Palmer Electric publishes Florida hurricane electrical safety guide

Palmer Electric has released a free Hurricane Electrical Safety Guide for Orlando and Florida homeowners as hurricane season begins, with NOAA forecasting 8 to 14 named storms this year. The guide focuses on panels, generators, surge protection, flooding, outages and post-storm hazards to help residents reduce electrical risks before and after severe weather.

Why it matters: - Hurricane-related electrical hazards can appear after flooding, outages and storm damage, even when equipment looks normal from the outside. - The guide is aimed at helping Florida homeowners avoid preventable shocks, fires and equipment damage before they restore power or use damaged circuits. - NOAA is forecasting a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, but still expects 8 to 14 named storms, 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes.

What happened: - Palmer Electric published a Hurricane Electrical Safety Guide for Orlando and Florida homeowners. - The guide is free on the company’s website at the Hurricane Electrical Safety Guide. - Palmer Electric said the resource is meant to help residents prepare for severe weather and recognize electrical hazards tied to flooding, outages and storm damage. - Tom Beard, chairman and CEO of Palmer Electric Company, said the guide was created to help homeowners know what to check before a storm, what to avoid during an outage and when to call a licensed electrician.

The details: - The guide covers what to do before, during and after a hurricane. - It includes guidance on whole-home generators, electrical panels, whole-home surge protection, household devices, outdoor electrical components, utility contacts and post-storm warning signs. - The guide includes sections on electrical panel preparation, including access, breaker labeling and when it may be safe to shut off power. - It includes power outage and flood readiness guidance, including backup power planning, medical equipment considerations and utility contact information. - It covers portable and standby generator preparation, safe placement and connection requirements. - It addresses whole-home surge protection, lightning-related power surge risks and older-panel considerations. - It includes guidance on outdoor electrical components such as exterior outlets, lighting, pool equipment, EV chargers and weatherheads. - It lists what not to touch during or after a storm, especially after flooding or visible electrical damage. - It flags post-storm warning signs that may require a licensed electrician. - It includes frequently asked hurricane electrical safety questions for Florida homeowners. - Palmer Electric advises homeowners to keep electrical panels accessible and avoid breaker boxes that require standing in water to reach. - Palmer Electric advises homeowners to prepare backup power plans before outages occur. - Palmer Electric advises homeowners to run portable generators outdoors and away from the home. - Palmer Electric advises homeowners not to connect a generator to home wiring unless a proper transfer switch or approved interlock system has been installed by a qualified professional. - The 2020 National Electrical Code added surge protection requirements for dwelling-unit electrical services. - For homes with older panels, Palmer Electric says a professionally installed whole-home surge protective device can add an important layer of defense against storm-related power surges. - Palmer Electric warns that post-storm hazards can include flooded outlets, water-damaged panels, damaged exterior wiring, fallen service equipment, burning smells, buzzing sounds and repeated breaker trips. - Homeowners are told not to try to restore power or use affected circuits themselves if those warning signs appear. - Palmer Electric says a licensed electrician should inspect the system first. - Palmer Electric offers emergency electrical service when storm-related electrical damage is suspected. - Palmer Electric provides 24/7 emergency electrical service for Orlando and Florida homes and businesses. - Palmer Electric serves Orlando, Orange County and Florida, including Brevard, Lake, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia counties. - Palmer Electric has served Florida since 1951 and is licensed and insured.

Between the lines: - The guide doubles as a lead-generation tool and a public safety resource, but the safety advice itself aligns with standard storm-preparation practices for electrical systems. - By focusing on panels, generators and surge protection, Palmer Electric is targeting the highest-risk decision points homeowners face during and after a hurricane. - The timing suggests the company is trying to capture attention before storms arrive, when residents still have time to inspect equipment and plan backup power.

What's next: - Homeowners can review the guide now and prepare panels, generators, surge protection plans and emergency contacts before severe weather arrives. - Palmer Electric says homeowners should contact a licensed electrician if storm damage is suspected and a system needs inspection before power is restored. - The company will continue offering 24/7 emergency electrical service across its Florida service area.