Safety in the Storm – Protect Your Home

We all know that thunderstorms dominate Florida’s weather patterns during the summer months. In fact, these storms are so prevalent that Florida is known as the “thunderstorm capital of the United States.” Lightning strikes often accompany these storms and wreak havoc on electronics and other items in our homes. Sometimes these strikes also cause a loss of life. During 2009, the deaths of five people were attributed to lightning.

Lightning is not the only cause of a “power surge” – a very brief but extreme burst of extra energy. They can also be caused by things like animals or birds on power lines, wind-blown limbs or even downed power poles. A high-quality surge suppression system can provide protection for your home’s appliances and electronics. Damaged caused by these factors can be prevented with a complete line of Home Guard Defense surge protection products.

The Home Guard Service Entrance Meter Base Device can prevent surges from entering through an electric meter. It also provides an immediate alarm if the suppressor is ever damaged. The device mounts quickly and easily to the meter socket at the service entrance and is installed by a qualified cooperative technician. It protects your home and major appliances like your refrigerator, air conditioner, dishwasher, washing machine/dryer and freezer.

Home Guard’s In-Home Surge Kit includes four high-quality plug-in devices to provide a second layer of protection for your television, computer or other sensitive electronics. The kit contains a plug strip with state-of-the-art technology featuring eight outlets, cable TV and phone protection. It also has a family of wall mounts that are ideally suited for smaller applications or hard to reach places, a single outlet with phone line and a single outlet device. These are perfect for cordless phones, microwaves, portable TVs or any other small appliance.

The Home Guard family of products comes with a 10-year product replacement warranty and the plug-in units come with a lifetime product replacement warranty. Both come with a manufacturer’s warranty that insures appliances and electronic equipment from surge damage.

A meter base surge protector can be leased for just $3.25/month with a one-time $10 installation fee. It will give an audible signal when it needs to be replaced and WFEC will replace it as many times as necessary. WFEC will also complete all the paperwork necessary for a claim if the device suffers any damage. The plug-in kit may also be leased with the meter base surge protector for $5.75/month with a one-time $10 installation fee. This package also includes the same replacement policy as the meter base protector.

Meter base surge protectors may be purchased for $124.95 plus tax and an installation fee of $10. However, this device will only be replaced once without a charge to the member-owner. The plug in kit sells for $89.95 plus tax and if any of the pieces contained within the kit are damaged, WFEC will replace them for the member. For more information about whole-house surge suppression, contact one of WFEC’s district offices at (800) 342-7400 or visit www.westflorida.coop .