Six Tips to Help Drivers Prepare for Hurricanes

As hurricane season enters its peak, driving safety becomes even more critical. From June 1 to November 30, the Atlantic hurricane season brings heightened risks, with the peak typically occurring from mid-August to late October. 

NOAA’s outlook for 2024 predicted an 85% chance of an above-normal season, highlighting the importance of being prepared. Navigating through this season requires more than just standard driving skills—it means heightened awareness and overall preparedness. 

Holman provides six tips to for drivers to prepare for the hurricane season and get ready for severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and storm surge, to stay safe and protect vehicles from damage.

“As always, your top priority is the safety of yourself and your loved ones, but this practical advice highlights proactive ways to prepare and protect your vehicle when a hurricane is headed your way,” said Holman Director of North American Fleet Management Services Chris Foster.

Hurricane Safety Tips for Fleets and Drivers

Develop a Plan: Outline the actions you’ll need to take before, during, and after a storm. The plan should include emergency contact information as well as evacuation procedures.

“As you can imagine, the keys to establishing a comprehensive fleet operations plan for hurricanes and other severe weather is being proactive and engaging key stakeholders across your organization,” Foster noted, adding that fleets should be proactive in their preparation and establish protocols for a variety of scenarios well in advance of potential severe weather. 

Fleets will want to work with stakeholders across the organization to determine which resources and/or vehicles are truly essential assets in the event of an emergency. Have procedures in place to ensure the safety of personnel and vehicles while identifying how these essential resources need to be deployed when necessary. 

Foster explained fleets will also want to ensure plans include clear communication protocols, emergency contact information, and designated responsibilities for each team member.

Fuel Up: Hurricanes typically increase fuel demand and disrupt supply, leading to shortages. Ensure that vehicles have a full tank of gas and electric vehicles are fully charged before the storm. To combat prolonged power outages, consider having an emergency fueling or charging solution ready before demand peaks.

Move Vehicles: Vehicles parked outside or in low-lying, flood-prone areas are at significant risk during hurricanes. Move vehicles to higher ground or indoor locations to protect them from flood damage and falling debris.

Have an Emergency Roadside Kit: Essential items should include road flares or safety triangles, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, flashlight, a can of tire inflator, basic tools, bottled water, and a blanket.

Fleet operators should consider establishing agreements with equipment rental providers to secure portable generators and other critical equipment well in advance rather than scrambling to source these items as demand spikes, according to Foster.

Additionally, fleets may also want to establish a centralized staging area (potentially outside the projected path of the storm) for personnel, vehicles, equipment, etc. to ensure assets are ready to deploy quickly.

In terms of training, Foster advises fleet operators to conduct regular training exercises to help prepare personnel for these emergency scenarios. If there is a scenario for which they may be asked to use specialized vehicles or equipment, leverage these training exercises to ensure the necessary personnel are well-versed in how these units are properly operated.

Protect Important Vehicle Items: Make copies of essential documents such as registration and insurance cards. Store them in a safe place in a sealable plastic bag, along with spare keys.

Take Photos: Take photos of the vehicle’s interior and exterior as proof of its condition prior to the storm in case they are needed for insurance purposes.

“Prior to any storm, take comprehensive photos of each vehicle’s interior and exterior to document the vehicle’s condition prior to any damage that may occur,” Foster explained. “These photos will be extremely helpful if/when you make insurance claims.”

Fleet operators should also consult their insurance provider(s) to ensure vehicles have the proper coverage, particularly if the units operate in hurricane or flood-prone areas.

Storm and Post-Storm Safety for Fleets 

During and immediately after a hurricane, drivers should only be on the roads if absolutely necessary. If you must travel, do not drive through flooded areas and watch for potential road hazards such as downed trees or electrical wires. 

Once the storm subsides, Holman recommends thoroughly assessing the condition of vehicles before driving anywhere.

“When it is safe to do so, check the condition of your vehicle and take photos of any damage,” Foster said. “If you suspect your vehicle may have sustained flood damage, do not try to start your vehicle. Instead, document the waterline and have it towed to a repair facility for evaluation.” 

Water damage to a vehicle’s engine and electrical components may prove catastrophic.

Setting Up Protocols for Assessing and Documenting Vehicle Conditions

Similar to an accident, fleets will want to follow typical vehicle damage protocols, according to Foster. Report any issues or damage as soon as possible to your accident management personnel or fleet provider. 

If you suspect your vehicle has sustained flood damage, do not start the vehicle. Instead, have it towed to a repair facility for a full evaluation.

“Fleet operators should work with their accident management or fleet provider to assess damage, value of the vehicle, potential repair costs, replacement options, etc. to determine whether the unit should be repaired or replaced,” Foster stated. “You’ll also want to factor in the criticality of the unit when making the repair versus replace decisions.”

In some instances, it may not necessarily be cost effective to repair a particular vehicle but the importance of the unit to your organization (along with the lead time to source a potential replacement) may warrant the repair.