When a major winter storm hits New Jersey and Pennsylvania, power outages become a reality for thousands of residents. Heavy snow, ice accumulation, and high winds can bring down power lines, leaving families in the dark for hours—or even days.
At Thomas Electric, we've helped homeowners prepare for and recover from winter storms for over 30 years. This guide covers everything you need to know about electrical safety during power outages—from preparation to post-storm recovery.
of major power outages are caused by extreme weather events, according to the U.S. Department of Energy
Have Your Electrical System Inspected
The best time to find electrical problems is before a storm—not during one. A professional electrical inspection can identify issues that could become dangerous during an outage:
- Loose connections in your electrical panel that could fail under stress
- Outdated wiring that may not handle post-outage power surges
- Faulty circuit breakers that may not trip when they should
- Damaged outdoor wiring vulnerable to ice and snow
Thomas Electric Tip: Schedule your electrical inspection before winter arrives. A licensed electrician can spot problems that could leave you without power when you need it most.
Install a Whole-House Surge Protector
When power is restored after an outage, it often comes back in surges. These power surges can destroy appliances, damage electronics, and even cause electrical fires.
A whole-house surge protector is installed directly at your electrical panel and protects your entire home—not just individual devices. It's one of the best investments you can make before storm season.
Consider a Backup Generator
If you live in an area prone to extended outages, a backup generator can be a lifesaver—literally, if you depend on medical equipment or have elderly family members vulnerable to cold.
Two options to consider:
- Portable generator: Less expensive but requires manual setup and fuel management. Must be used outdoors only.
- Whole-house standby generator: Automatically turns on when power goes out. More expensive but provides seamless, safe backup power.
Critical Safety Warning: Never connect a portable generator directly to your home's wiring without a transfer switch. This causes "backfeeding"—electricity flowing backward into power lines—which can electrocute utility workers and damage your electrical system.
Stock Your Outage Emergency Kit
Assemble these essentials before the storm arrives:
- Flashlights and extra batteries—avoid candles, which are a fire hazard
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates
- Portable phone chargers—fully charged before the storm
- Warm blankets, sleeping bags, and hand warmers
- Non-perishable food and bottled water for at least 3 days
- First aid kit and any necessary medications
- Cash—ATMs and card readers won't work without power
Unplug Major Appliances and Electronics
When the power goes out, immediately unplug:
- Computers and televisions
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Washing machines and dryers
- Space heaters and portable air conditioners
- Any electronics with sensitive components
Leave one light switched on so you'll know when power is restored. Then you can plug items back in one at a time, which prevents circuit overload.
Use Generators Safely
If you're using a portable generator during an outage, follow these critical safety rules:
- Place the generator at least 20 feet from your home with exhaust pointing away from windows and doors
- Never run a generator indoors—not in a garage, basement, or enclosed porch. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur within minutes
- Never refuel a running generator—turn it off and let it cool first
- Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords to connect appliances directly to the generator
- Don't overload the generator—only power essential items like the refrigerator, a few lights, and phone chargers
Carbon Monoxide Warning: Install battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. CO is colorless and odorless—you won't know you're being poisoned until it's too late.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
During an outage, you may be tempted to connect multiple devices to backup power sources. This can overload circuits and create fire hazards:
- Only power essential devices—refrigerator, one or two lights, phone charger
- Use heavy-duty extension cords rated for the wattage you need
- Never daisy-chain power strips or extension cords together
- If circuit breakers keep tripping, you're drawing too much power—disconnect something
Stay Away from Downed Power Lines
Winter storms frequently bring down power lines. A downed line is extremely dangerous—even if it looks inactive:
- Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed power line
- Assume all downed lines are energized—they can carry deadly voltage even when they appear dead
- Call 911 and your utility company immediately to report downed lines
- If a line falls on your car while you're inside, stay in the vehicle and call for help. Only exit if the car is on fire—and then jump clear without touching the car and ground at the same time
Keep Your Refrigerator and Freezer Closed
Your refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if you keep the door closed. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full).
- Group food together in the freezer—it stays cold longer
- Don't open the door unless absolutely necessary
- Use coolers with ice if you need to access food frequently
When Power is Restored
The moment power comes back on is when many electrical problems occur. Power surges during restoration can damage appliances and create fire hazards.
Follow these steps when power returns:
- Wait 10-15 minutes before plugging anything back in—this allows the power to stabilize
- Plug in essential items first—refrigerator, heating system, one light
- Add other devices one at a time, waiting a few minutes between each
- Check circuit breakers—if any have tripped, turn off connected devices before resetting
- Reset clocks and programmable thermostats
Inspect Your Electrical System
After a significant outage, inspect your home for signs of electrical damage:
- Burning smells near outlets, switches, or your electrical panel
- Scorch marks or discoloration around outlets
- Outlets that feel warm or hot to the touch
- Sparking when you plug in devices
- Flickering lights or lights that seem dimmer than normal
- Circuit breakers that trip repeatedly
- Partial power—some rooms have electricity while others don't
If you notice any of these warning signs, turn off the affected circuit at your electrical panel and call a licensed electrician immediately. These symptoms can indicate serious damage that could cause fires or electrocution.
Check for Water Damage to Electrical Systems
If flooding or water intrusion occurred during the storm, be extremely cautious:
- Do not enter flooded areas if water may be in contact with electrical outlets or the electrical panel
- Have a licensed electrician inspect any electrical systems exposed to water before restoring power
- Water-damaged appliances should be inspected or replaced—they can be fire hazards even after drying out
When to Call an Electrician
Contact a licensed electrician after a major storm if you experience any of the following:
- Burning smells or visible smoke from outlets or panels
- Sparks when plugging in devices
- Circuit breakers that won't reset or trip repeatedly
- Only partial power to your home
- Outlets or switches that feel warm
- Flickering or dimming lights
- Buzzing sounds from your electrical panel
- Any electrical component exposed to water
Don't Wait: Electrical problems after a storm can worsen quickly. What starts as a minor issue can become a fire hazard. Call Thomas Electric at 732-887-9422 if you have any concerns about your electrical system after a storm.
Protect Your Home from Future Outages
After experiencing a major outage, many homeowners take steps to better protect their homes:
- Install a whole-house surge protector to safeguard against power restoration surges
- Consider a standby generator with automatic transfer switch for seamless backup power
- Upgrade your electrical panel if it's outdated or showing signs of wear
- Add dedicated circuits for essential equipment like sump pumps or medical devices
- Have trees trimmed away from power lines on your property
Thomas Electric: Your Storm Recovery Partner
For over 30 years, Thomas Electric has helped New Jersey and Pennsylvania homeowners prepare for and recover from winter storms. Whether you need a pre-storm inspection, generator installation, surge protection, or post-storm repairs, we're here to help.
Our storm-related services include:
- Complete electrical system inspections
- Whole-house surge protector installation
- Generator installation and transfer switches
- Electrical panel upgrades and repairs
- Post-storm damage assessment and repair
- 24-hour service for electrical concerns
Don't wait until the next storm hits. Call Thomas Electric today at 732-887-9422 to schedule your electrical inspection or discuss backup power options for your home.