Thunderstorms pose a safety hazard in several ways. Lightning is the most dangerous part of a thunderstorm, and it kills more people than hurricanes and tornadoes combined. Thunderstorms produce heavy rain, which can cause flash flooding. The strong winds from a thunderstorm can also cause widespread damage. Each of these components requires specific precautions to minimize their danger.

A thunderstorm typically has a diameter of 15 miles and lasts for 30 minutes, which is much smaller than a hurricane or winter storm. The National Weather Service places specific criteria on a severe thunderstorm. These include thunderstorms that produce hail with a diameter of at least ¾ inch, wind gusts of at least 58 mph or a tornado. Severe thunderstorms comprise about 10 percent of all thunderstorms.

The NWS recommends that you stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder when you hear thunder less than 30 seconds after the lightning. This rule is known as the 30/30 lightning safety rule.

Avoid taking emergency shelter in structures that are vulnerable to high winds, such as a mobile home. Outdoors shelters such as sheds, pavilions and golf’s typically will not protect you from flying debris and lightning. Avoid and report downed power lines. Bring pets and livestock under shelter to protect them during hailstorms.

If you were gifted electronics for Christmas, it’s time to ensure their protection! The last thing you want is for your new computer, tablet, HD television, or gaming system to take on destructive surges, rendering it useless. Spare yourself the heartache of losing an expensive electronic gadget by using surge protectors.

Anything that has a plug is susceptible to surges. In fact, surges happen all the time, you just don’t know it. Not every surge has the capacity to fry your electronics and appliances right then, however, even small surges can shorten their lifespans.

Simply put, an electrical surge is a brief spike in the current, lasting less than a thousandth of a second. But don’t let its fleeting personality fool you, as a surge can be detrimental.

There are numerous reasons as to why you’re experiencing electrical surges. Large appliances such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, or even a space heater, when turned on, can cause a surge capable of damaging your electronics.

Are you looking for energy saving tips to help your business reduce annual energy costs? Businesses consume far more lighting energy than homes, so if you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective place to start, addressing your business’s lighting solutions offers ample opportunity.

“Out with the old” should be your mantra here. Incandescent light bulbs are far from efficient, emitting 90 percent of energy as heat – not light.

The curly cousin of long-tube fluorescents, CFLs can be used in place of incandescents in standard light sockets. They contain mercury and should be handled with care; however, they use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescents.

Lasting 25 times longer than incandescents and using 75-80 percent less energy, LED lighting options have recently come down significantly in price. To get the most bang for your energy buck, LEDs are a top choice.

High intensity discharge lights are extremely efficient at producing large quantities of very bright light and are an excellent choice for warehouse and commercial settings. Be sure to talk to an electrician to get the best color spectrum to suit your needs.

Using 1/5 to 1/3 the energy as incandescents and lasting 10 times longer, these fluorescents offer flexibility in various commercial settings.

Twice as efficient as incandescents, halogens produce a very bright white light that is well-suited for outdoor applications such as security and stadium lighting.

Light dimmers and timers deliver just the right amount of light just when you need it, reducing energy use and costs. They also improve security while you are away and can enhance the functionality and ambiance of your business.

The future of lighting, we’re not talking battery-operated, but fully automated lighting powered by remote control and smart device applications. The technology of this solution offers you the capability to monitor usage and costs, with the added convenience of on-site and remote functionality.

Mr. Electric® will perform a complimentary evaluation of your current setup, analyzing for efficiency and function and offering lighting options that can lower your operating costs significantly.

Designed to your specifications, our experts can design custom lighting solutions that perform well and look great – all while keeping energy costs under control.

Security, landscaping, parking, retail – you name it! Whatever your lighting needs, Mr. Electric will spotlight your perfect solution.

Schedule a commercial electric energy audit today. A commercial energy audit can offer even more energy savings tips for the benefit of your bottom line. Mr. Electric can:

Don’t let excess energy costs drag your business down, get the energy saving tips you need with the help of Mr. Electric today!

It’s 2013, and if you’re still spending a ton on your energy bill, you should know that it doesn’t have to be that way. Right now, about 20% of the energy we consume goes to lighting. But, with a few energy-efficient changes, we can see that number (and the numbers on our monthly bills) dwindle. This post is the first in a series on how to make the lighting in your home or business more energy-efficient. 

Everyone’s got to eat, and for many of us, the kitchen is the very heart of the home. The kitchen also requires excellent lighting for cooking and cleaning up. So, I figure it will be a good place to start an energy-efficient lighting makeover.

By: Maddie Ogletree

Your spring renovation isn’t complete without a functionality update for your electrical outlets. Standard outlets just won’t cut it anymore when it comes to powering your home and electronics. You’ll be surprised at how much a few simple upgrades can make your life more convenient.

USB outlets are becoming a necessity for charging your phone, tablet and other electronic devices. It’s always an inconvenience to lose that little white iPhone adapter. But if your outlets are equipped for USBs, your life is a little bit easier. USB outlets are becoming the standard for homes. You can easily plug in your device while you’re in the kitchen, home office or bedroom with a USB upgrade.

Bulky, inconvenient nightlights aren’t your only option. New outlets like the SnapPower outlet feature a nightlight as part of their design. When you turn the lights out, the nightlight comes on, illuminating the outlet from below. No longer do you need to unplug the light to charge your computer. It’s a simple idea to add to your spring remodel!

If you’re undertaking a bathroom renovation, adding an outlet inside of a drawer or cabinet is a way to conveniently power electric razors, hairdryers and more styling tools. If you add in a USB plug as well, you’ll keep your phone charging while you get ready to take on the day.

This idea can also carry over to creating a charging station in your bedroom or living room. Install a couple of plugs in the back of a drawer and let your devices charge without the unsightly wires sprawling everywhere.

Recessed outlets in the kitchen are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason! Keep your kitchen surfaces free from wires until you need them by conveniently hiding those not-so-pretty plugs. There are a variety of pop out outlets that let you stylishly hide your outlets when you don’t need them.

If you’re in need of a little help updating your outlets, we’d love to give you a hand with your spring renovations! Call Mr. Electric today to find out more.