Hurricane season runs June through November in Florida, and the electrical prep that matters most happens well before a storm is on the radar — not the week of. Use this checklist as a starting point.

Before the season starts

• Test your generator, if you have one. Run it under load, not just at idle, and confirm the automatic transfer switch actually engages.
• Have your panel evaluated if it's original to a home built before 1990. Older panels are more prone to failure exactly when you need them most.
• Confirm your whole-home surge protector is still functioning. Many models have a visual indicator that shows if they've absorbed a surge and need replacement.
• Trim trees near overhead service lines. Storm-damaged tree limbs are one of the most common causes of residential outages.
• Check outdoor outlets and fixtures for damage or corrosion, especially in coastal areas where salt air accelerates wear.

As a storm approaches

• Charge portable devices and battery backups — phones, laptops, medical equipment batteries.
• If you have a portable generator, stage it and confirm you have fuel on hand — don't wait until the storm is imminent, when fuel becomes scarce.
• Unplug sensitive electronics you're not using, even with surge protection in place, as an extra layer of caution during a direct hit.
• Know where your main breaker is in case you need to shut off power to the house.

After the storm

• Don't assume power is safe just because it's on. If you smell burning, see sparking, or notice flickering after power is restored, treat it as an emergency.
• Stay away from any downed lines, and assume all downed lines are energized until utility crews confirm otherwise.
• If your home flooded, don't re-energize any submerged circuits or outlets until they've been inspected — water-damaged electrical components are a serious fire and shock risk.
• Check on your generator's post-storm performance — this is often when maintenance issues surface, since it's the first real load test of the season.

The bigger picture

A generator, a solid panel, and whole-home surge protection are the three pieces of hardware that do the most to keep a Florida home functioning through hurricane season. If any of the three are missing or outdated on your property, this is the time of year to address it — not after the first named storm of the season.

Want a professional assessment before the season gets underway? Request an estimate or explore our whole-home generator and surge protection services.