Is Your Home Ready for a Winter Storm? A Sheboygan County Electrical Safety Checklist

Winter in Wisconsin is beautiful—until a major storm rolls through Sheboygan County. We've all experienced it: howling winds, heavy snow, and suddenly, the lights go out. While we can't control the weather, we can control how prepared our homes are for winter's electrical challenges. As licensed electricians serving Sheboygan, Kohler, Plymouth, and surrounding communities, we've responded to countless emergency calls during and after winter storms. Many of these emergencies could have been prevented with proper preparation. That's why we've created this comprehensive electrical safety checklist to help you protect your home and family this winter season. ## Before the Storm: Preventive Electrical Maintenance The best time to prepare for a winter storm is before the first snowflake falls. Taking proactive steps now can prevent dangerous situations and costly repairs later. ### Schedule a Professional Electrical Inspection Think of a pre-winter electrical inspection as preventive medicine for your home. A licensed electrician can identify potential problems before they become emergencies. During an inspection, we examine your electrical panel, check for outdated wiring, test GFCI outlets, and ensure your system can handle winter's increased electrical demands. In many Sheboygan-area homes, especially older properties, we commonly find overloaded circuits, corroded connections, and panels that haven't been updated in decades. These issues might not cause problems during mild weather, but when temperatures drop and heating systems work overtime, they can lead to power failures or even electrical fires. ### Test Your Backup Power Systems If you have a portable or standby generator, now is the time to test it—not when the power goes out at 2 a.m. during a blizzard. Run your generator for at least 15 minutes to ensure it starts reliably and operates smoothly. Check fuel levels, change the oil if needed, and verify that you have fresh fuel stabilizer. If you're considering a generator for the first time, talk to a licensed electrician about your options. A properly installed transfer switch is essential for safely connecting a generator to your home's electrical system. Never attempt to wire a generator yourself—improper installation can electrocute utility workers and damage your home's electrical system. ### Protect Your Electrical Panel Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's electrical system. Make sure it's easily accessible—clear away any storage items that might block it. If your panel is located in a basement or garage, ensure the area stays dry. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If your panel is more than 25 years old, has a Federal Pacific or Zinsco label, or frequently trips breakers, it may be time for an upgrade. Modern panels offer better protection and can handle today's electrical demands. Whole-home surge protectors, installed at the panel, can also protect your valuable electronics from power surges when electricity is restored after an outage. ## During the Storm: Power Outage Safety Tips When the power goes out, safety should be your first priority. Here's what you need to know to keep your family safe during a winter storm. ### Safe Use of Portable Generators Portable generators save the day during extended outages, but they must be used correctly. **Always operate generators outdoors**, at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust directed away from windows and doors. Carbon monoxide poisoning from generators kills dozens of people every year—don't become a statistic. Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords to connect appliances to your generator. Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet, a practice called "backfeeding." This extremely dangerous practice can electrocute utility workers trying to restore power and can cause fires in your home's wiring. If you want the convenience of powering your home's circuits directly, invest in a professionally installed transfer switch. This safe solution allows you to power selected circuits without the risks of backfeeding. ### Preventing Electrical Fires Space heaters are a leading cause of winter fires. If you're using space heaters during an outage or to supplement your heating system, follow these rules: keep them at least three feet from anything flammable, never leave them unattended, and plug them directly into wall outlets—never into extension cords or power strips. Avoid overloading circuits during power outages. When electricity returns, there can be a surge that trips breakers or damages electronics. Before power is restored, turn off or unplug major appliances and electronics. Once power returns, wait a few minutes, then turn devices back on gradually. ### Downed Power Line Protocol Winter storms often bring down power lines. If you see a downed line, assume it's energized and deadly. Stay at least 35 feet away—electricity can arc through the air and travel through the ground. Never touch anything in contact with a downed line, including puddles, fences, or vehicles. Call 911 and your utility company immediately. Never attempt to move a downed line yourself, even with a wooden stick or other non-conductive object. Only trained utility workers have the equipment and expertise to handle downed power lines safely. ## After the Storm: Recovery and Inspection Once the storm passes and power is restored, your electrical safety work isn't finished. Post-storm inspection is crucial for identifying hidden damage. ### Signs of Electrical Damage Be alert for these warning signs that your electrical system may have been damaged: - **Burning smells** or visible scorch marks around outlets or switches - **Flickering lights** or lights that are dimmer than usual - **Breakers that trip repeatedly** or won't reset - **Buzzing or crackling sounds** from outlets, switches, or the electrical panel - **Water damage** near electrical components, especially in basements - **Warm or discolored** outlet covers or switch plates Any of these signs warrants an immediate call to a licensed electrician. Don't wait—electrical problems rarely fix themselves and often worsen over time. ### When to Call a Licensed Electrician After a significant storm, especially one that caused power outages or brought heavy snow and ice, consider scheduling a professional electrical inspection. This is particularly important if: - Your home experienced any power surges - You had partial power loss (some circuits working, others not) - Your home is more than 40 years old - You noticed any of the warning signs listed above - Water entered your home near electrical components If you're filing an insurance claim for storm damage, professional documentation of electrical damage is essential. A licensed electrician can provide detailed reports and photographs that support your claim. For true emergencies—sparking outlets, burning smells, or any situation where you feel unsafe—don't hesitate to call for emergency electrical service. At Couillard Electric, we offer 24/7 emergency service throughout Sheboygan County because we know electrical emergencies don't wait for business hours. ## Winter Electrical Safety Tips for Sheboygan Homeowners Beyond storm preparation, these everyday winter electrical safety practices will keep your home safe all season long: **Indoor Lighting Safety:** If you're still enjoying holiday lights, inspect them regularly for frayed wires or broken bulbs. Never connect more than three strands of incandescent lights together, and always use lights rated for indoor use inside your home. LED lights are safer—they produce less heat and use less electricity. **Outdoor Electrical Considerations:** Snow and ice can damage outdoor electrical equipment. Keep your electrical meter clear of snow and ice buildup. If you have outdoor outlets, ensure they have weatherproof covers and GFCI protection. Never use outdoor extension cords that are buried in snow or lying in puddles. **Heating System Electrical Requirements:** Your furnace or heat pump is working overtime during Wisconsin winters. Ensure it has a dedicated circuit and that the area around it is clear of storage items. If your heating system trips breakers or causes lights to dim when it runs, call an electrician—your system may need a dedicated circuit or your panel may need an upgrade. **GFCI Protection:** Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets are required in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor locations. These life-saving devices cut power in milliseconds if they detect a ground fault, preventing electrocution. Test your GFCI outlets monthly by pressing the "test" button—the outlet should stop providing power. If it doesn't, replace it immediately. ## Protect Your Home with Professional Electrical Safety Services Winter storms are a fact of life in Sheboygan County, but electrical emergencies don't have to be. With proper preparation, safe practices during outages, and professional support when you need it, you can keep your home and family safe all winter long. At Couillard Electric, we're proud to serve homeowners and businesses throughout Sheboygan, Kohler, Plymouth, Mequon, Port Washington, Cedarburg, and surrounding communities. Our licensed electricians have the training, experience, and equipment to handle everything from routine safety inspections to emergency storm damage repairs. Don't wait until the next storm warning to think about electrical safety. **Schedule your pre-winter electrical safety inspection today.** We'll identify potential problems, recommend solutions, and give you peace of mind knowing your home is prepared for whatever winter brings. **Contact Couillard Electric for all your electrical safety needs:** - Electrical safety inspections - Panel upgrades and surge protection - Generator installation and transfer switches - Emergency electrical repairs (24/7 availability) - Storm damage assessment and repair When it comes to your family's safety, trust the licensed professionals at Couillard Electric. We're your neighbors, and we're here to help—before, during, and after the storm. *Couillard Electric LLC is a fully licensed and insured electrical contractor serving Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. Contact us today at (920) 254-3808 or visit couillardelectricllc.com to schedule your electrical safety inspection.*