Hurricane Season Electrical Checklist for Miami-Dade Homes

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms bring power outages, surges when power comes back and sometimes flooding. Here's how to get your home's electrical system ready, and how to stay safe after a storm.

Before the season

Add whole-home surge protection

Lightning and the surges that come when power is restored can damage A/C systems, appliances and electronics. A surge protector installed at the panel protects the whole house, not just what's plugged into a power strip. Learn about surge protection.

Plan your backup power the safe way

If you'll use a generator, it needs a safe connection to your home. A transfer switch or an interlock kit installed by a licensed electrician keeps generator power from flowing back into utility lines, which can injure line workers and damage your equipment. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet. Learn about generator installation.

Have older wiring and panels checked

Storms put stress on systems that are already weak. If your home has an older panel or wiring, have it inspected before the season rather than after.

Know where your main breaker is

Make sure everyone in the house knows how to shut off power at the main breaker, in case of flooding or damage.

During an outage

• Run portable generators outdoors only, far from doors, windows and vents. Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can kill.
• Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from the surge when power returns.
• Check FPL's outage map before assuming a problem is inside your home.

After the storm

• Stay away from downed power lines and report them to FPL.
• If water reached outlets, the panel or appliances, don't touch them and don't turn the power back on. Have a licensed electrician inspect them first.
• If you smell burning or see sparks when power returns, shut off the main breaker if it's safe to do so and call for help.

For an electrical emergency, call us any time, 24/7, and we'll connect you with a licensed electrician who takes emergency calls. What to do in an electrical emergency.