Pre-Hurricane Checklist: How to Prep Your Generator Before Storm Season

A generator that sat since last year’s storm season is the one most likely to fail when the next hurricane hits. Carburetors varnish, batteries die, oil degrades, and cords crack in storage. This checklist is about preparing the generator you already own, ideally weeks before the first named storm heads your way, so that it starts on the first pull and runs for days without surprises.

When to do it

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Do a full service in May, then a quick check each month and again when a storm is forecast. Last-minute prep competes with long lines for fuel, parts, and supplies.

The mechanical checklist

Step-by-step prep

1. Fuel system

Drain any gasoline more than a few months old, even if stabilized. Inspect fuel lines for cracks and the fuel valve for leaks. If the engine surges or starts only on choke, clean or replace the carburetor now. For dual-fuel models, inspect the propane regulator hose for cracks and fill cylinders.

2. Oil

Change the oil, even if hours are low; oil degrades with time. Keep extra oil on hand; during extended outages you will need to check it every 8 hours or so and change it roughly every 50 to 100 hours depending on the manual. A week-long outage at 12 hours per day is 84 hours.

3. Spark plug and air filter

Replace the plug and set the gap per the manual. Clean foam filters, replace paper elements. Stock a spare of each.

4. Battery

Charge the electric-start battery and connect a maintainer. Confirm the recoil pull works as a backup.

5. Load test

Run the generator for 30 minutes at 50 percent load using a space heater or real household loads through your transfer switch. Confirm voltage and frequency with a plug-in meter.

Electrical checklist

• Inspect extension cords and the generator cord for cuts and scorching.
• Test your transfer switch or interlock kit; label which circuits you plan to run.
• Balance loads across both legs of a 240V transfer switch.
• Test GFCI outlets on the generator.

Fuel planning

Storing that much gasoline is impractical and hazardous for many households; propane cylinders stored outdoors or reduced run hours paired with a power station help. Check local rules on fuel storage limits.

Placement plan

Choose the generator’s operating spot now: at least 20 feet from the home, exhaust pointed away from doors, windows, and vents, on high ground away from flooding, and with a path for the cord. Buy an operating cover rated for rain. Never plan to run it in the garage, carport, or on a porch.

Supplies to stage

• Spare oil, plug, air filter, funnel, and a rag.
• Fuel stabilizer and approved fuel cans.
• Battery-backed CO alarms for every floor, tested.
• Fire extinguisher rated for fuel fires.
• Flashlight and headlamp for nighttime refueling after cooldown.

Document your setup for others

In a storm, the person who knows how the generator works might be away, injured, or exhausted. Write a one-page instruction sheet and keep it in a plastic sleeve with the generator: how to start it, where it goes in the yard, which cord connects to the inlet, the transfer switch or interlock steps, which breakers to turn on and in what order, and how often to check oil and refuel. Add the burn rate and the safe refueling rule: shut off, cool down, then refuel. Walk other adults in the household through a practice run before the season starts so anyone can bring power back safely.

FAQ

How often should I run my generator before hurricane season?

Monthly for 15 to 30 minutes under load keeps the carburetor, battery, and seals healthy.

Should I store the generator with fuel in it?

If you run it monthly with stabilized fuel, yes. For longer storage, run the carb dry or drain it.

Bottom line

Service in May: fresh fuel, oil, plug, filter, battery, and a load test. Plan fuel for a week, pick a safe outdoor spot 20 feet away, and stage spares and CO alarms before the first storm threatens.