Storm prep lists always cover water and batteries. Here is the electrical side, from people who get the calls the week after.
Before the season
Know where your main breaker is, and make sure it moves freely
Look at the meter base and exterior panel for rust or gaps in the seal
Check the indicator light on your surge protector, if you have one
Run your generator for ten minutes and check the fuel stabilizer
Have a permitted way to connect it — not a cord through a window
After the power goes out
Turn off big loads so the return surge does not hit them all at once
Never run a generator in a garage, even with the door open
If water reached outlets or the panel, keep the power off and call
If the meter or mast was pulled off the house, that repair is on the homeowner side — call us before the utility can reconnect
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“Super helpful with the permitting process and very responsive.”
Quick answers
Who fixes a meter base torn off in a storm?+
The meter belongs to the utility, but the meter base, mast and service entrance are the homeowner’s. A licensed electrician repairs those before the utility reconnects.
Should I unplug electronics before a storm?+
Yes, for anything you care about. Whole-home surge protection helps, but unplugging is free.
WRITTEN BY
Tony Taylor
Owner of In Phaze Electric. Navy veteran, 30 years on the tools, Florida license ER13014254. If the answer is “you don’t need us,” he’ll say so.
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