Sheep Electrical • Homeowner Guide

Prepare Your Home for a Power Outage Before the Storm

A useful outage plan covers more than a generator. Think about the people in the home, the equipment you rely on, and what you will do if the interruption lasts longer than expected.

List what matters most

Start with refrigeration, essential lighting, communication, and any medical needs. If someone depends on powered medical equipment, arrange a specific backup and evacuation plan with the appropriate care providers. Do not rely on an assumed utility restoration time.

Keep flashlights available and phones charged when severe weather is expected. Know how to obtain official weather and utility updates if your home internet is unavailable.

Plan backup power properly

A generator must be selected and connected for the loads it is intended to support. Starting requirements, fuel supply, installation location, and maintenance all matter. Not every generator will operate every appliance at once.

Never feed a generator into a wall outlet. A connection to household wiring requires appropriate transfer equipment and professional installation. Our generator and transfer switch service can help establish a suitable plan.

Keep portable generators outside

CPSC advises operating portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from the home, with exhaust directed away from the home and other occupied buildings. Never operate one in a garage, even with the door open. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and maintain working carbon monoxide alarms.

Understand what surge protection does

Surge protective devices help limit certain transient voltage events. They do not keep the power on, make flooded equipment safe, or guarantee protection against every lightning event. Treat them as one part of preparation.

Have damaged outdoor covers, unreliable outlets, or other known electrical concerns evaluated before the storm season becomes an immediate deadline.

After the weather passes

• Stay away from downed wires and damaged service equipment.
• Do not touch electrical equipment while standing in water.
• Have water-damaged equipment evaluated before reuse.
• Report outages and visible utility damage through official channels.
• Expect repair, inspection, and reconnection steps when the home’s service is damaged.

Follow evacuation and emergency instructions even if you have backup power. A generator does not make a property safe to occupy during every storm condition.

Further reading: CPSC portable generator safety guidance