Is Your Home Ready for Hurricane Season? The Ultimate Grand Strand Electrical Safety Guide

Living in our beautiful coastal community, from North Myrtle Beach down through The Grand Strand, means embracing the coastal lifestyle. It also means respecting the power of hurricane season. While we can't stop the storms, we can take decisive action to protect our homes, our families, and our peace of mind.

At Loftis Lighting & Electrical, your safety is our first priority. We've created the definitive electrical safety guide to walk you through every stage of storm preparedness. This isn't just a checklist; it's a complete plan for weathering the storm.

Part 1: BEFORE the Storm - Your Pre-Hurricane Action Plan

Preparation is everything. What you do in the days and weeks before a storm warning is issued will make all the difference.

Shield Your Electronics: Surge Protection is Non-Negotiable

Lightning strikes and fluctuating power from the grid can send catastrophic voltage surges through your home's wiring, destroying expensive electronics in an instant.

• Whole-Home Surge Protection: This is your first line of defense. A whole-home device is installed directly at your electrical panel, protecting every single outlet in your house from external surges. It's an essential investment for any modern Grand Strand home.
• Point-of-Use Protectors: For critical electronics like your entertainment center and home office, supplement with high-quality surge protector power strips. Note: Not all power strips offer surge protection!

Loftis Pro Tip:

Contact us today to schedule a Whole-Home Surge Protector consultation. It's the single best investment you can make in pre-storm prep.

Power Up Your Plan: Generator Readiness & Safety

When the power goes out, a generator can be a lifesaver. But it can also be extremely dangerous if not handled correctly.

For Portable Generators:

• NEVER run a generator inside your home, garage, or on a covered porch. They produce deadly, odorless carbon monoxide. Always operate it at least 20 feet away from your home with the exhaust pointing away.
• NEVER plug your generator directly into a wall outlet. This is called "backfeeding," and it can electrocute utility workers repairing the lines down the street.
• The Safe Way: Power appliances by running extension cords directly from the generator to the device.

For Whole-Home Standby Generators:

• A professionally installed standby generator is the gold standard for safety and convenience. It turns on automatically when the power fails and runs on your home's natural gas or propane supply.
• A Transfer Switch is Required by Law: This device safely disconnects your home from the grid before the generator kicks in, preventing dangerous backfeeding.

Loftis Pro Tip:

We specialize in the professional installation of Standby Generators and transfer switches. Ensure your family's comfort and safety with a seamless, automatic power solution.

Secure Your Exterior

• Trim Trees: Trim branches that are near or touching the power lines running to your home. If the branches are large or directly on the lines, call your utility company—do not attempt this yourself.
• Landscape Lighting: Secure or temporarily remove any decorative landscape lighting fixtures that could become projectiles in high winds.

Part 2: DURING the Storm - Riding Out the Power Outage

Once the storm hits and the power goes out, your focus shifts to safety and conservation.

• Turn Off & Unplug: Turn off all major appliances and unplug sensitive electronics like TVs and computers. This prevents damage from the initial power surge when the electricity is restored.
• Keep Fridges and Freezers Closed: An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours.
• Rely on Batteries: Use flashlights and battery-powered lanterns for light, not candles, to minimize fire risk. Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio handy for weather alerts from sources like the National Weather Service.

Part 3: AFTER the Storm - Safe Recovery and Inspection

The sky may be clear, but hidden electrical dangers can remain. Proceed with extreme caution.

• EXTREME DANGER: Downed Power Lines. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 30 feet away. Assume it is live and dangerous. Do not touch it or anything it is in contact with. Call 911 and your utility company immediately.
• Beware of Water Damage: Never touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water. If your electrical panel or outlets have been submerged, they are likely ruined and unsafe. Do not switch on any breakers until your system has been inspected by a professional.
• The Professional Post-Hurricane Inspection: The only way to be certain your home is safe is with a professional inspection. A licensed electrician will check your main panel, breakers, wiring, and outlets for water damage, corrosion, or surge-related issues.