What is a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist?

A hurricane preparedness checklist is a tool designed to help individuals and businesses prepare for the impact of hurricanes. It outlines the necessary steps, practices, and supplies needed to ensure safety and minimize damage during such natural disasters.

Importance and Benefits

A hurricane preparedness checklist helps ensure safety and business continuity in the event of a hurricane. Having a checklist provides organizations a better understanding of the specific risks associated with hurricanes, improving overall emergency management and preparedness. This helps improve overall risk management and mitigation practices, while also improving measures to protect life and property before a hurricane strikes.

In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also requires businesses to have a dedicated hurricane plan as part of their emergency planning, along with an emergency action plan. This checklist should be properly disseminated to the whole organization to make sure that all employees are aware of the necessary precautions and safety measures to follow before, during, and after a hurricane.

Other benefits of using a hurricane preparedness checklist include the following:

• Improved communication among workers during hurricanes, as they would’ve already been informed of the proper procedures

• Clear guidance on evacuation planning, including identifying routes and destinations

• Efficient inventory management practices for keeping stock of first aid items, food, water, and other supplies for emergencies

What to Include in a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

According to the American Red Cross, the ideal hurricane preparedness checklist should cover three major categories: the before, during, and aftermath of a hurricane. However, for businesses, the checklist should be quick to use while also being comprehensive and detailed.

Based on this, an effective hurricane preparedness checklist should contain fields for the following:

• Name of team or organization

• Date accomplished

• Name of person preparing the checklist

• Fields to answer the following:

  • Are risks properly identified before the creation of a hurricane plan?

  • Is there a hurricane plan in place, and has there been adequate training provided for its implementation?

  • Is the workplace and its surrounding areas structurally safe from a hurricane?

  • In case of emergency, is there a known and easily accessible safe place workers can evacuate to?

  • Has there been drills and exercises done to simulate the travel to this location?

  • Is this location accessible without the need for private or public transportation?

  • Is this location equipped with the necessary power, food, and water supplies?

  • Is the location safe from other natural weather disasters?

  • Are there multiple communication plans set in place?

  • Are employees aware of the contact numbers of the important government and safety units?

  • Are employees properly trained in CPR?

  • Is there enough medical supplies for all employees?

  • Are employees equipped with the right emergency bags and kits?

  • Are the emergency bags and kits properly staffed with an adequate amount of food and water?

  • Are important business documents stored in the cloud for emergency purposes and easy access during or after the hurricane?

  • Are employees aware of how to access business documents from the cloud?

  • Is there a cleanup plan in place for the aftermath of the hurricane?

Here is a hurricane preparedness checklist in use for reference:

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist Sample Report | Mitti (by SafetyCulture)

It would also be best to use a digital tool to create and disseminate the hurricane preparedness checklist. Doing so ensures that all employees have access to the document, and that they are informed at all times. It can also be stored in the cloud, making it accessible at all times and in location should an emergency occur.

How to Use

A hurricane preparedness checklist is typically created by employers and team leaders with the help of different government agencies, safety officers, and emergency services. This collaboration helps businesses understand the risks they may face and how to mitigate and face them, as well as create the necessary contingency plans.

While this checklist is typically used during hurricane season, it would be best to conduct regular hurricane preparedness checks during different times of the year as well. Use it to guide your staff during hurricane drills, and ensure that they are aware of every safety step to follow. It also helps in keeping first aid kits and emergency bags properly stocked at all times, as part of regular drills include their inspection.