Inspiration

6 Ways to Prepare Your Outdoor Light Fixtures For a Storm

If you’ve tuned in to your local meteorologist lately, you’ve probably heard that this hurricane season is expected to be extremely active. We know you’ve invested time, energy and money into your lighting system, and we want to make sure that your outdoor light fixtures are adequately protected! Let us help you be proactive in preparing whatever storm comes your way with this detailed guide: 

1: Survey Your Landscaping Area

Tree and Shrub Survey

Before hurricane season begins, and ideally, before any storm hits, survey the trees and shrubs around your property. Look for overgrowth, dead branches, leaning trees, or fractured limbs. Trimming these in advance can significantly reduce the risk of debris damaging your fixtures. 

Routine Upkeep

Regularly maintaining your landscape not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, but also minimizes the potential hazards during a storm. Make it a part of your routine to check for any new growth or weakened branches that could become projectiles in high winds. 

2: Secure Loose Items

Store Outdoor Furniture and Toys

To reduce the volume of debris that could potentially damage your lights, store loose items like outdoor furniture, toys and potted plants inside your garage or shed. Items that cannot be moved indoors, like trampolines, should be securely tied down. 

Preventative Measures

Taking the time to secure these items before a storm ensures they don’t become airborne and cause damage. It’s a simple yet effective step in protecting both your property and your neighbors. Flying debris from the forceful hurricane winds can come into contact with your lighting and create a dangerous mix of sharp glass and metallic shards.

3: Ensure Surge Protection

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)

Surge protection is vital during hurricanes and lightning storms. Most landscape lighting systems are wired with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). These devices break the circuit within 1/40th of a second if a ground fault occurs, protecting your system from electrical surges.

Additional Precautions

Beyond built-in protections, it’s wise to take extra measures. We recommend unplugging your transformers before a storm approaches. This can prevent external surges, such as those caused by lightning, from entering your internal power circuits. Often, the real risk comes after the storm, when power is restored. Fractured circuits such as wires touching the water can cause a fire once that power is turned back on. Leaving your transformer unplugged until a maintenance team can inspect it post-storm is a prudent step. 

4: Choose Quality Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

The best way to ensure your fixture survives a big storm is to invest in quality lighting from the start. When buying an outdoor light fixture, ensure it is made from quality materials like high-grade aluminum or steel with weather-resistant finishes. These materials are durable and extremely resilient to harsh weather conditions.

In contrast, big-box store fixtures often use plastic or low-grade aluminum, which are prone to cracking and denting. To guarantee quality construction, your lighting should ideally be crafted by hand and sourced locally. Also, consider investing in outdoor light fixtures with integrated LED components. These fixtures typically have a more tamperproof design that is naturally more water-resistant.

Barn Light Electric produces customized outdoor lighting fixtures that will confidently hold up to the harsh elements.  We manufacture many lasting finishes, including our porcelain enamel which provides a triple-coated protection. Contact our sales department to get more information on our vintage-inspired artisan crafted lighting fixtures.

5: Invest in Protective Lighting Accessories

To protect your outdoor lights further, we recommend purchasing protective accessories for your fixture. These accessories can include industrial guards to protect the bulbs against damage, decorative coverings to protect the exposed hardware, and heavy-duty backing plates to securely hold your fixture in place against harsh winds. Other accessories like wire cages can be added to the fixture even after installation and will protect the shade interior from flying debris.

6: Prioritize Safety

Personal Safety First

Above all else, your safety is paramount. While lighting systems can be repaired or replaced, lives cannot. If a storm is imminent, ensure you and your loved ones are out of harm’s way. Evacuate if necessary and follow all safety guidelines issued by local authorities. 

It is important to stock up on three main items: water, batteries and flashlights. Keep at least one week’s worth of water stocked up throughout the hurricane season. Next, invest in spare battery packs that can charge your phones and other electronic devices that use USB-C and other USB connections. Finally, keep 2 or 3 LED flashlights nearby in a location that you will remember and have easy access to. Flashlights that are tucked away in drawers and storage bins are nearly impossible to find when visibility is low during a power outage.  

The Final Stretch

By following these steps, you can better protect yourself and your outdoor lighting fixtures during the upcoming hurricane season. While no preparation can offer complete immunity from severe weather, these measures will significantly enhance the resilience of your lighting system, ensuring it remains a shining light even in the darkest of storms.