Preparing for the Storm: Why Workers and Companies Must Be Ready for Hurricane Season

“And I cut off from the world, remain, alone with the terrible hurricane” – Jose Maria Heredia

As a safety professional with more than two decades of experience in emergency preparedness and disaster response, I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact hurricanes can have on lives, livelihoods, and entire communities. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2025, the time for preparation is now and not when the skies darken or the winds begin to howl.

According to NOAA’s 2025 outlook, there is a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and only a 10% chance of a below-normal season. The forecast includes 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). These numbers are not just statistics; they are a call to action for businesses and workers alike.

A Personal Reflection: Hurricane Katrina

It has been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. As a resident of New Orleans, it wasn’t just the levees that broke, it was our illusion of preparedness. Like most, we had a basic emergency plan, but it lacked depth, coordination, and most importantly, communication.

I remember a man named Michael who lived in St. Bernard Parish. He stayed behind to secure his home and to check on his elderly neighbors. When the levees failed, his neighborhood was submerged. He would perish along with another 163 others within the parish. Like many others, his body would be found weeks later in his attic, where he sought to escape the rising tide. His loved ones and neighbors who lived would go on to endure immeasurable trauma. Every place of employment was destroyed and every house uninhabitable. Our innocence was blown away with the wind. It would be years before we recovered physically. Some would never recover mentally. We learned the hard way; preparation is not optional. It is essential.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters

Hurricanes are not just coastal events. Their impacts, flooding, power outages, supply chain disruptions can ripple far inland. In 2021 Hurricane Ida stormed ashore in Louisiana and became the second most damaging and intense hurricane to make landfall in the state, second only behind Hurricane Katrina. However, the remnants of the storm also caused tornado outbreaks and historic flooding in the Northeastern United States. In the city of Philadelphia, Pa., the flooding led to widespread problems, including water rescues, power outages, and the closure of major roadways. At least four people were killed.

For businesses, the consequences of being unprepared can include:

• Loss of life or injury to employees.
• Damage to property and equipment.
• Extended business interruptions.
• Loss of data and critical records.
• Reputational damage and financial loss.

For workers, especially those in high-risk industries such as oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and emergency services, the stakes are equally as high. Ensuring personal and family safety is just as important as workplace readiness.

Business Continuity: Steps Companies Should Take

 A robust business continuity plan (BCP) is the cornerstone of hurricane preparedness. Here are key steps every organization should implement:

1. Risk Assessment and Impact Analysis

Identify critical operations, assets, and personnel. Understand how a hurricane could affect your supply chain, IT systems, and customer service.

2. Develop a Comprehensive Emergency Plan

Include evacuation procedures, shelter-in-place protocols, communication strategies, and roles and responsibilities. Ensure the plan is tailored to each facility’s specific risks.

3. Backup and Protect Data

Ensure all critical data is backed up offsite or in the cloud. Test recovery systems regularly to ensure they function under pressure.

4. Secure Physical Assets

Reinforce buildings, elevate electrical systems, and secure outdoor equipment. Consider flood barriers or sandbags for vulnerable locations.

5. Train Employees

Conduct regular drills and training sessions. Employees should know how to respond, where to go, and who to contact in an emergency.

6. Establish Communication Protocols

Use multiple channels – email, text, phone trees, and apps – to keep in touch with employees before, during, and after a storm.

7. Coordinate with Local Authorities

Stay informed through local emergency management agencies and NOAA alerts. Align your plans with community evacuation and response strategies.

8. Review Insurance Coverage

Ensure your policies cover hurricane-related damage, including business interruption and flood insurance, which are often separate.

Personal Preparedness; What Employees Should Do

While companies play a critical role, individual preparedness is equally vital. Here’s how workers can protect themselves and their families:

1. Create a Family Emergency Plan

Know your evacuation routes, designate meeting points, and ensure all family members understand the plan. Include pets in your planning.

2. Build an Emergency Kit

Include water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, important documents, and cash.

3. Stay Informed

Sign up for local alerts and monitor NOAA weather updates. Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio on hand.

4. Prepare Your Home

Trim trees, secure loose items, and install storm shutters if possible. Know how to turn off utilities like gas, water, and electricity.

5. Fuel Up and Charge Devices

Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full and charge all electronic devices ahead of the storm.

6. Check on Neighbors

Especially the elderly or those with disabilities. Community support can be life-saving during and after a storm.

The Human Element

One of the most overlooked aspects of hurricane preparedness is the emotional and psychological toll. Disasters disrupt lives in profound ways. As safety professionals, we must advocate not only for physical safety but also for mental well-being. Encourage open communication, provide access to employee assistance programs, and foster a culture of support and resilience.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 hurricane season is shaping up to be an active one. But with the right planning, training, and mindset, we can weather the storm together. Let the lessons of the past, like those from Hurricane Katrina, guide our actions today. Preparation is not just a checklist; it’s a commitment to safety, continuity, and care for our people.

As the saying goes, “Hope is not a plan.” Let’s ensure that every business and every worker has more than hope this hurricane season.