As chief operating officer at Power Design, I lead our national operations with a focus on efficiency, innovation, and reliability. With more than 20 years of industry experience, predominantly on the electrical side, I’m passionate about helping communities stay prepared—especially when it comes to power and storm readiness.
Last year, as Hurricane Helene became a named storm, our team at Power Design was already in motion—supporting our employee base before, during, and after the storm. We made sure our teams had what they needed to stay safe, and our communities stayed informed. In the aftermath, one thing became clear: a lot of people believed they were prepared… and weren’t.
We saw neighbors leaving doors open with tangles of extension cords, and others scrambling to get fuel when it was already too late. It wasn’t a matter of negligence—it was a matter of knowledge. So this year, we’re offering a few practical tips to help you better prepare, power up, and protect your home or building during hurricane season.
The basics: If you have a generator, make it work smarter
Portable generators are a great starting point, but they must be used safely and efficiently. One of the simplest upgrades? Install a manual transfer switch. This allows you to route power directly to essential circuits at your breaker panel—think refrigerator, lighting, and air conditioning—without wasting fuel on non-essentials or having cords going in and out of windows and doors.
Also critical: placement and ventilation. Keep generators at least 50 feet from doors, windows, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide concerns — too often, people overlook this safety requirement and put their families at risk.
Whole-home generators: A no-brainer for peace of mind
For homeowners who rely on power for medical equipment, work-from-home capabilities, or overall comfort, whole-house generators offer automatic, seamless power restoration. These units can run on various fuel sources, are permanently installed and easy to use. Most have level displays so you can keep it running continuously after a storm, keeping the whole home powered for many days.
Pairing a whole-home generator with an automatic transfer switch means you don’t have to think about flipping anything on. Your system knows exactly what to power and when, and many will even notify you when fuel is running low.
Battery storage: Clean, compact, condo-friendly
If noise, emissions, or storage space are an issue, battery power solutions might be your best bet. They’re ideal for condos, apartments, or homes with limited outdoor space. These systems charge ahead of a storm and can keep key appliances running for days afterward—no fumes, no fuel, and no noise.
The best part? Many of these qualify for tax credits and can be scaled based on your home size or energy usage. They’re portable, safe indoors, and ideal for those looking for a quieter, cleaner backup solution.
Solar + storage: Go all-in on energy
If you’re looking to take full control of your energy future, solar paired with battery storage offers uninterrupted power with little to no fuel dependency. Whether it’s for a single-family home or a multi-unit dwelling, solar systems are becoming more affordable and more efficient. With the right configuration, your system can supply power long after the storm has passed, making outages a thing of the past.
For the community, by the community
Reliable energy in a time of crisis shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be a given. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to protect your family or an HOA leader looking to better serve your community, Power Design offers tailored solutions, consultations, and installation support across Florida and beyond.
From plug-and-play options to fully integrated home systems, there’s something for everyone—and we’re here to help you figure out what’s right for you.
See how we can provide hurricane help: www.powerdesigninc.us/backuppower
Contributed by Joe Micallef, chief operating officer at Power Design Inc.
With more than 25 years in the electrical field, Micallef has experience running job sites from inception to completion. As the COO and member of the executive steering committee, he oversees all aspects of Power Design’s construction projects from Florida to California.
Outside of his work in the field, Micallef is a supporter of the American Cancer Society, dedicating his efforts to the Real Men Wear Pink campaign and its mission of advancing breast cancer research.
Licensed Electrician | OSHA-30 Certification | Fire Alarm and Security System Certified