Hurricanes present numerous hazards to both lives and property, each requiring careful attention and preparation. While high winds are often the most visible threat, the majority of loss of life and property damage comes from storm surges and flooding. To safeguard your organization, employees, and the surrounding community, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly for all potential hurricane impacts.

This checklist is designed to help you take the necessary steps before, during, and after a hurricane strikes. When the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues a hurricane watch or warning, use that time wisely to begin executing your hurricane preparedness plan.

It’s essential for businesses, organizations, and individuals to understand these risks and prepare accordingly.

Key Threats During Hurricanes:

1. High Winds: These winds can tear apart buildings, damage equipment, and endanger lives. Even inland areas can be affected by hurricane-force winds.

2. Storm Surge: This is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm’s winds, pushing a dome of seawater onto the shore. It can reach up to 25 feet high and extend up to 1,000 miles wide. Storm surges are responsible for the most significant loss of life and property along coastlines.

3. Flooding: Hurricanes often bring torrential rains, leading to extensive flooding. In flat areas, storm surges and heavy rainfall can force water many miles inland, inundating roads, homes, and businesses.

4. Tornadoes: Although rare, hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, which can cause additional destruction. Even areas far from the coast may face this deadly threat.

Preparing for a Hurricane

When the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Hurricane Center issues a watch or warning, it’s critical to take action immediately. The following checklist outlines steps that should be taken before, during, and after a hurricane to safeguard your business, employees, and community.

Before the Hurricane:

• Create a Hurricane Preparedness Plan: This plan should detail how your business will operate in the event of a hurricane, including steps to protect property and equipment, ensure employee safety, and communicate effectively.
• Backup Important Data and Documents: Make sure all critical data is backed up in a secure, offsite location or in the cloud to prevent loss.
• Prepare Your Building: Board up windows, secure loose items, and ensure that your facility is as storm-proof as possible.
• Stock Up on Supplies: Ensure that you have emergency supplies, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid kits.
• Communicate with Employees: Make sure all employees know their roles and responsibilities in the event of a hurricane, including evacuation procedures if necessary.

During the Hurricane:

• Monitor the Storm’s Progress: Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for updates on the storm’s status and any changes in its path.
• Follow Evacuation Orders: If local authorities advise evacuation, do so immediately to ensure the safety of your employees and family members.
• Take Shelter: If staying in place, ensure you are in a safe, interior location within a well-constructed building. Avoid windows and stay low.

After the Hurricane:

• Assess Damage Carefully: Once the storm passes, evaluate the safety of your facility before allowing employees or customers to return.
• Begin Repairs and Recovery: Start the process of repairing damage and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible.
• Support Your Community: In the aftermath of a hurricane, many in your community will need assistance. Consider how your business can contribute to relief efforts, whether through donations, volunteer work, or other support.

Important Hurricane Terminology

Familiarizing yourself with common hurricane terms is crucial for understanding storm conditions and ensuring a timely response:

• Tropical Depression: A system of organized clouds and thunderstorms with sustained winds of 38 MPH or less.
• Tropical Storm: A stronger system with sustained winds between 39–73 MPH.
• Hurricane: An intense tropical system with sustained winds of 74 MPH or higher.
• Storm Surge: A dome of water pushed onshore by a storm’s winds, often the greatest threat to life and property along the immediate coast. Storm surges can reach heights of up to 25 feet and spread across vast areas.
• Storm Tide: The combination of storm surge and the normal tide, which can significantly raise water levels and increase the risk of coastal flooding.

Watches and Warnings: Know the Difference

• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch: Issued when hurricane or tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area, usually within 48 hours. This is the time to start making preparations.
• Hurricane/Tropical Storm Warning: Issued when these conditions are expected, typically within 36 hours. You should complete all preparations and evacuate if directed by local authorities.
• Extreme Wind Warning: Issued when sustained winds of 115 MPH or higher are expected within an hour, often in conjunction with the hurricane’s eye wall. If this warning is issued, take immediate shelter in an interior room or hallway of a sturdy building.
• Short-Term Watches and Warnings: These provide details about specific threats, such as flash flooding or tornadoes, and are critical to monitor as the storm progresses.

Actions to Take After the Hurricane

Once the storm passes, it is equally important to have a plan for recovery. Assessing damage, contacting insurance providers, and ensuring the safety of your employees are immediate post-hurricane priorities. Continue to monitor official channels for updates on hazards like flooding, damaged infrastructure, or additional storm threats that could impact your area.

By preparing ahead of time, you can mitigate the risks posed by hurricanes and protect both lives and property. A thorough understanding of the potential dangers, combined with a well-executed preparedness plan, is the best way to ensure the safety of your business, employees, and community.