Hurricane preparation for AC and generators

Before a storm, list the exact cooling loads, service the equipment, stage fuel, and decide how each appliance will connect. Never feed a generator through a wall outlet: a transfer switch prevents power from backfeeding into utility lines (FEMA).

Assess your cooling and power needs before the storm

Start by listing what actually needs electricity during an outage — window AC units, refrigerators, medical devices, phones, and any medication that requires refrigeration. Ready.gov recommends talking with your medical provider ahead of time about backup plans for powered medical equipment and refrigerated medicines, since outages can last well beyond a few hours. If someone in the household depends on electric medical equipment, NOLA Ready suggests registering a Smart911 profile so responders know in advance.

Have battery-powered flashlights, a corded (not cordless) phone if possible, and a way to charge devices without relying on the grid (Ready.gov).

What to check

Homeowners can do the following themselves:

Confirm the generator starts and runs, and keep the manufacturer instructions with it (FEMA).
Store fuel outside living areas in labeled, non-glass containers, away from any fuel-burning appliance (FEMA).
Plan generator placement at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and attached garages — NOLA Ready calls this the “20-20-20 rule”: 20 feet of clearance, a 20-minute cooldown before refueling, and a $20 battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm (NOLA Ready).
Keep at least 5 feet of clearance above the generator and aim exhaust away from the house and vents (NOLA Ready).
Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or in any partially enclosed space, even with fans or open windows — carbon monoxide can build up quickly and is undetectable without an alarm (FEMA).

Installation and wiring

Never plug a generator into household wiring or a wall outlet. That can backfeed utility lines and injure a lineman, while bypassing the home’s circuit protection (FEMA). Install a transfer switch before storm season, or connect individual appliances with cords rated for their loads (Ready.gov).

Protect appliances and food if cooling stops

Before and during an outage, disconnect sensitive electronics and appliances to protect them from surges when power returns (Ready.gov). Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed — a full refrigerator stays below 40°F for about four hours, and a full freezer for about 48 hours (Ready.gov). Discard food that reaches 40°F or higher.

Watch for carbon monoxide symptoms

Install battery-backed carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home ahead of the storm (FEMA). Know the warning signs — headaches, dizziness, weakness, chest pain, nausea, or confusion — and if anyone shows these symptoms, move everyone outdoors immediately and call 911 (NOLA Ready).

For more on choosing and running a generator, see the generators section.

Sources

Power Outages | Ready.gov, accessed 8/12/2026
Use Generators Safely at Home | FEMA.gov, accessed 8/12/2026
Power Outage - NOLA Ready, accessed 8/12/2026