How to protect your home appliances from storm damage

While everyday thunderstorms may not require unplugging appliances, typhoons and severe flooding pose greater risks. Storms can cause power surges, outages, and flooding, all of which can seriously damage household appliances, according to U.S. electrical service company Appliances Fix and Care.

Lightning strikes or sudden power restorations can lead to voltage spikes, potentially overloading electrical circuits in appliances. Power outages, common during storms, can disrupt sensitive electronics like smart refrigerators and microwaves. Heavy rainfall and humidity may also cause water damage, corrosion, or mold in appliances such as washers and dishwashers.

The British Red Cross recommended turning off and unplugging any non-essential appliances during a thunderstorm to protect them from power surges.

Lightning strikes across the sky. Illustration form Pexels

Chris Doscher, director of communications for the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, told lifestyle news site Better Homes and Gardens, "You should unplug all appliances before you evacuate—except for your refrigerator and freezer."

While fridges and freezers are exceptions to this rule to keep your food safe, smaller appliances like coffee makers, air fryers, stand mixers, toasters, and vacuum cleaners should always be unplugged when not in use, he said. These devices are especially vulnerable to power surges caused by lightning, he added.

Safe Electricity advised unplugging appliances well before a storm arrives—never during. "Don’t expect a surge protector to save appliances from a lightning strike, unplug it as well," the U.S. energy educational group warned.

After the storm, if a power surge or outage has occurred, check appliances for signs of damage, such as strange noises, burning smells, or error codes. Avoid plugging appliances back in until the power has stabilized.

If any appliance shows signs of damage, refrain from using it until a qualified technician inspects it.