Living in Lincoln, Nebraska, means embracing the beauty of the Midwest—and bracing for its unpredictable weather. From spring thunderstorms to winter ice storms, Nebraska’s climate can take a toll on your home’s electrical system. Power surges, outages, and damaged wiring are all too common when severe weather strikes. As your trusted local electrical service contractor, we’re here to share expert tips to storm-proof your Lincoln home and keep your electrical system safe year-round.
Why Electrical Safety Matters in Nebraska
Nebraska’s weather is no stranger to extremes. According to the National Weather Service, Lincoln experiences an average of 30-40 thunderstorm days per year, with risks of high winds, lightning, and heavy rain. Winter brings ice and snow, which can weigh down power lines or cause outages. These conditions can lead to:
- Power surges from lightning strikes, damaging appliances and electronics.
- Outages that disrupt heating, lighting, and essential systems.
- Wiring damage from fallen branches or ice buildup.
- Fire hazards if electrical systems are unprepared for storm stress.
By taking proactive steps, you can protect your home, avoid costly repairs, and ensure your family’s safety. Here are five electrical safety tips to storm-proof your Lincoln home for Nebraska’s wild weather.
- Install a Whole-House Surge Protector
Lightning strikes are a leading cause of electrical damage in Nebraska. A single strike can send a surge through your home, frying circuits, appliances, and sensitive electronics like TVs or computers. While plug-in surge protectors help, they’re no match for a direct hit.
A whole-house surge protector, installed by a licensed electrician, offers robust protection. Mounted at your electrical panel, it diverts excess voltage safely to the ground, shielding your entire home. For Lincoln homeowners, this is a must-have to combat frequent thunderstorms.
Pro Tip: Pair your surge protector with a maintenance check to ensure your panel is up to code. Our team at Sentry Electric can assess and install surge protection tailored to your home’s needs.
- Inspect and Trim Trees Near Power Lines
Nebraska’s high winds and ice storms can turn overgrown trees into electrical hazards. Branches that overhang power lines or touch your home’s service drop (the line connecting your house to the utility pole) can cause outages or even fires if they fall.
Before storm season hits, hire a professional to:
- Trim branches within 10 feet of power lines or your home’s electrical components.
- Remove dead or weak trees that could collapse during a storm.
Safety Note: Never attempt to trim near power lines yourself—it’s dangerous and best left to experts. Our Lincoln-based team at Sentry Electric partners with local arborists to ensure safe clearance while protecting your electrical system.
- Upgrade Your Electrical Panel for Reliability
Older homes in Lincoln, especially those built before the 1980s, may have outdated electrical panels unable to handle modern demands or storm-related stress. Panels like Federal Pacific or Zinsco are notorious for failing under pressure, increasing outage or fire risks.
If your home has:
- Frequent breaker trips during storms,
- Flickering lights, or
- A panel over 20 years old,
it’s time for an upgrade. A modern 200-amp panel with arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) enhances safety and reliability, even during Nebraska’s worst weather.
Why Choose Us? At Sentry Electric, we specialize in panel upgrades for Lincoln homes, ensuring compliance with local codes and peace of mind during storm season.
- Invest in a Backup Generator
Power outages are a fact of life in Nebraska, especially during winter ice storms or summer tornado warnings. A backup generator keeps your home running, powering essentials like heat, refrigeration, and medical devices when the grid goes down.
For Lincoln homeowners, we recommend:
- Portable generators for smaller homes or temporary needs (with proper outdoor use to avoid carbon monoxide risks).
- Standby generators for whole-home coverage, automatically activating during outages.
Our licensed electricians at Sentry Electric can install and maintain generators, ensuring they’re ready when Nebraska weather strikes. Ask about our free consultations to find the right generator for your budget!
- Schedule a Pre-Storm Electrical Inspection
The best way to storm-proof your home is to catch issues before they become emergencies. A professional electrical inspection can identify vulnerabilities like:
- Loose or damaged wiring.
- Outdated outlets or GFCIs that fail during wet conditions.
- Grounding issues that increase surge risks.
At Sentry Electric, our Lincoln electricians offer comprehensive inspections tailored to Nebraska’s weather challenges. We’ll provide a detailed report and prioritize repairs to keep your home safe and storm-ready.
Bonus Tip: Create an Electrical Storm Checklist
Prepare your family with a simple checklist to follow when storms approach:
- Unplug non-essential electronics to avoid surge damage.
- Keep flashlights and batteries handy for outages.
- Avoid using water or touching electrical devices during lightning.
- Know the location of your main breaker in case you need to shut off power.
Trust Sentry Electric for Storm-Ready Electrical Solutions
Nebraska’s weather may be unpredictable, but your home’s electrical safety doesn’t have to be. By taking these steps, you can protect your Lincoln home from storm-related electrical risks and enjoy peace of mind no matter the forecast.
At Sentry Electric, we’re proud to serve Lincoln, Nebraska, with expert electrical services, from surge protection to generator installations. Our licensed electricians understand the unique challenges of Midwest weather and are here to help you stay safe and powered up.