The simple answer: be prepared!
El Niño is strengthening, and forecasters are expecting a very strong event this fall and winter. What that means specifically for Cartersville and the surrounding areas is still unknown. Historically, El Niño can bring wetter conditions and changes in our normal weather patterns here in Georgia, but no one can predict exactly what this season will bring.
For over 20 years, I’ve lived by the motto, “Hope for the best and plan for the worst.” Navigating customers’ concerns daily and fixing problems as quickly as possible has become God’s mission field for me. I have had the privilege of serving our communities when you need help most. I want to share a few reminders that can help you prepare ahead of time instead of reacting in a moment of crisis or worry.
Weather changes can affect more than what is happening outside our windows. Flooding and wind can overwhelm infrastructure, bring trees down on power lines, and block roads, making it difficult for utility and emergency crews to respond quickly. Major weather events can also disrupt supply chains and make resources harder to obtain when everyone needs them at once.
I will never forget the storms I experienced growing up in Pennsylvania. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel hit, and I helped with parts of the cleanup. Trees snapped like twigs, power lines were down everywhere, and we were without power for two weeks in the Poconos.
I understand this is the South, and I’ve never experienced anything like that here. I share that story because I was a reactive teenager figuring out how to take care of my family in the moment. It taught me the value of preparing before you need to.
Temperature changes can also expose weaknesses in an electrical system. Metal components expand and contract as temperatures change, and loose or deteriorating connections can become a problem. Many of the issues we find come from a lack of maintenance, loose connections, and the “hold my beer, I’ve got this” approach to electrical work.
There is a famous Southern saying: “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” When it comes to electricity, that can be far from the truth.
Take some time this fall to think about what your family would need during an extended power outage. Keep drinking water, shelf-stable food, batteries, flashlights, charging options, and an emergency radio available. If you rely on a portable or whole home generator, make sure it is ready before you need it. Check your fuel source, maintenance, and oil, and make sure your generator is connected and operated safely.
Submitted photo
Never attempt to backfeed your home through an outlet or connect a portable generator to your home’s electrical system without the proper equipment. Generator mistakes can create serious risks for your family and the crews working to restore power.
This fall, we are offering an opportunity to help your family have a little less worry in your lives. Whether you need an inspection of your electrical system, a portable generator, or a whole-home generator, we can help you understand your options and prepare before an outage happens.
This world has always had darkness, and I have been blessed to provide light.
Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Electrical codes are there for a reason, and electrical work is one area where experience matters. We don’t post electrical “how tos” on YouTube because we don’t want to encourage inexperienced work that can put a home or family at risk.
Call us today to discuss your next steps toward creating a little less worry this season.
God bless.
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