Is Your Miami Home Electrically Ready for Hurricane Season?

Living in South Florida means hurricane preparation is a non-negotiable part of life. While you might stock up on water and batteries, your home’s electrical system often gets overlooked until the power goes out.

As licensed Miami electricians, we’ve seen the aftermath of improper preparation. This guide covers everything you need to know to protect your family and property during the storm season.

⚡ Quick Answers: Hurricane Electrical Safety

When should I test my generator?

Test your generator at least 30 days before hurricane season begins (June 1st). Run it for 20-30 minutes under load to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Do not wait for a hurricane watch to test it.

Can I plug a generator into a wall outlet?

No, never backfeed a generator into a wall outlet. This is illegal and dangerous. It can electrocute utility workers trying to restore power. Always use a professionally installed transfer switch or interlock kit.

Do I need whole-home surge protection?

Yes, we highly recommend it. Lightning strikes and power surges during storms can destroy expensive appliances (AC units, refrigerators, computers) instantly. A panel-mounted surge protector offers the best defense.

The Essential Pre-Storm Checklist

1. Inspect Your Service Mast & Weatherhead

The pipe connecting your meter to the utility lines (the “weatherhead”) is your responsibility, not FPL’s.

• Look for rust, cracks, or loose straps.
• Ensure tree branches are trimmed at least 10 feet away.
• Tip: If this is damaged during a storm, FPL cannot reconnect your power until a licensed electrician repairs it.

2. Test Your GCFI Outlets

Water and electricity are a deadly mix. Ensure all outdoor, kitchen, and bathroom outlets have working Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). Press the “TEST” button; it should click and cut power. Press “RESET” to restore it.

3. Secure Outdoor Electrical Equipment

• Tighten bolts on outdoor lighting fixtures.
• Secure pool pump covers.
• If you have a dock in Miami Beach or Ft. Lauderdale, turn off the breaker to the dock pedestal to prevent underwater electrical hazards during storm surges.

Generator Safety: Portable vs. Standby

Thinking about backup power? Here is the breakdown for South Florida homes:

Portable Generators (Good)

• Pros: Lower cost, mobile.
• Cons: Requires manual setup, fueling, and a safe storage spot.
• Requirement: Must run outside, at least 20 feet from windows/doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Requires a manual transfer switch for safe home connection.

Whole-Home Standby Generators (Best)

• Pros: Automatic activation (seconds after outage), runs on Natural Gas/Propane, powers entire home (AC included).
• Cons: Higher investment, requires permitting.
• Verdict: For maximum safety and comfort in Miami heat, a standby generator is the superior choice.

Need a generator transfer switch installed?
We install safe, code-compliant manual transfer switches for portable generators.
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What To Do After The Storm

1. Main Breaker First: If power is out, turn off your Main Breaker. This prevents a massive power surge when the grid comes back online (“cold load pickup”) which can damage your internal wiring.
2. Visual Inspection: Before turning anything back on, check for water damage near the panel or outlets.
3. Wait 15 Minutes: Once you see neighbors have power, wait 10-15 minutes before switching your Main Breaker back on to ensure grid stability.

Local Resources

• FPL Power Tracker: FPL Outage Map
• Miami-Dade Emergency Management: miamidade.gov/emergency
• Solomon Electric Emergency Line: 24/7 Availability

Don’t guess with safety. If you suspect storm damage to your electrical system, call Solomon Electric immediately for a safety inspection.