Living in Nassau County means being prepared for unpredictable weather. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding can cause serious damage to your home’s electrical system if it isn’t ready. Hurricane season is a yearly reminder that safety should come first — not just for your property, but for your family.
At Haines Electric, our team specializes in helping Nassau homeowners storm-proof their electrical systems. Below, we’ll break down the steps you should take to keep your home safe and reliable when the power grid is under stress.
Install Whole-House Surge Protection
When lightning strikes or power lines are damaged, surges can travel through the electrical grid into your home. While many people rely on small plug-in surge strips, they only protect individual devices.
A whole-house surge protection system shields your entire electrical panel — including appliances, HVAC systems, and sensitive electronics like TVs and computers. This is especially important in older Nassau homes where wiring may already be stressed.
👉 Learn more about our surge protection services for Nassau homeowners.
Invest in a Standby Generator
Power outages are common during hurricane season. A portable generator may keep your lights on temporarily, but it often can’t handle larger systems like refrigerators, sump pumps, or heating and cooling.
A standby generator installation ensures your home continues running smoothly during extended outages. Paired with a transfer switch, it automatically powers on when the utility grid fails. That means peace of mind for families with medical equipment, home offices, or freezers full of food.
👉 Explore our generator installation services.
👉 Ask about our transfer switch installation options for maximum safety.
Check Your Electrical Panel
Your home’s electrical panel is the heart of your system. If it’s outdated, overloaded, or showing signs of wear, a storm could push it past its limit.
Haines Electric specializes in electrical panel upgrades across Nassau County. During hurricane prep, a licensed electrician should:
- Inspect for loose or rusted connections
- Check breaker function
- Confirm capacity for critical appliances
- Upgrade panels if they’re outdated (especially fuse boxes)
By upgrading now, you reduce the risk of dangerous failures when demand spikes during a storm.
Secure Outdoor Wiring and Equipment
Outdoor outlets, pool wiring, and landscape lighting are all exposed to the elements. During storms, water intrusion or falling branches can create fire hazards.
Make sure outlets are covered with weatherproof covers, cords are elevated away from flood zones, and all outdoor equipment is properly grounded. If you’re unsure, book an inspection with a licensed electrician before hurricane season begins.
Develop a Family Electrical Safety Plan
Even the best equipment won’t help if your family doesn’t know what to do when the power goes out. Create a plan that includes:
- Knowing how to safely shut off breakers
- Having flashlights and batteries in every room
- Keeping phones fully charged when a storm is forecasted
- Avoiding floodwater that may be in contact with live wiring
Haines Electric can walk you through best practices during a home safety inspection.
Nassau County Electrical Safety Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to prepare your home:
- ✅ Test your generator before hurricane season starts
- ✅ Install whole-house surge protection
- ✅ Inspect and upgrade your electrical panel if needed
- ✅ Schedule generator maintenance to ensure it runs reliably
- ✅ Secure and cover all outdoor outlets
- ✅ Stock up on flashlights, batteries, and portable chargers
- ✅ Book a professional electrical inspection with Haines Electric
Why Work With a Licensed Nassau Electrician?
Hurricane preparation isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety. Improper wiring, DIY generator connections, and neglected panels can lead to fires or electrocution. By working with a licensed electrician, you ensure that every upgrade is up to code and inspected.
Haines Electric serves homeowners exclusively in Nassau County. That means we’re always up to date with local codes, permit requirements, and the unique electrical needs of Long Island homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In most cases, permits are required for standby generator installations. Haines Electric handles the entire process to ensure compliance with county codes.
Whole-house surge protection typically ranges from $400–$1,000, depending on your system. It’s a small investment compared to replacing appliances after a storm.
Signs include frequent breaker trips, buzzing sounds, scorch marks, or a panel more than 25 years old. If you have a fuse box, it’s time to replace it immediately.
Not safely. You’ll need a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician to avoid backfeeding, which can be fatal to utility workers.
Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm
Hurricane season in Nassau County isn’t something to take lightly. By investing in surge protection, generator installation, and professional inspections, you’ll keep your home safe, your family comfortable, and your electrical system protected.
👉 Contact Haines Electric today to schedule your hurricane prep inspection.
