Storm prep: get your electrical system hurricane-ready
Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and installers book up fast once a storm is on the map. Here is what to ask a licensed electrician about before the first storm. Palmwire never asks you to do electrical work yourself.
🔋 Backup power: generators
A standby generator starts by itself when the power goes out. A portable generator can run a few essentials.
- •A licensed electrician sizes a generator to what you need running: fridge, A/C, medical devices, well pump or a whole home.
- •Standby generators need a permit, a gas or propane supply and proper clearance from doors and windows.
- •Never plug a generator into a wall outlet ("backfeeding"). It can electrocute line workers and start fires.
- •Run portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents, and keep battery CO alarms inside.
🔀 Transfer switches and interlocks
This is the safe, code-compliant way to connect a generator to your home.
- •A transfer switch or panel interlock keeps generator power and utility power from ever touching.
- •It is installed by a licensed electrician, usually with a permit and inspection.
- •Ask for an inlet box outside so you never run cords through a window or door.
🧰 Panel check-up
Storms are hard on older or corroded panels, and insurers often flag them.
- •Have an electrician inspect the panel for corrosion from salt air, loose connections, double-tapped breakers and water entry.
- •Federal Pacific, Zinsco and fuse-box panels are commonly replaced before storm season.
- •If your panel ever got wet, do not use it. Have it checked before power is turned back on.
âš¡ Surge protection
Lightning and power coming back on after an outage can damage A/C boards, pool pumps and electronics.
- •A whole-home surge protective device at the panel, installed by an electrician, protects the whole house.
- •Use plug-in surge strips for TVs and computers as a second layer.
- •After a nearby strike, have damaged outlets and breakers checked.
✅ Pre-storm checklist
- 1Book any generator, transfer switch or panel work before June 1. Installers fill up once a storm is forecast.
- 2Ask an electrician for a pre-storm panel and surge check.
- 3Test smoke and CO alarms and keep spare batteries.
- 4Charge phones and power banks, and keep flashlights (not candles) ready.
- 5Know where your main breaker is. During flooding, stay out of water and call FPL or 911 instead of touching the panel.
- 6Save the FPL outage line, 1-800-468-8243, and a 24/7 electrician on Palmwire.
- 7After the storm: stay 35+ feet from downed lines and have flood-exposed equipment inspected before it is used again.
Power out, lines down or water near electrical equipment?
Fire, smoke, or someone shocked or hurt: get everyone out and call 911 first.Downed or sparking power line, or water near electrical equipment: stay at least 35 feet away and call 911 and FPL at 1-800-468-8243.Whole street dark? Report the outage to FPL (1-800-468-8243 or the FPL outage map).Do not touch the panel, outlet or wiring. Once everyone is safe, call a licensed electrician who takes emergency calls.
24/7 emergency electriciansSafety first: Palmwire gives general information, not repair instructions. Do not open panels, outlets, switches or fixtures, and do not touch wiring. Hands-on electrical work is for a Florida-licensed electrician. Smoke, sparks, fire or a shock? Leave and call 911.