Prepare Your Washington Electrical System for Severe Weather

Extreme weather plays out differently from state to state and season to season.
But the common thread that runs through each walloping event is the risk of a power outage.
From heatwaves to blizzards, lightning to high winds and rain, severe weather can leave you powerless in Washington amid teeth-chattering cold or unbearable heat.
Your Spokane Valley, home electrical system cannot prevent outages, but you can protect it with a strategy that avoids power loss.
VPC Electric is here to help. Our licensed electricians can recommend upgrades that strengthen your electrical system so the next time the weather turns extreme in ID, you can avert an outage and system damage.
According to Climate Central, a nonprofit focused on climate change, weather-related outages are increasing. Weather caused 80 percent of major U.S. power outages from 2000 to 2023.
Preparing your electrical system for severe weather and outages makes sense. The plans you implement today will safeguard your house during a future storm.
Preparing for Extreme Weather in Washington
Nothing beats a standby generator for convenience, safety, and performance when utility company power goes out.
When the generator detects an outage, its transfer switch automatically disconnects your circuit breaker panel from the utility electrical supply. The switch moves the panel to the generator fueled by natural gas or propane. The generator reconnects your panel to utility power and returns to standby mode when the outage ends.
Standby Generator Benefits
Here are just a few ways a standby generator can benefit your household during an outage:
- Flooding: It runs your sump pump, which prevents water from flooding your basement.
- Security: You will feel safe with lights on even when surrounding houses are dark.
- Water: Your well water pump will continue to work.
- Medical: Your refrigerator will keep medicines safe at a constant cool temperature, and you will have the power to operate home medical equipment.
- Communication: You can recharge your cell phone, run your Wi-Fi, and use your entertainment devices on generator power.
- Food: Your refrigerated and frozen foods remain safe without spoilage or the need for ice-filled coolers.
- Comfort System: Your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system continues to operate, which can save lives in extreme temperatures and prevent damage to plumbing in winter.
Standby generators are more expensive than portable models, which require manual setup and fueling. However, they are permanently installed next to your home and can enhance its property value.
Why You Need Surge Protection
A whole-house surge protector guards your electrical system from sudden spikes in voltage. Power surges can occur through lightning strikes and when utility companies restore electrical service after an outage.
The intense surge can damage appliances, your HVAC system, electrical devices, and wiring. It is why homeowners unplug electrical systems and appliances during an outage and wait until power returns before plugging back in.
A better way to prepare for extreme weather power outages and the surge that may follow is with a whole-house surge protector. One of our pros can install it in your electrical panel in less than two hours, giving you peace of mind and protecting your electrical system.
Safeguard Outdoor Outlets
Outdoor electrical outlets are vulnerable to severe weather. Be sure yours are ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets that shut down when wet. We can inspect your outdoor, garage, and accessory building outlets to ensure they adhere to electrical codes and upgrade them if necessary.
Protect outdoor outlets with waterproof covers and unplug electronics in your garage and other outdoor locations before severe weather arrives. Seal around the entrance points to prevent water from seeping into your house where AC or heat pump wiring enters.
Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
The last thing you want to happen during a blizzard or hurricane is discovering your electrical panel cannot handle the increased electrical load from added appliances and electronics.
Upgrading your panel reduces the risk of electrical fires and circuit overload. A new panel can handle power demands during severe weather and ensure your generator and surge protector function efficiently.
Through 2032, you can take a 30 percent federal tax credit up to $600 for upgrading your electrical panel to at least 200 amps. Visit ENERGY STAR® for qualification guidelines.
Prepare Your Electrical System Now
Severe weather can cause power outages, voltage surges, and damage to unprotected outdoor outlets. Let us at VPC Electric inspect the electrical system in your Spokane Valley, home and recommend protective measures. Call us at 877-591-HERO or request service online.