Peace of Mind in a Storm: How One Retiree Gets Through Florida Hurricanes with Jackery

A Life Built Around Backup

Before Richard ever heard of Jackery, he already lived by one rule: always have a backup plan. After spending decades working in air traffic control and emergency services, it became second nature. “In my world, if the power went out, you didn’t panic,” he says from his home office in Tampa. “You had systems. You had time. You were ready.” So after retiring in 2013, he brought that same mindset home. He didn’t expect to need it right away, but living in Florida, it wasn’t long before the first big storm tested his setup.

When the Lights Went Out… But Not Really

One morning, Richard got up and saw the clock on the oven blinking. Classic sign: there had been a power outage overnight. But the microwave? Still running. His bedroom fan? Still spinning. “That’s when I realized,” he says with a chuckle. “They were plugged into the Jackery. I slept through the whole thing.”That moment made it clear: he didn’t just want backup power. He wanted something reliable enough that he didn’t have to think about it. No scrambling, no stress. Just normal life, even when the grid went down.

One Power Station Turned Into a Whole System

It started small. Richard first picked up the Jackery Explorer 1000 for camping trips—just enough to keep his CPAP machine and phone charged at night. Then came the Explorer 2000, for a bit more juice at home. After that, he upgraded to the Explorer 5000 Plus with a smart transfer switch. And when he needed a reliable UPS for his office computer? He added the Explorer 600 Plus.“I didn’t plan on building a whole system,” he says. “But every time we had a storm or a close call, I saw what else I could improve.” Now, his Jackery setup powers just about everything that matters—garage doors, fridge, freezer, fans, lights, even the water heater. The only things it doesn’t cover are the air conditioning and pool heater. “But we can live without those for a few days,” he adds.

Three Days Off-Grid—and Just Fine

When Hurricane Milton rolled in last year, Richard and his wife lost power for three straight days. But inside their home, things felt pretty normal.“During the day, I used solar panels and my car’s inverter to run the TV and fridge,” he explains. “At night, I’d switch to the Explorer 2000 for the fridge and freezer, and the Explorer 1000 kept my CPAP and fan going in the bedroom.” They even brought one of their portable 12V coolers to the hotel when they had to evacuate. “I plugged it into the Jackery, and all my frozen meat made it through. That stuff’s expensive!”

Set It and Forget It

Richard has turned power planning into an art form. His dual Explorer 5000 Plus units feed into a sub-panel, letting him choose which circuits stay on during an outage. He can run up to 12 at a time and he’s carefully picked which ones matter most. “When we travel, I switch the system into backup mode,” he says. “If the power goes out, the Jackery kicks in instantly. I don’t have to lift a finger.” It’s the kind of setup that just works. “The Explorer 600 Plus in my office runs as a UPS, and it’s seamless. Totally silent. I forget it’s there until I need it.”

Lessons from a Lifelong Troubleshooter

After a career in public safety and tech, Richard’s seen what happens when systems fail. That’s why he’s such a believer in having reliable power at home. His advice? “Know what you want to run. Don’t overestimate. A Explorer 1000’s great for phones or small devices, but not for a whole fridge. Think it through.” His only real wish? Better solar integration. “I’ve got a design in my head,” he laughs. “I just need someone to install it. I’m not climbing on the roof anymore.”

A Bit of Help Goes a Long Way

Richard’s had a few bumps, like an early installer who didn’t quite know what they were doing. But when he reached out to Jackery support again, they sent someone who fixed everything the same day. “And one time I messaged support late on a Sunday night,” he recalls. “Didn’t expect an answer till Monday. But 20 minutes later, someone replied. That impressed me.” He’s not someone who gives praise easily. But when a product works and a company stands behind it—he takes notice.

Keeping Life Moving, No Matter the Weather

These days, when the Florida sky turns dark, Richard doesn’t scramble. He checks the Jackery app, flips the transfer switch, and gets on with his day. The fridge hums. The fan spins. The internet stays on. He still watches TV. Still takes hot showers. “Before, by day three, you’re sweating, tossing food, figuring out next steps,” he says. “Now? I sleep through it.” For Richard, Jackery isn’t just backup power—it’s what keeps normal life running, quietly, when everything else stops. Hot showers. Cold drinks. Peace of mind.