Lightning strikes somewhere in the United States about 25 million times every year. That electricity doesn’t just stay outside. When a bolt hits near your home or a power line, it can send a massive surge of electricity racing through your walls and into anything plugged into an outlet. Most people think about closing windows and bringing in patio furniture when storms roll in. But what about that coffee maker sitting on your counter or the laptop charging in your bedroom? Here’s what you need to know about protecting your stuff when the skies turn dark.
Your laptop is especially at risk
Think about everything you keep on your laptop. Photos, documents, work files, maybe years of memories. Now imagine all of that getting fried in an instant. Laptops and computers contain sensitive components that can’t handle sudden voltage spikes. When lightning strikes nearby, it can send electricity surging through power lines and straight into your charging device. The worst part? This kind of damage often isn’t covered under your manufacturer’s warranty. Companies like HP specifically state that power surge damage voids their standard coverage.
The good news is that wireless devices are safe to use during storms. Your smartphone or laptop won’t attract lightning just because it’s turned on. The danger only exists when the device is physically connected to a wall outlet through a wired charger. So if a storm catches you off guard, unplug that charging cable immediately. Your battery might not be at 100%, but your device will survive to see another day. Just make sure to charge everything up before storm season starts.
Coffee makers should never stay plugged in
How many of us leave the coffee maker plugged in 24/7? It seems harmless enough. You use it every morning, so why bother unplugging it? Here’s the thing though. Small kitchen appliances like coffee makers aren’t built to handle power surges. They don’t have the same protective features that larger appliances do. When a storm sends extra voltage through your outlets, that trusty coffee maker could become a very expensive paperweight. Even worse, damaged small appliances can sometimes create safety hazards in your home.
According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, portable appliances should actually be kept unplugged when not in use anyway. This applies whether a storm is coming or not. Make it a habit to unplug your coffee maker after your morning cup. Store the cord safely so it doesn’t create a tripping hazard. A storm brewing in the forecast is the perfect reminder to double-check that you’ve already disconnected it. Your wallet will thank you later.
That air fryer needs to come unplugged too
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple in millions of American homes. They make cooking faster and easier than traditional ovens. But these popular appliances fall into the same category as other small electronics. They simply aren’t designed to withstand the voltage that lightning can push through your electrical system. Lightning doesn’t have to strike your house directly to cause problems either. A strike anywhere near the power lines serving your home can create a surge strong enough to damage connected devices.
The same rule applies to multi-cookers and slow cookers. Even if you’re in the middle of making dinner, it’s better to pause the cooking than to risk a ruined appliance. Power surges can either burn the conductor inside your appliance or cause a short circuit. Both outcomes mean you’ll be shopping for a replacement. Keep an eye on weather forecasts when you’re planning to use these devices. If storms are predicted, maybe stick with the regular stovetop instead.
Toasters and toaster ovens are vulnerable
Toasters seem like such simple machines. You put bread in, push a lever, and get toast out. But inside that metal box are electrical components that can be damaged by voltage spikes. Toaster ovens are even more at risk because they contain more complex heating elements and controls. Many people leave these appliances plugged in on their counters all the time. It’s convenient, sure, but it’s also putting your appliance in danger every time a storm rolls through.
Think about it this way. A decent toaster oven costs anywhere from $50 to $200. Unplugging it takes about two seconds. Is the convenience really worth the risk? The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers recommends keeping all portable kitchen appliances disconnected when not in use. This protects them from storms and also reduces the small amount of electricity they draw even when turned off. Make unplugging part of your kitchen cleanup routine and you won’t even have to think about it when bad weather approaches.
Your blender and food processor need protection
Blenders and food processors might not be used every day, but they often stay plugged in anyway. These appliances contain motors and electronic controls that make them vulnerable to electrical surges. A single lightning strike near your area could send enough voltage through the lines to damage these devices permanently. The motor in a high-end blender can be especially susceptible because of its precise engineering. Replacing these appliances isn’t cheap either, with quality models costing well over $100.
Stand mixers fall into this category too. That KitchenAid sitting on your counter might look sturdy, but its electrical components are just as vulnerable as any other small appliance. The experts at AHAM say all small kitchen appliances should be unplugged when not in use. Store the cords neatly so they don’t become tripping hazards or get tangled. When storm warnings pop up on your phone, do a quick walk through your kitchen to make sure everything is disconnected from the wall.
Vacuums and floor cleaners are often forgotten
When was the last time you thought about your vacuum cleaner during a storm? Probably never. But floor care appliances like vacuums and steam cleaners contain motors and electronic controls that can be damaged by power surges. Many people leave their vacuums plugged in for convenience. Others keep robot vacuums docked and charging around the clock. Both habits put these expensive appliances at risk when lightning starts flashing outside your windows.
The recommendation from appliance industry experts is clear. Floor care appliances should be unplugged when not in use. This is good practice all the time, not just during storms. Make sure to store the cords safely so they can’t be pulled or snagged. Your robot vacuum’s charging station might seem harmless, but it’s just as connected to your home’s electrical system as anything else. Unplug it before a storm and plug it back in when the weather clears.
Major appliances can usually stay plugged in
Here’s some relief for those wondering about their refrigerator or washing machine. Major home appliances are built differently than small ones. They’re designed and tested to handle the typical surges that come from storms. Your range, cooktop, dishwasher, washer, and dryer can generally stay plugged in during regular thunderstorms. These appliances have more robust electrical systems that can withstand voltage fluctuations better than their smaller countertop cousins.
However, the rules change if you’re facing a hurricane or flooding situation. If you need to evacuate, unplug all appliances except for your refrigerator and freezer. Those should stay connected to keep your food safe for as long as possible. A full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours during a power outage. If it’s only half full, that drops to around 24 hours. When you return after a flood, don’t plug anything back in until a qualified electrician has inspected everything for safety.
Surge protectors aren’t a complete solution
Many people think plugging everything into a surge protector solves the problem. It helps, but it’s not foolproof. Surge protectors work by limiting the amount of voltage that reaches your devices. They’re designed for electronics like computers and TVs and typically cost between $15 and $40. But here’s the catch. A really big surge can bypass the protector entirely, allowing more electricity through than the device can handle.
There’s another important point to understand. Surge protectors should never be used with home appliances, whether major or small. The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers specifically warns against this. Plug-in surge protectors don’t offer the level of current protection necessary for appliances. Using them with appliances can actually cause overheating and safety risks. For electronics, a surge protector offers some peace of mind. For appliances, the only real protection is unplugging them before the storm arrives.
Timing matters when unplugging your devices
Knowing what to unplug is only half the battle. Knowing when to unplug matters just as much. The best time to disconnect your devices is before a storm is forecast to arrive. Don’t wait until you hear thunder or see lightning flashes. Once lightning is striking nearby, the National Weather Service recommends staying away from electrical outlets altogether. Touching an outlet or a plugged-in cord during an active storm could put you in danger.
Check weather forecasts regularly during storm season. When you see thunderstorms predicted for your area, take a few minutes to walk through your home and unplug devices before the weather arrives. This is also a good time to charge up your smartphone and any portable battery packs. Your phone could become your primary way to get help if needed. It works as a survival tool, but only if the battery is charged. Use battery saver mode to conserve power if the outage lasts a while.
Storms can be unpredictable, but protecting your appliances and electronics doesn’t have to be complicated. Make unplugging small appliances a regular habit, not just something you do when dark clouds appear. Keep your major appliances plugged in during regular storms but unplug everything before evacuating for serious weather events. A few seconds of effort can save you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs. Your devices are counting on you to give them the protection they need.
