How to Keep Your Electrical System Safe During Hurricane Season

Living in Wilmington and along the southeastern North Carolina coast means being prepared for hurricane season. Strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding don’t just threaten roofs and trees, they can also put serious stress on your electrical system. Taking a few proactive steps can help keep your home or business safe when storms roll through.

  1. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

Lightning strikes and sudden outages often cause dangerous power surges. These can fry appliances, damage electronics, and even harm your wiring. A whole-home surge protector adds a critical layer of defense against these sudden spikes.

  1. Protect Outdoor and Low-Lying Electrical Systems

If you have outdoor outlets, lighting, or wiring in low areas, they’re at higher risk during heavy rain or flooding. Make sure they’re weatherproofed and properly sealed. For homes or businesses in flood-prone zones, it’s worth having a licensed electrician inspect and secure vulnerable circuits.

  1. Consider a Backup Power Source

Extended outages are common after hurricanes. Installing a generator hookup or transfer switch ensures you can safely power essentials like refrigerators, sump pumps, or medical equipment without the dangers of running extension cords through windows or doors.

  1. Secure Your Electrical Panel

Your panel is the heart of your system, and it should always be easy to access. Keep the area around it clear and dry, and if you know a storm is coming, make sure you know how to safely shut off power if needed.

  1. Schedule a Pre-Season Electrical Inspection

Just like you’d check your roof or trim your trees before hurricane season, it’s smart to have a licensed electrician inspect your wiring, outlets, and panel. Small issues, like loose connections or outdated breakers, can become big problems in a storm.

Shield Electric: Here When You Need Us Most

At Shield Electric, we know what it takes to prepare for hurricane season in Wilmington, Leland, Hampstead, Carolina Beach, and surrounding areas. From surge protection to generator hookups, we make sure your electrical system is ready to weather the storm.

A little preparation now can save you from costly damage and added stress later. Stay safe, stay prepared, and know that we’re here if you need help.