Gulf Coast Storm Prep: How to Protect Your Mobile Home

Tropical Storm Bertha largely missed the Mobile area, but storm season is far from over. Living on the Gulf Coast means every summer brings the possibility of another named storm, and the homeowners who fare best are the ones who prepared well before a storm was ever in the forecast.

Here is a practical checklist of what Mobile and Baldwin County homeowners should do now to get ready for the next Gulf Coast storm.

How to Protect Your AC System Before a Storm

Turn It Off at the Thermostat and Breaker

When a storm is approaching, turn your AC off at the thermostat and shut it off at the breaker before conditions deteriorate. Power surges and outages during a tropical storm can damage the compressor if the system is running when the grid goes down or comes back up. Once power has been stable for a few minutes after the storm, restart the system normally.

Clear Debris from the Outdoor Unit

Clear the area around your outdoor condenser of anything that could become a projectile in gusty winds, including patio furniture, potted plants, loose fencing, and garden tools. Keep at least two feet of clearance around the unit at all times, and do a quick check before any approaching storm.

Schedule a Pre-Season AC Tune-Up

A well-maintained AC system handles the stress of a storm and its aftermath better than one that is already running with worn components or low refrigerant. An annual AC tune-up before peak storm season is the best way to make sure your system is in shape for severe Gulf weather conditions.

Document Your Equipment

Take photos of your outdoor AC unit and other major equipment and keep them stored somewhere accessible outside the home, such as a cloud backup or email to yourself. Pre-storm documentation makes insurance claims significantly easier if you sustain damage.

Electrical Preparedness for the Next Storm

Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

Power surges when the grid goes down and comes back online are one of the most common causes of storm-related damage to electronics, appliances, and HVAC systems. Whole-home surge protection is the most effective defense. Installing surge protection well before storm season means you are covered from the first storm of the year, not scrambling after the first close call.

Unplug Sensitive Electronics Before a Storm Arrives

As a basic precaution before any storm, unplug televisions, computers, and other sensitive devices. Surge protectors and power strips offer some protection but are not a substitute for unplugging during a significant weather event.

Know Where Your Main Breaker Is

Every adult in your household should know where the main electrical panel is and how to shut it off quickly. If flooding reaches any outlets or wiring in your home during a storm, shut off the main breaker immediately and do not restore power until a licensed electrician has inspected the system.

Generator Preparation for Gulf Coast Storm Season

If You Have a Standby Generator

Before storm season gets underway, run a manual test to confirm your generator starts and operates correctly. Check the fuel supply, clear debris from around the unit, and verify the automatic transfer switch is functioning. A generator that has not been serviced in the past year should be tuned up before you need it.

If You Have a Portable Generator

Never run a portable generator inside your home, garage, or any enclosed space. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of storm-related fatalities. Operate portable generators at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent, and test it before the season starts so you are not troubleshooting during an outage.

If You Do Not Have a Generator

A Gulf Coast power outage in August is more than an inconvenience. For households with older family members, young children, or medical equipment that requires power, it can become a dangerous situation quickly. A whole-home standby generator from Hansen Super Techs turns on automatically the moment power goes out, with no manual setup required. Installing one before storm season means it is ready to go from day one.

Plumbing Steps Before Storm Season

Locate your main water shutoff valve and make sure every adult in the household knows how to operate it
Check for slow drains now before a heavy rainfall event pushes them over the edge and causes backflow into lower-level fixtures
Know your gas shutoff location and what to do if you smell gas after a storm

After Any Storm: What to Check Before Turning Everything Back On

Inspect your outdoor AC unit for debris, visible damage, or signs of flooding before restarting
Wait 3 to 5 minutes after power is restored before restarting your AC to allow system pressure to equalize
Check near your electrical panel for moisture before restoring power if your home experienced any flooding
Inspect under sinks and around your water heater for storm-related water intrusion
Do not attempt post-storm repairs yourself on electrical, HVAC, or plumbing systems — call a licensed professional

Hansen Super Techs Is Ready When You Are

Storm season does not wait, and neither should your preparation. Hansen Super Techs serves Mobile, Biloxi, Daphne, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, and the surrounding Gulf Coast area with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and generator services year-round.

Call us at (251) 202-6164 or request service online. The best time to prepare is before the next storm is in the forecast.