When a hurricane is on the horizon, your home’s safety—and your family’s comfort—depend on more than just boarded windows and stocked pantries. At Blue Collar Electric, we know that protecting your HVAC and electrical systems is just as critical. From securing outdoor AC units to pre-cooling your home and unplugging sensitive electronics, these expert-approved tips will help you weather the storm with confidence. Whether you’re staying put or preparing to evacuate, use this checklist to minimize damage, reduce risk, and stay as comfortable as possible—before, during, and after the storm.
Basic Electrical Safety (What You Can See & Feel)
- Look for flickering or dimming lights inside your home
- Check outlets and switches — none should feel warm or hot
- Unplug and remove overloaded power strips (too many things plugged in)
- Make sure cords are not frayed, cracked, or pinched
Easy Risk Checks Around The House
- Identify any outlets near water (kitchen, bathroom, outside)
- — press the “TEST” button if they have one
- Replace any missing or broken outlet covers, especially outdoors
- Make sure extension cords are not running under rugs or across walkways
Outdoor Electrical Safety (Visual Only)
- Check that outdoor outlets have weatherproof covers closed
- Look at your power line connection (from house to pole) — no loose or hanging wires
- Make sure your electric meter area is clear (no debris, branches, or damage)
- Bring in or secure anything that could hit power lines or your house
Backup & Emergency Prep
- Test flashlights and replace batteries
- Charge phones, portable chargers, and backup batteries
- If you have a generator:
- Make sure it starts and has fuel
- NEVER run it inside or in the garage
- Plan to keep it far away from doors/windows
HVAC (AC) System Prep – Before The Storm
- Turn off your AC at the thermostat if a storm is approaching
- Clear leaves, branches, and loose items around your outdoor unit
- Do NOT wrap or cover the unit tightly unless its made for AC systems (it can trap moisture)
Simple System Health Checks
- Replace your air filter (clean filter = less strain during storm season)
- Make sure vents inside your home are not blocked by furniture
- Check that your AC is cooling normally before the storm hits
Flood & Storm Awareness
- Know where your AC system is located — avoid running it if flooding occurs
- If your outdoor unit gets submerged:
- Do NOT turn it back on
- Call Blue Collar to inspect it first
After The Storm
- Look for visible damage (wires down, unit tilted, debris impact)
- If anything looks off — don’t turn systems on yet
- If power flickers or smells like burning – leave it off and call Blue Collar for help
Simple Rule to Remember – If you have to open a panel, touch wiring, or “figure it out” — DON’T.
Stick to what you can see, hear, or safely touch.
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