Call 844-335-0814 any hour and our service desk will connect you with an independent local electrician who handles storm damage repairs.
Stay safe after storm damage
- Treat every downed line as live and stay well away from it
- Report downed utility lines to your utility or 911
- Do not enter flooded rooms where outlets or cords are under water
- Switch off the main breaker only if you can reach it safely and dry
- Do not restart equipment that got wet until it has been checked
Storm damage an electrician can repair
- A service mast or weatherhead pulled away from the house
- Damaged meter base or service entrance equipment
- Water inside a panel, subpanel, fixture or outdoor outlet
- Outlets, appliances or electronics that failed after a surge
- Outdoor lighting, gate and pool equipment wiring damaged by debris
Some of this work involves the utility as well, especially when the service drop or meter is affected.
From first call to restored power
- Call 844-335-0814 and describe the damage and whether you have power.
- We connect you with an independent electrician available for storm work.
- The electrician makes the damage safe and assesses what needs repair.
- Repairs are completed, including any permit, inspection and utility coordination.
- The system is tested before the affected circuits are put back into use.
Utility coordination after a service is damaged
When a storm damages the service entrance, the repair often needs an inspection before the utility will reconnect. For SMUD customers, SMUD energizes service only after the local agency has approved the work.
Photos of the damage, taken from a safe distance, are useful for insurance claims and for the electrician's assessment.
Preparing your home before the next storm
A little preparation reduces storm damage and speeds up repairs. Have trees near the service line trimmed by a qualified tree service, keep outdoor outlet covers closed, and know where your main breaker is and how to switch it off safely.
If you rely on power for medical equipment, refrigeration or a home business, consider a generator with a proper transfer switch, and whole house surge protection to reduce the risk from surges when power returns.
Keep a flashlight near the panel and save 844-335-0814 in your phone so help is one call away.
Questions about Storm Damage Electrical Repair
Can I turn the power back on after a panel got wet?
No. Water in a panel can damage breakers and connections. Leave it off until an electrician has checked it.
Will surge protection prevent storm damage?
Whole house surge protection reduces the risk from surges, but it cannot protect against physical damage from wind, water or falling limbs.