Prepare Now for Hurricane Season in New Jersey

A home illuminated with power in a neighborhood that has lost power thanks to a whole-home generator.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 1.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast a 60% chance of an above-normal hurricane season*, with a range of 13 to 19 total named storms, including 3-5 major hurricanes.

“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,” said Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm.

We have all seen the effects of powerful storms in New Jersey, with extensive damage or power outages that last for days or even weeks. Here are some ways to protect your home during the five months of hurricane season.

Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

Here are some things you can do right now to be ready all season.

  • Check your sump pump to prevent your basement from flooding, including the battery backup
  • Clean out drains and gutters
  • Keep cell phones charged; purchase backup charging devices
  • Stock up on flashlights and extra batteries

 

Here are some additional steps for when the forecast calls for extreme weather.

  • Have food and drinks that don’t need power to be cooked and eaten
  • Check in with neighbors or family members who may need additional help securing hurricane plans
  • Bring in outside furniture
  • Ensure you have enough of any necessary medications and pet supplies

 

Protect Your HVAC in Extreme Weather

There are extra ways to safeguard your HVAC unit in advance of heavy storms.

  • Clear away any debris around the outdoor unit that might impede airflow
  • Secure loose objects around the yard that could damage the system
  • If your system is not protected with a surge protector, turn off your air conditioning system at the thermostat as well as the circuit breaker, in case of a power surge
    • If you do not have a surge protector, we can add one for you, specifically designed for HVAC systems, or recommend a whole home surge protector to cover your interior electrical system

 

Consider a Whole-Home Generator

Be prepared for a power outage. As we’ve seen in New Jersey, storms – and even excessive heat and grid strains – can cause repeated or extended power outages.

Whole-home standby generators offer 24/7 protection, switching on automatically, even when you are not home. They are much safer than portable generators, with no long cords, gas cans, or exhaust fumes.

A GENERATOR PROTECTS YOUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT— YOUR HOME

  • Keep your pipes from freezing during cold weather
  • Keep your sump pump working and save your home from flooding
  • Keep home security and fire alarm systems operating
  • Discourage intruders from targeting your home

 

A GENERATOR KEEPS YOUR HOUSEHOLD RUNNING

  • Power your home office and its equipment: your modem, router, printers and computers
  • Power your appliances, including tankless water heaters
  • Heating and cooling system continues to keep you comfortable
  • Power important medical equipment

 

With a Whole-Home Generator, Your Power is Always On

Meyer & Depew has been a trusted installer of standby home generators for Central and Northern New Jersey residents for decades. We’ve installed over 500 generators; we also provide expert generator maintenance and repair services for Honeywell/Generac generators. Learn more about our latest special pricing for whole-home generators. Stay safe and comfortable no matter what the weather!

*NOAA.gov