Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1 to November 30. In Broward County, the electrical side of storm prep is easy to overlook until the lights go out. This checklist covers what to handle before a storm, how to stay safe during an outage, and what to check once power returns.
Before hurricane season
- Know where your main breaker is. Everyone in the home should know how to shut off power at the panel in an emergency.
- Install whole-home surge protection. Storms bring lightning and utility switching surges that can damage HVAC equipment, pool pumps and electronics. A panel-mounted surge protective device is your first line of defense. Learn how surge protection works.
- Decide on backup power. A permanently installed standby generator with an automatic transfer switch restores power within seconds. If you plan to use a portable generator, have a transfer switch or approved interlock installed before the storm — never after.
- Service your generator. Test-run it, check the battery and oil, and confirm the transfer switch operates correctly.
- Label your panel. Clear circuit labels make it much easier to isolate problems later.
- Check exterior equipment. Loose covers on outdoor receptacles, corroded disconnects and damaged meter bases are common in coastal South Florida. Have them repaired before storm season.
During an outage
- Never backfeed your home. Plugging a generator into a wall outlet or dryer receptacle can energize utility lines and seriously injure line workers — and it can start a fire in your home.
- Run portable generators outdoors only. Keep them away from doors, windows and vents. The CDC recommends at least 20 feet from the home to reduce carbon monoxide risk, and every home should have working CO alarms.
- Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power is restored.
- Stay away from downed lines and report them to your utility right away.
After the storm
- Don't touch wet electrical equipment. If water reached outlets, the panel, or appliances, keep the affected circuits off and have a licensed electrician inspect them before re-energizing.
- Watch for warning signs once power returns: burning smells, buzzing, flickering lights, warm outlets or breakers that keep tripping. These are reasons to call an electrician immediately.
- Document damage with photos for your insurance claim before repairs begin.
When to call Xlectrical
We're available 24/7 for storm-related outages, damaged service equipment, flooded circuits and generator connections across Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. Call 754-289-8993 or schedule service online.
Safety note: this guide is general information, not a substitute for an on-site evaluation. Electrical work should be performed by a licensed electrician.
