Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Facilities Managers
- dbinkowski2
- 13 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Why Preparedness Matters
Retail and commercial facilities face a unique set of vulnerabilities during hurricane season. From physical damage to buildings and infrastructure, to disruptions in staffing, supply chains, and customer access, every storm presents a high-stakes test of operational readiness. Without a clear preparedness strategy, businesses risk significant financial loss, brand damage, and prolonged closures.
At Streamline Facilities, we specialize in helping our clients mitigate those risks through strategic planning, early action, and disciplined execution. This guide presents a streamlined, actionable approach for facilities managers tasked with keeping operations safe and stable during hurricane season.
2025 Hurricane Season Outlook
According to meteorologists at Colorado State University, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to bring 17 named storms, aligning with a trend of increasingly active hurricane seasons. NOAA forecasts indicate a 60% chance of above-normal activity, with only a 10% chance of a quieter-than-average season.
From 2022 to 2024, climate-related disasters in the U.S. resulted in $460 billion in damages, with $182.7 billion in 2024 alone. These figures underscore the financial consequences of being underprepared—and the value of preemptive planning at scale.
Our Approach: Vigilance Through Data & Planning
Streamline Facilities empowers clients with a data-informed, response-ready approach to severe weather events. We don’t just react to hurricanes, we track early indicators, model operational impacts, and mobilize resources well in advance. Our process is anchored in real-time weather monitoring, portfolio-specific risk assessment, and coordinated communication with vendors and site teams.
We break preparedness into five clear stages—each designed to minimize disruption, reduce property damage, and accelerate post-storm recovery.
What is a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist?
A hurricane preparedness checklist is a structured action plan that helps businesses protect physical assets and ensure team safety before, during, and after a hurricane. It outlines both long-term measures, like building reinforcements, and short-term tasks such as securing equipment, stocking supplies, and confirming communication protocols.
In addition to minimizing damage, having a formal checklist in place can significantly expedite insurance claims, vendor coordination, and reopening timelines. It turns a reactive crisis into a manageable event with clear steps and trained personnel.
Step 1: Conduct a Site Preparedness Assessment
Prevention starts with visibility. Before June 1—the official start of hurricane season, facilities managers must conduct a thorough site inspection of all properties in their portfolio. This proactive approach allows time to address risks while conditions are calm.
Key tasks include:
Surveying rooftops, signage, exterior lighting, parking lots, and drainage systems
Verifying the availability and functionality of storm shutters, backup generators, sump pumps, and dock equipment
Training site staff on how to operate emergency systems
Removing loose debris and identifying points of vulnerability
By starting early, you reduce the chances of last-minute surprises when a storm is imminent.
Step 2: Build a Robust Preparedness & Communication Plan
Once physical risks are assessed, the next priority is to create a clear plan that aligns personnel, processes, and communication channels across your organization.
Your plan should:
Assign roles and responsibilities to internal teams and external partners
Establish a chain of communication that includes redundant contact methods (text, email, hotline, radio)
Define evacuation procedures and business continuity strategies
Ensure all contact lists, vendor contracts, and emergency protocols are up to date
Importantly, your communication plan must be tailored for scenarios where power or internet service is lost. Regular drills and annual updates are essential to keep everyone aligned.
Step 3: Organize Response Teams and Resources
With your preparedness plan in place, it’s time to ensure that your response teams are trained, available, and equipped to act immediately when a storm is forecasted.
This includes:
Activating your internal emergency response team
Double-checking known vulnerabilities at each property
Confirming weekend and after-hours availability of key staff and vendors
Mapping out transportation logistics for fuel, generators, or mobile response units
Having the right team in place—and clearly knowing who’s doing what—can make all the difference when time is limited.
Step 4: Secure All Locations
As the storm draws near, your facilities teams must begin physical storm hardening. This means protecting every building and minimizing the chance of wind, water, or debris damage.
Protective actions should include:
Deploying sandbags or portable dams to flood-prone areas
Installing window shields, plywood, or hurricane shutters
Securing or storing outdoor equipment, signage, and rooftop items
Safeguarding refrigeration and electrical systems
Clearing all exterior debris from roofs, gutters, and parking lots
Each location may require a unique plan based on its geography and design, but consistent communication and daily updates are essential to maintain coordination.
Step 5: Stock and Deploy Emergency Supplies
Each location should be outfitted with a comprehensive hurricane emergency kit. These kits should be tested, replenished, and verified annually before storm season begins.
Recommended supplies include:
Sandbags, water dams, sump pumps
Backup generators (fully fueled and tested)
Heavy-duty plastic wrap for refrigerated cases
Flashlights, radios, extra batteries, first aid supplies
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for on-site staff
In addition, confirm vendor partnerships for emergency fuel delivery, cleanup crews, and equipment rentals. Pre-negotiated contracts save time and reduce stress when every minute counts.
Long-Term Preparation Measures
Preparedness isn’t just about storm week—it’s a year-round investment in resilience. Facilities teams should work toward long-term improvements that minimize structural and operational vulnerabilities.
These may include:
Reinforcing rooftop-mounted HVAC units and exterior signage
Installing permanent window protection (shutters, panels, or blast film)
Improving site drainage and elevating critical infrastructure
Adding redundancy to fire protection and emergency power systems
Proactive property upgrades pay dividends in reduced storm damage and insurance costs.
Short-Term Actions: As the Storm Approaches
Once a hurricane is confirmed to be heading your way, the focus must shift to short-term execution. Every hour counts.
Immediate steps include:
Continuous monitoring of storm trajectory and intensity
Backing up and securing critical data, files, and documents
Shutting down non-essential equipment and securing hazardous materials
Evacuating personnel and verifying emergency contacts
Final walk-throughs to confirm that all loose items are secured
Communicate status updates daily—internally and with external stakeholders—to keep everyone aligned and informed.
Post-Storm Recovery Plan
Once the storm passes, a coordinated recovery effort is crucial to get your facilities operational as quickly and safely as possible.
The post-storm plan should include:
A headcount and safety check of all employees
Deployment of a trained recovery team for electrical, structural, and plumbing inspections
Documentation and photography of all damage for insurance claims
Assessment and repair of fire protection and alarm systems
Communication with landlords, tenants, vendors, and authorities
Establish a temporary command center if needed, and maintain security, fire watch, and sanitation protocols throughout the recovery.
Post-Storm Review: Learn and Improve
Recovery doesn’t end with cleanup. Every storm provides insight into your strengths and gaps.
Conduct a post-mortem that reviews:
How your communication systems performed
The timeliness and effectiveness of vendor support
The clarity and execution of your emergency plans
Employee feedback on preparedness and recovery
Use these insights to revise future plans and make continual improvements to your emergency response strategy.
Employee Support: A Critical Component
Employees are your most valuable asset—and often, the most affected by disaster.
Support them through:
Counseling services and mental health resources
Optional team debriefings and wellness check-ins
Flexibility through FMLA or adjusted schedules post-event
Guidance on local assistance programs and FEMA resources
A supported workforce will be more resilient, committed, and engaged in helping restore operations.
Final Thoughts
Hurricane season doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With the right strategy, systems, and support, you can protect your properties, your people, and your business operations.
At Streamline Facilities, we help commercial operators prepare with purpose—from strategic planning and site assessments to post-storm response and recovery.
Need help preparing your facility for hurricane season?
Contact Streamline Facilities today for 24/7 facilities management support and strategic storm preparedness.
Together, we protect what matters—before, during, and after the storm.
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