When a tropical storm or hurricane heads toward Florida, commercial buildings face unique risks: power outages, property damage, business interruption, and safety hazards. This checklist helps business owners, facility managers, contractors and builders prepare ahead of time by focusing on key areas: structural safety, backup power readiness, communications, and recovery planning.
From new construction to long-term commercial building storm preparedness, the steps you take now can save time, money and reputational risk. By following this checklist and working with a reliable partner like The Generator Guys for commercial generator installation, maintenance, and repair, you’ll be far better equipped to minimize downtime and protect your investment.
Reach out today for a free consultation and custom generator solution tailored to your commercial building’s needs.
With years of experience protecting Central Florida homes and businesses, our licensed technicians are certified experts in backup power. We deliver top-quality, safe, and professional installations and maintenance for leading brands like Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Kohler.
In Florida, the risk of severe tropical cyclones and hurricanes is notably high accounting for approximately 41 % of all U.S. hurricane landfalls since 1851.
Between 1980 and 2024 the state recorded 94 tropical-cyclone disaster events exceeding $1 billion in losses, part of 94 total billion-dollar weather/climate disasters in that period.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is forecasted to be above‑average, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expecting 13 to 19 named storms, 6 to 10 of which could become hurricanes, including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher).
By following this checklist, business owners, property managers and contractors in Sanford and the larger Central Florida region will have a strong defence against the next big weather event. It positions you beyond “just responding” and into being proactive, a key part of long-term commercial building storm preparedness.
Be ready when a storm approaches your commercial building. Use this storm preparedness checklist to safeguard your business and get your backup power solutions handled by The Generator Guys today.
Florida’s commercial buildings face frequent hurricanes, tropical storms, and flash flooding. A well-designed storm preparedness checklist ensures your operations, staff, and physical assets remain protected. From safeguarding electrical systems to implementing disaster recovery plans, preparation is essential to reduce downtime and financial losses.
A reliable commercial generator is a key component of your plan. The right commercial-grade system will automatically restore power in seconds, keeping critical systems running, from server rooms to life-safety equipment.
Planning ahead is more than just securing your property, it’s about business continuity. Businesses that integrate disaster recovery plans for businesses and backup power solutions are far more resilient when hurricanes strike.
Before every storm, understanding hurricane strength helps you plan effectively. The Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale measures potential property damage based on sustained wind speeds from Category 1 storms with minimal impact to Category 5 hurricanes capable of catastrophic destruction.
|
Category |
Wind Speed (MPH) |
Potential Damage |
|
Category 1 |
74–95 mph |
Minor damage to roofs, gutters, and power lines. Short-term outages possible. |
|
Category 2 |
96–110 mph |
Extremely dangerous winds cause extensive damage to roofing and trees. Several-day power outages are likely. |
|
Category 3 |
111–129 mph |
Devastating damage occurs; trees uprooted, roofs and small buildings destroyed; prolonged power outages. |
|
Category 4 |
130–156 mph |
Catastrophic damage; most trees uprooted, widespread blackouts for weeks. |
|
Category 5 |
157+ mph |
High percentage of homes destroyed; total failure of many buildings, widespread devastation; power outages lasting weeks to months. |
*Even lower-category storms can disrupt utilities and communications that’s why having a standby generator isn’t optional in Florida; it’s essential. Power outages can last days or even weeks, making a whole-home generator a critical part of your storm preparedness plan.
Pro Tip: When a hurricane reaches Category 3 or higher, it’s time to activate your emergency plan and ensure your generator is fully fueled and functional.
Fuel Type | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
Natural Gas (NG) | Unlimited run time | Performance loss (less power than propane/diesel), utility dependence. | Homes with an existing NG line, urban areas. |
Propane (LP) | Stores on site for complete independence, long shelf life. | Requires an external tank, refilling is needed for extended outages. | Rural areas, where NG is unavailable, long-term storage needs. |
Diesel | Most power output, readily available fuel. | High noise, higher maintenance cost, short fuel shelf life (requires stabilizers). | Commercial or industrial applications (less common for residential). |
Choosing the generator itself depends on balancing fuel source, power capacity, and budget. This choice impacts the complexity and cost to install a generator.
A reliable storm supply kit ensures you can stay safe and self-sufficient when roads close and stores sell out. Every Florida household should stock the following essentials:
Use a portable generator or power bank to keep critical devices like phones, radios, and medical equipment charged when the grid goes down.
Before storm season peaks, make sure you and your family know exactly what to do. Preparation reduces panic and ensures everyone stays safe.
Visit your county’s official emergency management website to determine your evacuation zone and routes in advance
If evacuation isn’t necessary, designate an interior, windowless room as your “safe zone.”
If evacuation isn’t necessary, designate an interior, windowless room as your “safe zone.”
Trim trees, anchor outdoor furniture, and protect windows with shutters or plywood. Keep your generator elevated and covered to prevent flood damage.
Ensure your standby or whole-home generator is inspected and serviced before the first major storm arrives. Certified installers can test your transfer switch, check fuel lines, and confirm your generator is hurricane-ready.
If You Stay:
If You Evacuate:
Storm preparedness isn’t just a one-time activity. Long-term planning includes:
This proactive approach reduces risk exposure and keeps your business operational even in severe weather conditions.
Certified installers like Generator Guys:
Factory Certification: Our technicians are factory-trained by Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton.
This list covers the most important steps to ensure a smooth, professional setup.
Phase | Key Action | Compliance Check |
Before Install | Finalize permit approval and set unit on level, solid foundation. | Zoning, Setback, and HOA approval confirmed. |
During Install | Connect ATS and dedicated fuel line. | Non-Utility Isolation (Anti-back-feed) verified. |
After Install | Run a full-load test and customer orientation. | Final municipal inspection passed. |
Once the generator installation is complete, maintaining your unit is key to long-term reliability.
We recommend a scheduled maintenance plan to keep your system ready. Maintenance includes:
Automatic Exercise Cycle: Allow your generator to run its self-test (usually once a week) to lubricate components.
Annual Service: Schedule routine maintenance (oil change, filter replacement) with Generator Guys to keep the warranty active and the unit reliable.
If you see an error light, hear unusual noises, or the weekly self-test fails, call Generator Guys immediately. We offer 24/7 emergency repair services in Sanford, FL and across the Central Florida area.
Look for three things: Certification, Insurance, and Local Expertise. A qualified partner is factory-authorized, carries comprehensive insurance, and has a strong history of compliance with Florida’s unique building codes.
If you see an error light, hear unusual noises, or the weekly self-test fails, call Generator Guys immediately. We offer 24/7 emergency repair services in Sanford, FL and across the Central Florida area.
Generator Guys’s certified technicians are factory-trained for the specific brands we install, ensuring the highest safety and performance standards. We answer the phone with a live person and prioritize responsive service.
Investing in a professionally installed whole-home generator ensures your family, property, and lifestyle remain uninterrupted during storms, hurricanes, and power outages. From proper planning to maintenance, working with a certified Florida installer guarantees safety, reliability, and long-term peace of mind.
