Storm Season Prep: How to Keep Your Home Powered and Safe During Outages

Posted on Feb. 12th, 2025

Storm season has a way of reminding us just how much we rely on electricity. One minute, you're cozy at home watching TV, and the next—boom—the lights flicker, the power cuts out, and you're left scrambling for candles. Whether it’s thunderstorms, hurricanes, or unexpected grid failures, power outages can leave you in the dark—literally and figuratively. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! With the right preparation, you can keep your home safe, powered, and comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. From investing in a generator to protecting your electronics and ensuring your electrical system is storm-ready, here’s how to keep things running smoothly when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Invest in a Reliable Backup Generator

There’s nothing worse than being caught off guard when the power goes out. A standby generator is your best defense against outages, automatically kicking in the moment your main power source fails. Unlike portable generators, which require manual setup and fueling, a standby model connects directly to your home’s electrical system, ensuring a seamless transition during a blackout. This means your refrigerator keeps running, your security system stays online, and you don’t have to fumble around in the dark looking for flashlights. If you live in an area prone to storms, investing in a whole-home generator is a game-changer that keeps life moving without interruption.

Choosing the right generator depends on your power needs, and that’s where professional guidance comes in. Some homeowners only need enough power to keep the essentials running—like lights, WiFi, and appliances—while others want full-home coverage. We can help you determine the perfect generator size and handle the installation, so it’s ready when you need it most. Regular maintenance is also key to keeping your generator in top shape, ensuring it fires up without a hitch when a storm hits. If you’ve been thinking about backup power, now’s the time to act—before you’re left in the dark!

Surge Protection: Safeguard Your Electronics

Storms and power outages don’t just mean inconvenience—they can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system. When power is suddenly lost and then restored, electrical surges can fry appliances, damage sensitive electronics, and even start fires. TVs, computers, and HVAC systems are especially vulnerable to these sudden jolts, making surge protection a must-have for any home. Whole-home surge protectors are installed directly at your electrical panel, keeping your entire system safe from unpredictable power spikes. Think of them as your home’s first line of defense against storm-related damage.

Portable surge protectors—like those built into power strips—offer some protection, but they’re no match for the power surges caused by lightning or grid failures. A professionally installed whole-home surge protection system ensures that every outlet in your home is protected, giving you peace of mind that your most important electronics won’t get fried in the next storm. If your current setup relies on a few old power strips, it’s time for an upgrade. Protect your investment before the next big storm rolls in!

Check and Upgrade Your Electrical Panel

Your home’s electrical panel is like the heart of your power system, distributing electricity safely and efficiently throughout your house. But if your panel is outdated, overloaded, or in poor condition, a power outage could be the least of your worries. Old electrical panels struggle to handle modern energy demands, increasing the risk of failures, blown fuses, and even fire hazards. If you’ve been dealing with flickering lights, frequently tripping breakers, or unexplained power issues, your panel might need an upgrade.

Upgrading your electrical panel ensures that your home can safely handle incoming power once it's restored after an outage. A modern panel can better manage surges, prevent overheating, and distribute electricity more efficiently. This means fewer disruptions, less risk of electrical damage, and a safer home overall. If you’re unsure whether your panel is up to the challenge of storm season, we can inspect it and recommend any necessary upgrades before the bad weather hits.

Trim Trees and Secure Outdoor Equipment

One of the biggest causes of storm-related power outages? Falling trees and branches taking down power lines. Strong winds, heavy rain, and even ice buildup can cause overgrown trees to snap, leading to widespread blackouts and potential property damage. Regularly trimming trees around your home—especially those near power lines—can reduce the risk of power loss and prevent hazardous debris from causing electrical fires.

In addition to tree maintenance, securing outdoor electrical equipment is just as important. Patio lights, electric grills, and extension cords left outside can become dangerous in a storm, leading to short circuits or electrical fires. Before storm season, inspect your outdoor setup and make sure everything is weatherproofed, properly grounded, and secured in place. Small steps like these can make a big difference in preventing electrical issues when severe weather strikes.

Stock Up on Emergency Power Essentials

Even with the best electrical setup, being prepared with emergency supplies is always a good idea. When a storm is on the horizon, make sure you have battery-powered flashlights, extra batteries, and an emergency radio to stay informed. If you rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, consider a backup battery or an alternate power source to keep things running.

A charged power bank for phones and essential electronics can be a lifesaver during extended outages. If you have a generator, stock up on fuel and test it before the storm hits to make sure it’s ready to go. The goal is to stay safe, informed, and comfortable—even when the power is out. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping storm-related stress to a minimum.

Know When to Call a Professional

After a storm, it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands when the power is out. But electrical repairs are no DIY job, especially after severe weather. Downed power lines, damaged panels, and water-exposed wiring pose serious risks that require professional attention. If you experience persistent electrical issues after an outage, call an expert to assess and repair the damage safely.

Flooding is another major concern. If your electrical panel, outlets, or wiring have been exposed to water, don’t turn the power back on until a professional has inspected everything. Water-damaged electrical components can short-circuit and create fire hazards, making professional intervention a must. When in doubt, stay safe and call in the experts before restoring power to your home.

Create a Family Power-Outage Plan

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to storm safety. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do when the power goes out, including where to find flashlights, how to operate a generator safely, and when to avoid electrical appliances. Have an emergency contact list on hand and discuss evacuation plans if severe weather makes it unsafe to stay home.

For families with young children, power outages can feel unsettling. Keeping a few comfort items—like battery-powered nightlights or favorite books—can help make the experience less stressful. Staying calm and prepared ensures that when the lights go out, your family knows exactly what to do until the power comes back on.

Stay Safe and Stay Powered

Storm season doesn’t have to leave you in the dark. With the right preparation—backup power, surge protection, and a well-maintained electrical system—you can weather any storm with confidence. If you need a generator installation, panel upgrade, or electrical inspection before the next big storm, give Check Electric a call at (470) 744-1030. Our expert team is here to keep your home powered, safe, and ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way!