Pre-Hurricane Electrical Safety Checklist for Homeowners

Use this Florida-focused checklist to prepare your home’s electrical system before a storm, stay safe during severe weather, and know what to do after the hurricane passes. Always defer repairs and inspections to a licensed electrician.

Why Electrical Safety Matters Before a Hurricane

The risks of power surges, outages, and water damage

Hurricanes bring high winds, heavy rain, and lightning conditions that can overload transformers, flood service equipment, and cause short circuits. Water intrusion around outlets, panels, and junction boxes increases fire and shock risk.

Protecting your family, home, and electronics

Preparation goes beyond keeping lights on. Whole-home and point-of-use surge protection, GFCI/AFCI protection, and a safe backup-power plan help prevent electrical fires, equipment damage, and hazardous DIY fixes during an emergency.

Pre-Storm Electrical Safety Checklist

• Inspect your electrical system and panel: Schedule a licensed electrician to check your main panel, breakers, grounding/bonding, and any signs of corrosion or overheating. Label critical circuits so you know what to shut off if needed.
• Secure outdoor lighting and electrical fixtures: Seal exterior outlets with in-use (weatherproof) covers, elevate cords off the ground, and ensure pool equipment, landscape lighting, and EV chargers are properly rated and secured.
• Test and prepare your backup generator: Service the unit, test-start it, and verify safe operation with a transfer switch or interlock kit. Never backfeed through a dryer outlet. Run generators outdoors, away from doors and windows.
• Install or check surge protection devices: Confirm your whole-home surge protector is installed at the service panel and complemented with quality surge strips for sensitive electronics.
• Charge essential devices and backup power banks: Fully charge phones, medical devices, portable battery packs, and rechargeable lights. Print or download emergency contact info in case of outage.

Safety Tips During the Hurricane

• Avoid using wired electronics during lightning: Wired electronics can conduct dangerous surges. Use battery-powered devices and unplug non-essential equipment.
• Do not attempt DIY electrical repairs in a storm: Even if power appears out, lines may still be energized. Avoid attics, crawlspaces, or flooded areas where wiring may be compromised.
• Stay clear of downed power lines and flooded areas: Treat all downed lines as live. Do not wade through standing water that could be energized. Call your utility and 911 if you see hazards.

Post-Hurricane Electrical Safety Steps

• Inspect your home for electrical damage safely: Before restoring loads, look (don’t touch) for scorch marks, tripped breakers that won’t reset, burning smells, buzzing panels, or waterlogged devices. Watch for signs of faulty wiring or short circuits, flickering lights, warm outlets/faceplates, repeated breaker trips, or GFCIs that won’t reset indicate deeper issues needing professional attention.
• Call a licensed electrician for a professional inspection: Get a post-storm electrical safety check before heavy appliance use. Document issues and keep receipts for potential insurance claims.
• Document and report electrical issues to insurance: Photograph damaged panels, appliances, and wiring. Note dates/times and save invoices for repairs and equipment replacement.

Why Hire a Licensed Electrician After a Storm

• Ensuring code compliance and safety: A licensed electrician can verify grounding/bonding, inspect water-exposed components, and restore service safely in accordance with Florida codes.
• Professional repairs prevent future hazards: Improper splices or temporary fixes can lead to shorts and fires. Professional repairs protect your family and home long-term.
• Brandon Electric’s hurricane response and support: Brandon Electric provides prompt, professional service across Tampa Bay for inspections, surge protection, panel repairs, and safe generator setups.

Quick Pre-Storm Electrical Checklist

• Schedule a licensed electrician to inspect the main panel, breakers, and grounding/bonding.
• Install/confirm whole-home surge protection; add surge strips for electronics.
• Service and test your generator; use a transfer switch or interlock (never backfeed).
• Secure exterior outlets/fixtures with weatherproof covers; elevate cords.
• Charge phones, battery packs, and flashlights; gather spare batteries.
• Label critical circuits; know how to safely shut off power if instructed.