Hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) can disrupt operations, endanger employee safety, and cause extensive business losses. HR professionals are critical in developing and executing preparedness plans that protect employees, maintain communication, and support business continuity.
Develop a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
- Assemble a cross-departmental team of key stakeholders and leadership to oversee hurricane preparedness and response efforts.
- Establish clear policies addressing office closures, remote work, and pay during hurricanes.
- Draft evacuation protocols that address employees living in high-risk areas or commuting during inclement and/or dangerous weather conditions.
Communicate Effectively
- Distribute hurricane preparedness plans before hurricane season.
- Establish channels for open communication with employees (e.g., emails, texts, etc.) to ensure they are up to date with any changes to plans or emergency weather situations.
- Ensure employees have information and resources on evacuation routes, shelters, and emergency hotlines.
Business Continuity
- Secure IT infrastructure and important business data are backed up and accessible remotely.
- Ensure there’s a plan in place to maintain timely payroll practices and access to employee benefits.
- Establish a clear plan for employees to work from home or other remote locations during disruptions.
- Determine which roles and activities are essential to keep the business running during and after the hurricane.
Prioritize Employee Safety
- Conduct safety training on hurricane preparedness/inclement weather and response, tailored to employees' needs.
- Provide emergency kits in offices with basic supplies (e.g., flashlights, batteries, water) and provide a checklist for employees to build similar kits for their homes and/or cars.
- Encourage employees to create personal hurricane plans and routinely update their emergency contacts with HR.
Post-Storm Support
- Check on employees’ well-being and housing status.
- Assess the effectiveness of your preparedness plan and identify areas for improvement.
- Collect feedback from employees on their experiences and suggestions to refine future planning.
- Monitor weather and emergency management resources to adapt to new risks.
National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 4-10, 2025
Weather and Natural Disasters
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Hurricane Preparedness
NOAA
Ready Business Hurricane Toolkit
Hurricanes
Hurricane Season Preparedness Digital Toolkit
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Hurricane Preparedness and Response
OSHA
Natural Disaster Compliance Assistance Toolkit
DOL
Hurricane Season Is Coming -- Prepare Now to Keep Your Workers Safe
DOL
Hurricane Preparedness Tips
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Small Business Administration
Business Protection Toolkit
FEMA
As hurricane season nears, IRS reminds people to prepare for natural disasters
IRS offers tips on preparedness and how to protect personal information during natural disasters
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National Hurricane Center
AccuWeather.com: Hurricane Center
The Weather Channel: Hurricane Central
Assistance for Employees
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Law Firm Resources
Weathering an Employer's Duties During the Storm
Lowndes | Sep 2024
Comprehensive FAQs For Employers on Hurricanes and Other Workplace Disasters: 2024 Edition
Fisher Phillips | Aug 2024
Hurricane Preparedness: What You Need to Know
Woodruff Sawyer | Jun 2024
Hurricane Season – 5 Things Employers Should Review Ahead of Any Major Storm
Haynsworth | Aug 2023
Top 10 Tips for Businesses to Prepare for Peak of Hurricane Season
Adams & Reese | Aug 2023
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SHRM: Weather and Natural Disasters
JD Supra: Hurricane Season Disaster Preparedness
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