After a North Texas Storm: Electrical Checks Before Power Returns

A storm can pass through Southlake, Grapevine, or Keller in minutes and leave electrical damage that you cannot see. This post lists what to check from a safe distance, what to leave alone, and when to call a licensed electrician. It does not give repair steps.

What should I do first after a storm hits?

Look for downed lines before you do anything else. Oncor says to assume a downed line is energized and to call 911. Oncor also warns that you should never use any object to move a downed wire. Keep children and pets away and stay out of standing water near lines.

Then check on people. Do not wait for the lights to come on if there is an emergency.

What can I check outside without taking a risk?

You can look at the outside of your house from the ground. Do not climb, touch, or pull on anything.

Who is responsible for the meter base and weatherhead?

You are. Oncor says the homeowner maintains equipment such as the meter base and weatherhead, and Oncor cannot repair equipment it does not own. If that equipment is damaged or pulled off, Oncor says to call 888.313.6862 to start a temporary hazardous disconnect.

After that, a licensed electrician repairs the equipment. Oncor also says that if a meter base is damaged, most city electric codes require a building code inspection before service can be restored. When the inspection passes, you call Oncor to request a reconnect. Our guide on permits and inspections in Southlake shows what that process looks like in one city.

Is it safe to use outlets and the panel after a flood or heavy rain?

No, not if they got wet. Water and electricity do not mix, even after the water drains. Do not switch on a wet circuit breaker panel, outlet, or appliance. Do not stand in water to reach a panel. Have a licensed electrician check wet equipment before you use it.

If the power is off at your home and the outside looks fine, Oncor’s page suggests that you first check the breaker at the property. Do not open or work inside the panel. Call an electrician if a breaker will not stay on or you see scorch marks.

What about generators and surges when power comes back?

Portable generators are a hazard when used wrong. Oncor says never to run one in an enclosed space and to keep it at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Do not connect a generator to your house wiring yourself. That can backfeed the utility line and hurt a worker. A licensed electrician installs a transfer switch the right way.

When power returns, it can arrive with a surge. Unplug sensitive electronics while the power is out. Plug them back in once things are steady. A whole-house surge protector adds protection at the panel, and our guide to whole-house surge protection explains how it works.

When should I call an electrician after a storm?

Call a licensed electrician if any of these apply:

1. The meter base or weatherhead is damaged.
2. A breaker will not stay on, or the panel got wet.
3. You smell burning or see scorch marks.
4. Lights flicker, buzz, or dim after power returns.
5. A tree or limb hit the house near the service line.

In Texas, a person doing non-exempt electrical work must be licensed. Read how to hire a licensed electrician in Texas. Daniel Electric is a family owned and operated company in Southlake with Texas license TECL #21005. For outage steps before the storm check, see what to do in a power outage.

Next step

If your house took storm damage, see our residential electrician page. Call (817) 481-8606 or send a request through the quote form.