As Floridians, we know the importance of being ready before a storm is on the horizon. While much attention is given to preparing homes and families, it’s just as crucial to prepare our workplaces for hurricane season. Whether you run a small business or work for a larger organization, planning ahead can help protect your employees, limit property damage and ensure a faster recovery after a storm.

Hurricane season starts June 1, and the South Florida Red Cross encourages every employer and employee to take simple steps to be Red Cross Ready before the 2025 hurricane season officially begins.

1. Create a Hurricane Response Plan

Start by developing a comprehensive hurricane response plan tailored to your workplace. This plan should include:

• Emergency communication procedures: How will you contact employees before, during, and after a storm?
• Evacuation routes and shelter locations: Make sure all employees know where to go if evacuation orders are issued.
• Shelter-in-place protocols: Identify safe areas within your building if evacuation isn’t possible.
• Employee roles and responsibilities: Assign tasks such as securing documents, shutting down equipment, or checking on coworkers.

Review the plan regularly and hold practice drills so everyone is familiar with what to do.

2. Protect Important Documents and Data

Safeguarding your company’s critical information is vital. Backup important data to a secure cloud-based system or offsite location. Protect physical documents by storing them in waterproof, fireproof containers. Keep a detailed inventory of equipment, supplies, and property to assist with insurance claims after a storm.

3. Prepare Your Building

Inspect your workplace ahead of hurricane season for any vulnerabilities:

• Secure windows and doors with shutters or impact-resistant materials.
• Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding.
• Anchor large furniture and outdoor objects that could become projectiles in strong winds.
• Stock emergency supplies, including first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, water and non-perishable food.

Having supplies on hand can make a big difference if employees need to shelter in place unexpectedly.

4. Communicate with Employees

Clear communication can ease fears and prevent confusion when a storm approaches. Make sure employees know:

• How to receive updates about office closures or changes to operations.
• Where to access the company’s hurricane plan.
• What their roles are before, during and after the storm.
• What resources are available to support them.

Consider creating a phone tree, email list or using a mass notification system to send alerts quickly.

5. Plan for Business Continuity

Think about how your organization can continue operations during and after a storm. Can employees work remotely? Are there critical functions that must resume immediately? Create a continuity plan that identifies essential services and outlines how to maintain or quickly restart them. Having a plan can minimize downtime and financial losses.

6. Encourage Personal Preparedness

A well-prepared team starts with prepared individuals. Remind employees to create personal emergency kits and family communication plans. Encourage them to download the free Red Cross Emergency App, which offers weather alerts, shelter locations and safety tips at their fingertips.

Ready Today, Safer Tomorrow

Taking the time now to prepare your workplace can help ensure the safety of your team and the future of your business. The South Florida Red Cross stands ready to support you with resources and guidance as we head into the 2025 hurricane season.

Visit redcross.org/hurricane for more preparedness tools and to learn how you can stay safe this hurricane season.