Hurricane prep for generator owners
A practical checklist for Brazoria, Galveston and Harris county homeowners, before the season, when a storm is coming and after it passes.
Hurricane prep for generator owners: an overview
Living on the upper Texas coast means planning for tropical weather every year. A standby generator is one of the best ways to keep a home livable through a long outage, but it only helps if it’s ready, fueled and clear of hazards.
This page collects the generator-related steps we recommend to our customers. It isn’t a substitute for official guidance; always follow the National Weather Service, your county emergency management office and any evacuation orders.
If you don’t have a generator yet, the best time to plan one is well before the season. Permits, equipment and scheduling all take time, and the weeks before a storm are the busiest of the year.
What’s included
What this work typically covers. Your scope depends on your home and equipment.
Before the season
Schedule a pre-hurricane tune-up, replace aging batteries and confirm monitoring works.
Fuel
If you’re on LP-gas, keep the tank filled. If you’re on natural gas, know where your shut-off is.
Clear the area
Keep plants, debris and stored items away from the enclosure and exhaust.
When a storm is named
Check the app, secure loose items nearby and review how the system works.
During the outage
Let the standby unit run automatically, and keep portable generators far from doors and windows.
After the storm
If water reached the generator or switch, keep it off and call for an inspection.
Safety reminders
- Never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage
- Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms
- Stay away from downed power lines
- Don’t touch electrical equipment while standing in water
- Follow evacuation orders, even if you have a generator
Why homeowners call Kelm for hurricane prep
Certified Generac and Kohler dealer
We install and service both brands, so recommendations are based on your home, not on a single product line.
Electrical and fuel under one roof
Clint Kelm holds Texas Master Electrician and Master Plumber licenses and an RRC LP-Gas exemption, so the wiring, transfer switch and gas line are all handled by Kelm.
Standby generators since 2005
Clint has installed and serviced residential and commercial standby generators for two decades on the Gulf Coast.
Local and family-run
Kelm Home Services has been a family business for more than 50 years, based in League City and Santa Fe.
How it works
From your first call to a finished, tested job.
Spring
Tune-up, battery check and monitoring check.
June 1
Hurricane season begins; keep fuel topped off.
Storm in the Gulf
Check the app and clear the area around the unit.
Outage
Let the system run; check alerts periodically.
Afterward
Inspect for damage and schedule service if it ran long.
Hurricane Prep FAQ
Common questions about this service.
Should I turn my generator off before a hurricane?
In most cases a standby generator should stay in automatic mode. If flooding is expected to reach the unit or you’re evacuating, ask us about your situation.
How long can my generator run?
Run time depends on fuel supply and load. Natural gas units can run as long as gas service continues; LP-gas run time depends on tank size.
Should the generator be serviced after a long outage?
Yes. Long runs use up oil life quickly. Call us to schedule service after extended use.
Can you install a generator right before a storm?
Installs take planning, permits and inspections, so it’s rarely possible on short notice. Plan ahead.
Get an estimate for hurricane prep
Tell us about your home and the work you need. We’ll follow up by your preferred method.
Related services
Pre-Hurricane Tune-Up
Get your standby generator checked before storm season, when the schedule is open, parts are easier to get and the weather is calm.
Learn moreMaintenance Plans
Choose Gold (two visits a year) or Silver (one visit a year) for your air-cooled or liquid-cooled standby generator. Every visit follows the same written checklist.
Learn moreRemote Monitoring
With Kelm’s Mobile Link monitoring plan, if your generator has a fault, we’re notified and send a technician out to correct it, with no service call fee.
Learn moreStandby Generator Installation
Generac and Kohler standby generators installed by a licensed team that handles the electrical, the gas and the pad.
Learn more