Glendale Monsoon Electrical Safety Checklist

Monsoon season can bring a fast shift from dry heat to dangerous storm conditions. Monsoon thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, torrential rainfall, frequent lightning, and dust storms. For Glendale homeowners, that means storm prep should include more than trimming trees and making sure everything outdoors is secured.

Maricopa County also sees its share of flooding during these storms. Around the home, pooling water can create additional hazards when it reaches cords, outlets, fixtures, or electrical equipment.

Before the storms strike, use this checklist to protect your electrical systems.

Check Outdoor Outlets and Covers

Outdoor outlets are exposed to rain, wind-blown dust, irrigation spray, and extreme heat. A small crack or loose cover can allow moisture into the outlet box.

• Make sure outdoor outlet covers close securely.
• Replace cracked, loose, or missing covers.
• Look for rust, discoloration, buzzing, or burn marks.
• Do not use indoor extension cords outside.

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Test GFCI Outlets in Wet Areas

GFCI outlets help reduce shock risk in places where electricity may be near water.

• Test GFCI outlets before storm season.
• Check garage and outdoor outlets, especially if they have tripped after past storms.
• Remember that one GFCI may protect several other outlets.
• Schedule service if a GFCI trips repeatedly or will not reset.

Review Smoke Alarms Before Storm Season

Smoke alarms can become more noticeable during monsoon weather because storms can bring dust, humidity, and power surges that can impact your alarms. If you’re wondering why does my smoke alarm keep going off when there’s no smoke, this may be the reason.

• Test smoke alarms according to manufacturer instructions.
• Replace weak or old batteries.
• Clean dust from alarm covers.
• Make sure your smoke alarms have not expired

If your alarm keeps going off, check to make sure there really is no emergency situation and you know  how to turn off a fire alarm.

Inspect Motion Sensor Lights and Outdoor Fixtures

Wind, dust, lightning, and rain can all affect exterior lights.

• Trim branches away from motion sensors.
• Move flags, decorations, and patio items out of the detection zone.
• Look for cracked fixture covers, rust, moisture, or flickering.
• Schedule service if lights buzz, spark, trip breakers, or stay on all night.

Protect Appliances and Electronics From Surges

Lightning, outages, and sudden power restoration can create voltage spikes. Even smaller surges can wear down your electronics over time.

• Use quality surge protectors for TVs, computers, routers, and office equipment.
• Consider whole-home surge protection at the panel.
• Protect HVAC systems, smart thermostats, refrigerators, security systems, and garage equipment.
• Replace old, damaged, or overloaded plug-in surge strips.

Prepare For Power Outages Safely

Monsoon storms can cause power flickers and outages. A little preparation can help reduce unsafe decisions during a storm.

• Keep flashlights and batteries in an easy-to-find place.
• Avoid using candles near curtains, furniture, or bedding.
• Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows.
• Unplug sensitive electronics during severe storms if you do not have surge protection.

Watch For Breaker Panel Warning Signs

Storm season can reveal electrical problems that were already developing.

• Watch for breakers that trip repeatedly.
• Listen for buzzing or crackling near the panel.
• Look for rust, water marks, burning smells, or heat.
• Do not open the panel to inspect wiring yourself.
• Call an electrician if the panel shows warning signs.

Keep Water Away From Electrical Equipment

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. During monsoon storms, water can come down fast and rise quickly.

• Keep cords and plugs off wet ground.
• Avoid using outdoor outlets during heavy rain.
• Do not touch electrical devices while standing in water.
• Stop using outlets or fixtures that were exposed to water.

Schedule Electrical Service Before Monsoon Season

Some problems should be handled before the next storm arrives. If you are still asking why does my smoke alarm keep going off after replacing batteries, need to know how to turn off a fire alarm because it keeps activating without smoke, the issue may need professional attention. You should also schedule electrical service if outdoor outlets trip after it rains, GFCI outlets will not reset, sensor lights cycle on and off at night, breakers trip during storms, or your home does not have whole-home surge protection.

Before the next round of heavy rain, wind, dust, and lightning arrives, schedule electrical service with George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical.