Storm PreparednessHurricane Season Checklist: Is Your Backup Generator Ready for a Power Outage?
Key Takeaways
Review your family's emergency plan before hurricane season begins.
Inspect and maintain your backup generator before severe weather arrives. Secure outdoor items and maintain a clear area around your generator.
Keep emergency supplies stocked and easily accessible.
Preparing before hurricane season helps your home remain safer and more comfortable during extended power outages.
With hurricane season comes the possibility of high winds, flooding, heavy rain, and extended power outages. While homeowners can't prevent severe weather, they can prepare for it. Having a hurricane preparedness checklist helps ensure your home, family, and backup power system are ready before a storm arrives.
If you own a backup generator, make sure it's ready to run before hurricane season peaks. A few simple preparation steps can improve reliability and provide greater peace of mind during severe weather.
Review Your Emergency Plan
Preparation starts with having a plan. Every member of your household should know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
Review important information such as:
Emergency contact numbers
Evacuation routes
Local emergency shelters
Locations of flashlights and emergency supplies
Communication plans if family members become separated
Taking time to review these details as hurricane season approaches can help reduce confusion during an emergency.
Inspect Your Backup Generator
Your backup generator should be inspected before hurricane season arrives rather than after a storm is already in the forecast. Look for signs of damage, debris, or anything that could interfere with safe operation. Check that the area around the generator remains clear of leaves, branches, vegetation, and other materials that could block airflow.
If your generator is propane-powered, verify that your fuel supply is adequate for hurricane season. If your home uses natural gas, confirm there are no visible issues with the fuel connection.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance is one of the best ways to improve generator reliability. Prior to hurricane season, it's a good idea to schedule professional service if your generator is due for maintenance. A technician can inspect major components, replace worn parts, check fluid levels, and confirm the generator is operating properly.
Staying current with recommended maintenance helps reduce the risk of unexpected problems during an outage.
Test the Generator Before the Storm
Don't wait until the power goes out to find out your generator isn't working properly.
Many standby generators perform automatic self-tests on a regular schedule, but it's still helpful to verify the system is functioning correctly before hurricane season. Listen for unusual noises, check for warning indicators, and confirm the generator completes its test cycle without errors.
Testing ahead of time gives homeowners an opportunity to address potential issues before severe weather arrives.
Stock Emergency Supplies
Even with a backup generator, it's important to keep emergency supplies on hand.
Consider stocking:
Bottled water
Nonperishable food
Prescription medications
Flashlights
Extra batteries
Portable phone chargers
A battery-powered weather radio
First aid supplies
These supplies can help your household remain comfortable if travel becomes difficult or emergency services are delayed following a hurricane.
Protect Outdoor Items
Strong winds can turn outdoor furniture, grills, decorations, and yard equipment into dangerous projectiles. Before a hurricane arrives, secure or move loose outdoor items into a garage or other protected area. Trim dead tree limbs when appropriate and clear debris that could damage your home or interfere with your generator.
Maintaining a clear area around your generator also helps ensure proper airflow and safe operation.
Know What Your Generator Powers
Not every backup generator is configured to power an entire home. Before hurricane season, understand which appliances and systems your generator supports.
Depending on your installation, your generator may power heating and cooling equipment, refrigerators, lighting, sump pumps, well pumps, internet equipment, medical devices, or your entire home. Knowing what to expect during an outage helps your family plan accordingly.
Stay Informed During the Storm
Continue monitoring forecasts and emergency alerts before, during, and after the hurricane. Battery-powered weather radios, local emergency management agencies, and trusted weather services provide important updates about evacuation orders, road closures, and restoration efforts. Avoid unnecessary travel until local officials determine conditions are safe.
Prepare Before Hurricane Season Begins
The best hurricane preparedness checklist is one you complete before severe weather is in the forecast. Waiting until a storm is approaching often means crowded stores, limited supplies, and less time to address maintenance issues.
Preparing early allows homeowners to inspect their backup generator, stock emergency supplies, review family emergency plans, and make any necessary repairs well before hurricane season peaks. When combined with a properly maintained whole-house generator, these preparations help reduce stress and keep your home safer, more comfortable, and better prepared for extended power outages.
To stay prepared, find a KOHLER Home Generators dealer near you.
FAQs
How often should I service my backup generator before hurricane season?
Most generator manufacturers recommend annual professional maintenance at a minimum. Generators that run frequently may require more regular service. Before hurricane season, check whether your unit is due for its scheduled maintenance. Regular service typically includes checking fluid levels, replacing filters, inspecting the battery, and testing major components.
Can I run my backup generator during heavy rain?
Standby generators are designed and installed for outdoor operation, so they can generally run during rain. However, never operate a portable generator indoors, in a garage, or in any enclosed space, as this creates a serious carbon monoxide hazard. For standby generators, confirm that your unit's installation meets local code requirements and that the surrounding area drains properly to prevent water from pooling around the equipment.
How long can a whole-house generator run continuously during an extended outage?
Runtime depends on the type of fuel your generator uses. Natural gas generators are connected directly to a utility supply line, so they can run indefinitely as long as the gas supply remains uninterrupted. Propane-powered generators are limited by the size of your storage tank, making it important to verify your fuel level before hurricane season and consider refilling if supplies are low. Regardless of fuel type, generators still require periodic rest and maintenance during very extended outages, so consult your owner's manual for manufacturer guidance.
