Hurricane Prep Checklist: Electric, Plumbing & Handyman Tasks for Boynton Beach Homes

Electrical (licensed electrician tasks)

1. Whole-house surge protector. Lightning strikes and post-storm grid surges fry electronics. A $400–$600 install at the panel protects everything plugged in.
2. Generator transfer switch. If you own a portable generator, a manual transfer switch keeps the grid and generator separate. Mandatory for a permanent whole-house unit.
3. Panel inspection. Double-check breakers haven’t silently failed. Any that feel warm or show discoloration need replacement.
4. GFCI on all wet-area outlets. Bathrooms, kitchen, garage, outdoor. If an older home is missing them, upgrade now.
5. Exterior outlet covers. In-use weatherproof covers on every outlet outside. A $12 part that prevents electrocution risk.
6. Tree branches off service drop. Branches rubbing the line from the pole to your home are a storm hazard.
7. Test smoke & CO detectors. Fresh batteries on every detector, or full replacement if older than 10 years.

Plumbing (licensed plumber tasks)

8. Backwater valve. Storm surge can reverse sewer lines into ground-floor fixtures. A backwater valve prevents this.
9. Sump pump test. If you have one, run it with a bucket of water. Replace every 7–10 years.
10. Outdoor hose bibs. Drain garden hoses. Check for leaks now, not after a downpour.
11. Water heater strapping. Older units should be strapped to the wall so they don’t tip in high winds or flooding.
12. Main shut-off valve test. If you can’t turn it, you have a problem to fix right now.
13. Appliance supply hoses. Replace old rubber hoses on washer/dishwasher with braided stainless.
14. Know your meter shut-off. Everyone in the house should know where the water main shut-off is.

Handyman tasks (DIY or handyman)

15. Trim trees back from the roof and walls. Ten feet of clearance where possible.
16. Clean gutters and downspouts. The single biggest source of roof leaks during storms.
17. Secure or install hurricane shutters. Test each one. Replace missing hardware now.
18. Roof inspection. Binoculars from the yard: look for lifted shingles, missing ridge caps, exposed nails.
19. Re-caulk windows and door frames. Fresh sealant prevents wind-driven rain intrusion.
20. Garage door bracing kit. The single biggest failure point during hurricanes on older homes.
21. Remove yard projectiles. Decorative rocks, patio furniture, hanging plants — anything the wind can pick up.
22. Secure fence gates. Broken gates become battering rams.
23. Check soffit vents. Damaged soffits allow wind to lift the roof from inside.
24. Door sweeps and weather stripping. Replace anything that looks cracked or flattened.

Supplies & systems

25. Two-week water supply. 1 gallon per person per day, minimum.
26. Non-perishable food. Plus a manual can opener.
27. First-aid kit & 2-week prescription supply.
28. Battery or hand-crank radio. Because cell towers go down.
29. Cash. ATMs go dark when power does.
30. Document kit. Photos of every room, insurance policy numbers, and the deed — saved in the cloud.

The 48-hour-out plan

When a named storm is forecast to hit Palm Beach County within 48 hours, work this second list: fill bathtub with water (non-potable reserves), fill vehicles with gas, charge every battery pack, move outdoor furniture inside, close shutters, freeze extra water bottles (they keep your fridge cold longer if power drops), and move valuables upstairs or to a higher shelf.

What WDN handles during storm season

We run storm-prep inspections starting in April every year. A single $150–$250 visit covers panel check, water heater, GFCI status, major plumbing shut-offs, caulk condition, and a roof look. If we find anything that needs fixing, you have time to schedule it before June. Call us or request a storm-prep inspection online.