Essential Electrical Supplies to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
As hurricane season continues, ensuring your home is prepared for potential storms is essential. While stocking up on food, water, and other basics is important, don't overlook the electrical supplies that can help keep your home safe and functional during and after a hurricane. Here’s a checklist of critical electrical items to have on hand before a hurricane hits.
1. Generator
- Why It’s Essential: A generator is one of the most important items to have during hurricane season. When the power goes out, a generator can keep your essential appliances running, such as refrigerators, medical equipment, and lights.
- Tips for Choosing: Consider the size and power output you need. Portable generators are great for temporary outages, while standby generators can automatically kick in and power your whole house.
2. Extension Cords
- Why It’s Essential: Extension cords allow you to connect multiple devices to your generator or reach areas where outlets are inaccessible during a power outage.
- Tips for Choosing: Look for heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords that can handle the wattage of your appliances. Ensure the cords are long enough to reach from your generator to your home’s critical devices.
3. Surge Protectors
- Why It’s Essential: Power surges are common during storms, especially when the power is restored. Surge protectors can prevent damage to your electronics by absorbing the excess voltage.
- Tips for Choosing: Invest in high-quality surge protectors with a high joule rating for better protection. Consider whole-house surge protectors for comprehensive coverage.
4. Emergency Lighting
- Why It’s Essential: Power outages can leave you in the dark, making it difficult to navigate your home safely. Emergency lighting ensures you have reliable illumination when you need it most.
- Tips for Choosing: Stock up on battery-powered lanterns, flashlights, and LED lights. Solar-powered options are also a great addition, as they can be recharged during the day.
5. Battery Backup Systems
- Why It’s Essential: A battery backup system can keep your critical devices running when the power goes out, especially if you don’t have a generator.
- Tips for Choosing: Look for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units for your electronics, such as computers and modems, to keep them running during short outages. For longer-lasting power, consider larger battery backup systems that can keep lights, fans, and other essential devices operational.
6. Weatherproof Electrical Covers
- Why It’s Essential: Protecting your outdoor outlets and electrical connections from rain and moisture is crucial during a hurricane. Weatherproof covers keep these areas safe from water damage.
- Tips for Choosing: Ensure that all outdoor outlets are covered with weatherproof boxes or covers. For generators and other outdoor equipment, use heavy-duty covers designed to withstand harsh weather conditions.
7. Portable Power Banks
- Why It’s Essential: Portable power banks are a convenient way to keep your phones, tablets, and other small devices charged during a power outage.
- Tips for Choosing: Choose power banks with high capacity and multiple charging ports. Solar-powered power banks are also a great option for extended outages, as they can be recharged with sunlight. We sell NEBO portable power banks that double as high-powered LED flashlights.
8. GFCI Outlets and Circuit Breakers
- Why It’s Essential: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) protect against electrical shock by shutting off the power when a fault is detected. They are particularly important in areas prone to flooding.
- Tips for Choosing: Install GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas. Consider GFCI circuit breakers for broader protection across multiple circuits. We explore GFCI circuit breakers in our blog, Understanding Ground Fault Circuit Breakers: How They Work and Why You Need Them.
9. Electrical Tape and Insulation Materials
- Why It’s Essential: Electrical tape and insulation materials are useful for making quick repairs to exposed wires or securing loose connections, helping prevent potential hazards.
- Tips for Choosing: Keep a variety of electrical tapes on hand, including weather-resistant and waterproof options. Insulating foam and wraps can also be useful for protecting exposed wiring.
10. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Why It’s Essential: During a hurricane, the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning increases, especially if you’re using generators or other fuel-powered devices indoors. Detectors are your first line of defense against these dangers.
- Tips for Choosing: Ensure your detectors are battery-operated and have fresh batteries. Consider units with long-life batteries that last up to 10 years. Also, make sure you have enough detectors to cover all areas of your home.
Conclusion
Preparing for hurricane season involves more than just securing your home’s physical structure; it’s also about ensuring that your electrical system and devices are ready to withstand the storm. By having these essential electrical supplies on hand, you can protect your home, keep your family safe, and stay connected even when the power goes out. Don’t wait until the last minute—start gathering these items now to ensure you’re fully prepared for whatever hurricane season may bring.
Brevard County, FL residents, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Brevard County Emergency Management website. "In the event of an actual emergency situation, your knowledge of what to do will be of great benefit to you and your family."