer switch can power select circuits.
Things to consider:
- Do you have a dedicated generator circuit or transfer switch?
- Will your generator run critical systems (HVAC, fridge, sump pump)?
- Is your fuel source (propane, gas, etc.) reliable during an outage?
VPC Electric installs Generac systems and can help you determine the best option for your home.
6. Protect Your Sump Pump Circuit
Many Spokane and Coeur d’Alene homes rely on sump pumps to prevent basement flooding—especially during summer rainstorms. Make sure your sump pump is:
- Connected to a GFCI-protected, dedicated circuit
- Equipped with a backup battery or generator support
- Inspected and tested before storm season
Failure here can lead to thousands in water damage.
7. Know How to Safely Shut Off Power
In the event of flooding or sparking outlets, you may need to shut off power to your home quickly. Every homeowner should know:
- Where the main breaker is located
- How to turn it off
- What to do if it won’t shut off properly (hint: call us)
Labeling your panel clearly helps in a pinch—and avoids panic during high-stress moments.
8. Update Your Smoke and CO Detectors
Storms increase the chance of power issues and potential fire hazards. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are:
- Less than 10 years old
- Hardwired with battery backup
- Tested monthly
If you’re not sure your system is up to date, we can test and replace detectors as part of a safety inspection.
9. Secure Loose Wiring and Outdoor Fixtures
Loose electrical fixtures like:
- Hanging lights
- Exterior wiring
- Pool equipment
…can become dangerous in wind or rain. Walk around your property before storm season and secure any loose components.
Need help identifying high-risk areas? VPC Electric offers storm safety walk-throughs.
10. Schedule an Electrical Safety Inspection
If it’s been more than 2 years since your last inspection—or you’ve never had one—it’s time.
During an inspection, our licensed electricians will:
- Test panel, breakers, and outlets
- Check grounding and surge protection
- Review GFCI placement and performance
- Provide a detailed safety report and recommendations
This is the easiest and most comprehensive way to storm-proof your home.
Don’t Wait for the Weather to Turn
The time to act is before the storms hit—not after. Whether you need surge protection, panel upgrades, or just peace of mind, VPC Electric is here to help.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and surrounding Northwest communities with licensed, professional electrical services that keep your family safe.
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Contact us today to schedule your storm prep inspection