Tag: Emergency electrician

Florida is famous for its beaches and sunshine, but it’s also unfortunately well-known for another reason—Florida hurricanes. Every year, residents brace for the Atlantic hurricane season, which brings the risk of torrential rain, storm surges, and destructive winds. While most people prepare by stocking up on water, canned food, and batteries, one often overlooked aspect is electrical safety during and after flooding.

When floodwaters rise, electricity can become deadly. That’s why it’s critical to know exactly how to act to protect yourself and your family. This article will guide you through key flood safety tips with a focus on power outage safety and handling electric hazards during emergencies.

1. Never Enter Flooded Areas With Potential Electrical Hazards

Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. If floodwaters come into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or power cords, the entire area can become electrified. Never step into a flooded basement, garage, or any room where electrical sources are submerged or might be submerged. The risk of electrocution is real and immediate.

If you’re unsure whether it’s safe, stay out. Contact emergency services or your local electric utility for advice.

2. Avoid the Breaker Box if You Have to Stand in Water

One of the first things people think of during a power outage is to turn off the electricity at the breaker box. However, if your breaker box is surrounded by or located near water, do not attempt to access it. Standing in water while touching electrical equipment can result in serious injury or death.

Instead, if you’re unable to access the breaker box safely, call your electric utility provider and request them to shut off power from the outside at the meter.

3. Do Not Touch Electrical Appliances When Wet or in Flooded Areas

When you’re wet or standing in water, even touching a dry appliance can be dangerous if it’s plugged in or has been exposed to moisture. It’s critical to keep your hands and feet dry when dealing with any electric device, even something as small as a lamp or phone charger.

Flood safety tips often overlook this small but important detail: just being damp increases your risk of electrocution. Always dry off thoroughly and assess the area before approaching anything electric.

4. Keep All Electrical Equipment Away from Water

A general rule during hurricane preparedness is to store tools and electronic equipment well above ground level. In case water does get in, at least your devices are safe. Additionally, never use electric yard tools in the rain or on wet ground. This includes lawn mowers, trimmers, and even battery-powered gadgets unless they are explicitly water-resistant and safe for wet use.

When in doubt, wait until everything is dry and inspected before powering anything back on.

5. Inspect All Appliances That Were in Contact With Water

If any household appliance has been submerged or splashed with floodwater—even if it appears fine—do not plug it back in. Water can damage internal circuits and lead to short circuits, sparks, or fires. Call a licensed electrician or appliance technician to assess the device. It may need to be professionally cleaned, repaired, or replaced.

This is a crucial part of power outage safety: once the power comes back on, compromised appliances can pose major risks if turned on without inspection.

Additional Hurricane Preparedness Tips

While electrical safety is critical, here are a few more practical ways to prepare for Florida hurricanes:

• Keep a flashlight and battery-powered radio ready for power outages.
• Use surge protectors where possible to prevent appliance damage.
• Know your home’s electrical shutoff locations and how to use them safely.
• Elevate electrical items if you live in a flood-prone zone.
• After a storm, always assume power lines are live and dangerous.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to Florida hurricanes, prevention is everything. Practicing electrical safety and hurricane preparedness can mean the difference between a manageable situation and a life-threatening emergency. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the state, make sure these flood safety tips are part of your emergency plan.

Always prioritize safety, and when in doubt, let professionals handle electrical systems. Floodwaters and electricity are a deadly combination—respect both and stay prepared.

Lighting plays a critical role in our homes—not just for visibility and ambiance, but also for energy efficiency and cost savings. With several types of light bulbs available, choosing the right one can make a big difference in your power bill, home comfort, and environmental footprint.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of light bulbs, their efficiency levels, and how they impact your home and wallet.

1. Incandescent Bulbs (Including Halogens)

Incandescent bulbs, including their more efficient cousins, halogen bulbs, work by heating a wire filament inside a vacuum. When electricity passes through, the filament glows and produces light. The benefit? These bulbs provide instantaneous illumination and are known for their warm light tone.

However, these bulbs are not energy efficient. In fact, around 90% of the electricity consumed is converted into heat rather than light. This not only wastes energy but also increases indoor temperatures—adding to your cooling load during summer.

Key points about incandescent and halogen bulbs:

• Shorter light bulb lifespan (typically 750 to 2,000 hours)
• Energy-intensive and heat-producing
• Performance not affected by frequent switching
• Better avoided in energy-efficient homes

If you still use these, there’s no downside to turning them off when not in use—it helps manage heat and saves electricity.

2. LED Bulbs

Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs are a revolutionary step in home lighting efficiency. Instead of using heat, LEDs generate light through electroluminescence—a semiconductor-based process that consumes minimal energy and releases little to no heat.

LEDs have become the go-to solution for energy efficient lighting, and for good reason:

• Extremely low wattage and power consumption
• Long lifespan (15,000 to 50,000 hours)
• Not affected by rapid switching on/off
• Minimal heat output
• Vibration-resistant and durable

Even though they’re efficient, it’s still a good idea to turn them off when you leave a room. Every bit of energy saved counts to us

3. Making the Smart Choice for Your Home

Whether you’re updating fixtures or looking to save on your electricity bill, understanding the types of light bulbs available is the first step. While incandescent bulbs may still be in use in older homes, most modern households are transitioning to LED lighting to enhance performance and lower long-term costs.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Tips for Energy Efficient Lighting at Home

• Switch to LEDs wherever possible
• Turn off lights when not in use—even LEDs save more when off
• Use dimmers and motion sensors for further control
• Take advantage of natural daylight during the day
• Replace high-heat bulbs in summer to reduce indoor cooling needs

Conclusion

Lighting is more than a design choice—it’s an energy decision. Knowing the differences between incandescent, halogen, and LED bulbs helps you make informed choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet.

Ready to improve your home lighting efficiency? Swap out those outdated bulbs and go with smart, sustainable lighting choices that will last for years. Contact us and we will give you a complete solution for your home.

Beyond just saving money, investing in energy efficient lighting reduces your carbon footprint and supports a greener future. With advancements in lighting technology, you don’t have to sacrifice brightness or style for efficiency. Make the switch today, and enjoy a well-lit, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible home. If you’re planning a full home lighting upgrade, consult a professional electrician to ensure safe and optimal installation tailored to your needs.

Safe from electrical fires: As the colder months slowly approach and temperatures begin to drop, people naturally spend more time inside their homes. Whether it’s working remotely, studying, or simply staying cozy indoors, this increased indoor activity means more electricity use. From running heaters and appliances to lighting up rooms, energy demand at home rises — and with it, the risk of electrical accidents.

What many homeowners don’t realize is that electricity can be a hidden danger. It’s crucial not to underestimate the potential risks associated with faulty wiring, overloaded outlets, or outdated electrical systems. According to safety statistics, one-third of all home structure fires originate from electrical sources. And because these fires often start hidden behind walls or within appliances, they can be much harder to detect and control.

At Franco’s Electric, we prioritize your home electrical safety. That’s why we’ve prepared this essential guide on electrical fire safety tips for your home — to keep you protected while spending more time indoors.

1️⃣ Cut Off the Electricity Source

If you notice a device or appliance causing sparks, smoke, or flames, and it’s safe to approach:

• Immediately unplug the device by pulling the cord from the outlet.
• If the fire is coming from an outlet itself, turn off the power to that outlet at your breaker panel.

Cutting the power source quickly can prevent the fire from escalating and spreading to other areas of your home.

2️⃣ Smother Small Fires with Baking Soda

For small, manageable fires caused by electrical appliances:

• Use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to smother the flames.
  Baking soda contains sodium, which can help extinguish small electrical fires by cutting off the oxygen source.

Important: Never use flour or other cooking powders, as these are flammable and may worsen the fire.

3️⃣ Remove the Oxygen Source

If baking soda isn’t available and the fire is small:

• You can attempt to cover the flames with a heavy blanket, towel, or clothing.
  This cuts off the oxygen supply and can help extinguish the fire.

Ensure it’s safe before doing this — never put yourself at risk in the process.

4️⃣ Never Use Water on Electrical Fires

A common mistake during home emergencies is trying to put out an electrical fire with water.
Water conducts electricity, and throwing water on an electrical fire can:

• Cause serious shocks or electrocution.
• Help the fire spread as water carries the electrical current to other parts of the room.

Always remember — for home electrical safety, water is never the solution for electrical fires.

5️⃣ Know and Check Your Fire Extinguisher

Not all fire extinguishers are made equal. Electrical fires are classified as Class C fires, which means:

• You need an extinguisher that’s either rated for Class C or a multi-purpose extinguisher labeled ABC.

Most modern household extinguishers carry an ABC rating, but it’s always wise to check before an emergency occurs. Keep your fire extinguisher in an accessible location and make sure everyone in the home knows how to use it.

Prevent Electrical Fires: Proactive Steps

The best way to stay safe is to prevent fires from happening in the first place.
Here are a few proactive electrical safety tips:

• Have your home’s wiring and outlets professionally inspected every few years.
• Avoid overloading extension cords or power strips.
• Replace frayed or damaged appliance cords immediately.
• Install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Schedule regular maintenance with a trusted electrical service company like Franco’s Electric.

Final Thoughts

Safe from electrical fires- As you spend more time indoors this winter, don’t overlook the risks posed by increased electricity usage. Electrical fires can happen quickly and silently, but with a little preparation and awareness, you can protect your home and family.

For expert electrical inspections, repairs, and system upgrades, Franco’s Electric is your trusted local partner that will give you electrical services. Contact us today to schedule a safety check and ensure your home is ready for the season ahead.