After three major hurricanes struck the Central Florida area in 2004, preparing for an approaching hurricane was never the same.
Many Central Floridians found themselves without power following the 2004 hurricanes -- some for weeks -- while crews tried to put together again what Mother Nature tore apart.
Others made the mad rush to get that year's hottest-selling item, the generator.
“Basically we were order takers,” Mark Youmans from the House of Power in Palm Bay, Fla., said. “People would come on in the door with credit cards in their hands buying whatever we had. It didn't matter if it was a 1,000, 2,000, 3,500 or 7,000. If we had an 11,000, they were ready to buy it."
However, even with 7,000 watts of power, life doesn't return to normal.
"You would be able to run some ceiling fans, a couple of lights,” said Ralph Durham, Jr. from Durham Electric. “You might be able to get your refrigerator on, but you are never going to approach the level of central air needs."
A 40- or 45-kilowatt generator may keep the house lit, run all the appliances, and keep the air cool. However, it comes with a price tag.
Durham said that if you don’t want to invest a lot of money, go to a basic transfer switch and purchase a 12- or 15-kilowatt generator.
“You could at least put in a window unit or conditioned room comfort and provide for your refrigerator and some general lighting,” Durham said. “That way you can come through this season without spending $20,000."
Durham emphasized that a homeowner should not try to hook up a transfer switch alone. Permits are usually required, and professional installation is a necessary to prevent fire and a shock hazard.
Generators are expected to be a hot item again this season, storms or not. In fact, many people might be repeat customers.
"A lot of people I know have sold their generators saying 'OK, the worst is over,'" Durham said. “Everything I've heard it's going to be just as bad this year."
During hurricane season, News 13's team of meteorologists will have tropical updates at 21 minutes and 51 minutes past every hour.