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Be Prepared
Natural disasters can occur anywhere and at any time. And history tells us that most weather-related storms, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires are the worst during the summer and early Fall months. Take for example, Hurricane Ian, a Category 5 hurricane that hit the Southeast last year and this year’s Northeast floods that have deluged Vermont with water and mud – both were two of the worst storms in the last 100 years. Certain areas are more prone to specific disasters such as hurricanes in the Southern warm coastal states, tornadoes in the flat areas of the Midwest, wildfires in the dry Western states and floods in mountainous areas. However, no one is impervious to a natural disaster.
Predicting the size, location and timing of natural disasters is virtually impossible, even though scientists can usually track the direction of a hurricane days ahead. But even those can turn in a moment’s notice. Meteorologists’ warnings can minimize the damage and loss of lives, but as the saying goes when you are faced with an impending natural disaster headed in your direction, “Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.” |
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Every home and business should have a plan in place in preparing for a disaster, as well as a recovery plan. Every business is required to post an evacuation plan and often will test it out. Likewise, every home should have an “escape route” to be able to safely evacuate for any disasters, including house fires. And everyone should have a checklist for a well-stocked emergency kit. This can include batteries, flashlights, a battery-operated or crank emergency radio and gallons of water to at least aid in electrical or water shortages. There are also solar-powered chargers that can provide power to your mobile devices without having to use electricity.
For electrical distributors, being prepared is having the right parts for when your customers need them and stocking enough, so you don’t run out. Most distributors know what products will likely be needed during their local storm season, but knowing how much to carry and how early to order can be more like predicting the weather. Nobody wants to come up short when their customers are in need, and supply shortages during a crisis can certainly compound the issue adding delays to recovery and even lifesaving efforts. |
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Planning and preparing early is generally a supplier’s best course of action when considering storm preparedness. Your local Leviton representative is a good place to start. Leviton offers the most popular plugs, connectors, and receptacles for generators, ranging from a 15A to a 30A locking connector for most applications. In the severest of emergencies, more robust, temporary power may be needed, whether it is for one building or multiple facilities. Leviton is a leading temporary power solution provider with a wide range of product solutions to deliver safe and reliable power in all environments. These include portable outlet and distribution boxes, pin & sleeve devices, industrial plugs, connectors and receptacles. Whether the location requires a power distribution center with a power box or power pendants and stringers, Leviton’s line of temporary power products are rugged and NEC compliant. The selection of the right connectivity to the temporary power will be based on power and environmental requirements. Leviton offers the broadest breadth of industrial grade plugs, connectors, receptacles and power strips. (See the corresponding feature in this issue on “Making the Right Industrial Connections.”)
Regroup and rebuild
Inevitably all storms pass. Once the sky clears, it’s time to regroup and rebuild. Rule #1 – safety is the top priority. Before reoccupying a building (home or commercial) any electrical devices exposed to or submerged in any fluid (water, oil, chemicals or even mud)- must be replaced. |
Water is the fiercest enemy to electrical devices. There is no method of ensuring that devices will operate as intended following exposure to moisture. The effect of water nearly always creates a hazardous condition, even making the wiring unusable (and dangerous). Wiring in walls or cables that have been exposed to water or excessive moisture for any length of time should be replaced, as well as the devices.
Evaluation of electrical equipment should always be conducted by qualified personnel. As a member of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Leviton offers guides, produced and published by NEMA that apply to electrical equipment. The guide on “Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment” provides information on how to evaluate electrical equipment that has been exposed to large quantities of water, such as flooding, fire-fighting activities, hurricanes, and other events. You’ll find the guide here.
Based on past experiences, Leviton has identified the most commonly used electrical products needed for rebuilding and reconstruction after a disaster. All circuit breakers, fuses, disconnect switches, GFCIs, AFCIs, and surge protective devices that have been submerged or damaged must be replaced. Leviton Load Centers (i.e., Breaker Box, Breaker Panel) control your home's electrical system but each circuit breaker should be checked and may need replacing. Leviton provides the fastest installing plug-on design in their breaker boxes to speed up replacement times. |
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| Leviton Mfg. Company Inc. |
201 North Service Rd.
Melville, NY 11747
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