Houston’s storm season brings high winds, heavy rain, and the constant threat of flooding — all of which can wreak havoc on your home’s electrical system. From June through November, tropical storms and hurricanes pose real risks to the Greater Houston area. Taking steps now to prepare your electrical system can prevent costly damage and keep your family safe when severe weather hits.
Inspect Your Electrical Panel Before Storm Season
Your electrical panel is the first line of defense when storms cause power surges and outages. Before storm season arrives, have a licensed electrician inspect your panel for:
- Corroded or loose connections that could fail under stress
- Outdated breakers that may not trip properly during a surge
- Adequate capacity to handle a whole-home surge protector or generator
- Proper grounding to protect against lightning strikes
An inspection takes about an hour and gives you peace of mind heading into storm season.
Install Whole-Home Surge Protection
Lightning strikes and power grid fluctuations during storms can send voltage spikes through your home’s wiring, damaging expensive electronics, appliances, and HVAC systems. A whole-home surge protector installs at your electrical panel and diverts excess voltage safely to ground before it reaches your devices.
Point-of-use surge protectors (power strips) offer some protection, but they are no substitute for panel-level protection. For the best defense, use both — a whole-home protector at the panel and point-of-use protectors for sensitive electronics like computers and TVs.
Consider a Backup Generator
Extended power outages are common during Houston storms. Hurricane Beryl in 2024 left hundreds of thousands of CenterPoint Energy customers without power for days in extreme heat. A backup generator ensures your home maintains power for critical systems:
- Portable generators can power essential circuits like the refrigerator, a few lights, and phone chargers. They cost between $500 and $2,000 and require manual setup during an outage.
- Whole-home standby generators connect directly to your electrical panel and start automatically when power goes out. They run on natural gas or propane and can power your entire home. Installation typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on the size.
If you are considering a generator, have it installed and tested well before storm season. Demand for generator installations spikes after major storms, and wait times can stretch to weeks.
Protect Outdoor Electrical Components
Outdoor outlets, lighting, and electrical equipment are especially vulnerable during storms. Before storm season:
- Verify all outdoor outlets have weatherproof covers (in-use covers, not just flip-up caps)
- Check that outdoor GFCI outlets are functioning by pressing the test button
- Secure or store any portable outdoor electrical equipment that could become a projectile in high winds
- Trim tree branches that hang near your power lines or service entrance — contact CenterPoint Energy or a tree service for branches near utility lines
Know How to Safely Shut Off Power
Every member of your household should know where the main breaker is located and how to shut off power in an emergency. If floodwaters approach your home:
- Shut off the main breaker at your electrical panel before water reaches it
- Do not touch the panel or any electrical equipment if you are standing in water
- Do not restore power yourself after flooding — have a licensed electrician inspect the system first
Floodwater contaminates electrical components with mud, debris, and chemicals. Energizing a flood-damaged system can cause fires, electrocution, or further damage to your wiring.
Create an Electrical Emergency Kit
Keep these items accessible during storm season:
- Flashlights and extra batteries (avoid candles — they are a fire risk)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Portable phone charger or power bank (fully charged)
- A list of emergency contacts including your electrician’s number
- Photos or documentation of your electrical panel and breaker layout
Schedule a Pre-Storm Electrical Inspection
The best time to address electrical vulnerabilities is before a storm, not after. Call Emergency Electrician Houston at (713) 322-5480 to schedule a pre-storm inspection. We will evaluate your panel, test your surge protection, check your generator connection, and identify any issues that could become problems during severe weather. Stay safe this storm season — preparation makes all the difference.