When hurricane season rolls around, it’s easy to focus on stocking up on bottled water, flashlights, and canned food, but don’t forget one of the most critical areas of your home: your electrical system. Whether it’s protecting appliances, or preparing for possible outages, getting your home’s electrical setup ready for a storm can help prevent costly damage, keep your family safe, and speed up recovery once the skies clear.
At Mac 5 Services, we care about keeping you safe and informed. That’s why we’ve put together these essential electrical tips to help you prepare your home before the next big storm hits.
1. Know Your Home’s Electrical System
Before a hurricane is even on the radar, it’s a good idea to understand how your home’s electrical system works. Locate your circuit breaker panel and learn which breakers control what parts of your home. Clearly label them if they’re not already.
In the event of flooding or a fire risk, being able to quickly shut off power to specific areas or to the entire house, can be a lifesaver. If you’re unsure how your panel is configured or it seems outdated, a quick inspection from a licensed electrician can give you peace of mind.
Tip: Make sure the main breaker is easy to access and not blocked by storage or clutter.
2. Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector
One lightning strike during a hurricane can cause a massive surge of electricity that damages or destroys electronics and appliances. Even distant lightning or downed power lines can send damaging surges through your system.
A whole-home surge protector, installed at your electrical panel, acts like a shield for your entire house. It deflects excess voltage away from your system, protecting sensitive devices like TVs, computers, refrigerators, and HVAC systems.
These are especially helpful in areas prone to frequent storms and worth every penny when compared to the cost of replacing a fried entertainment system or major appliance.
3. Unplug Devices Before the Storm Hits
While surge protectors (especially the whole-house kind) help reduce damage, the safest route is to unplug valuable electronics before the storm hits.
Items to unplug include:
- TVs and sound systems
- Desktop computers and gaming consoles
- Kitchen appliances (microwave, coffee maker)
- Chargers and smart home devices
- Internet modems and routers
Make it part of your storm prep checklist: once watches or warnings are issued, walk through your home and unplug what you don’t need for the duration of the storm.
4. Secure Outdoor Electrical Fixtures
Wind, rain, and flying debris can easily damage outdoor outlets, lighting, and HVAC units. Before the storm hits:
- Cover outdoor outlets with weatherproof covers
- Secure or anchor your HVAC condenser unit
- Trim back tree branches that could fall and damage wires
- Check for loose or hanging wires that need attention
These small steps can prevent both electrical hazards and post-storm repair headaches.
5. Install or Service a Backup Generator
When the power goes out and it often does during hurricanes, a backup generator can be a game-changer. It can keep your refrigerator running, power essential medical equipment, and provide lighting and communication tools.
There are two main types:
- Portable generators – less expensive and more flexible, but require manual setup and careful safety practices.
- Standby generators – permanently installed, kick on automatically when the power goes out, and can power your whole home.
Important: Never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage. Always keep it away from doors, windows, and vents that lead to your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you already have a generator, schedule routine maintenance before hurricane season. If you’re considering installing one, Mac 5 can help walk you through the options that fit your needs and budget.
6. Check Your GFCI Outlets
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are a vital safety feature for outlets in wet areas, think bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoors. These outlets shut off power if they detect a ground fault, reducing the risk of shock.
Before a storm:
- Test all GFCI outlets using the “Test” and “Reset” buttons
- Replace any that don’t trip or reset properly
If you’re unsure about the condition of your outlets, or whether you have GFCIs in the right locations, it’s worth having an electrician inspect them.
7. Create a Storm Electrical Kit
Just like you keep batteries, flashlights, and food on hand, you should also have a small electrical emergency kit. Consider including:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- A battery-powered radio
- Portable chargers or power banks for phones
- A battery-operated fan
- Extension cords (rated for outdoor/indoor use)
- Surge-protected power strips
- Backup batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Keep this kit in a waterproof container and store it somewhere easy to access, even in the dark.
8. Schedule an Electrical Inspection
If your home’s wiring is old, you’ve recently had issues with breakers tripping, or you’re unsure about the safety of your system, don’t wait until a hurricane is on the way to address it. A licensed electrician can:
- Inspect and label your electrical panel
- Evaluate the condition of your wiring
- Recommend upgrades or surge protection
- Test your generator or transfer switch
- Suggest floodproofing strategies
Regular inspections not only help you weather storms better, they also help catch problems early and improve your home’s overall safety and efficiency.
9. Call Mac 5 Services If You Have Questions or Concerns
Hurricane prep can be overwhelming, but when it comes to your home’s electrical system, you don’t have to do it alone. At Mac 5 Services, our licensed electricians are here to help you prepare, protect, and recover with confidence.
Whether you need a quick inspection, help installing a surge protector, or guidance on choosing a generator, we’re just a phone call away.
Call Mac 5 today at 321-244-7500 or visit www.Mac5services.com to schedule a consultation. Don’t wait until the last minute, let’s get your home ready before the storm clouds roll in.
Stay Safe, Stay Powered
Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your electrical preparedness doesn’t have to be. By taking these steps ahead of time, you can reduce your risk of damage, stay safer during the storm, and recover faster afterward. At Mac 5, we’re committed to helping our community.
Have questions? Need help getting your electrical system storm-ready? Reach out to Mac 5 Services today. We’ve got your back, rain or shine.
