Hurricane Season Preparedness Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 requires all employers to maintain an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that includes evacuation procedures, shelter-in-place protocols, and employee accountability measures — all critical components of hurricane preparedness. The National Weather Service estimates that hurricane-related losses exceed $20 billion annually in the U.S., with a significant portion attributable to inadequate facility and operational preparation. This checklist enables Operations Managers, Safety Coordi

  • Industry: General Business
  • Frequency: Annually
  • Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
  • Role: Safety Coordinator
  • Total Items: 39
  • Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 - Emergency Action Plans, OSHA General Duty Clause 5(a)(1), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Section 4.8 - Emergency Planning, FEMA P-1019 - Buildings and Infrastructure Protection for Hurricanes, Local Building Codes - ICC/ASCE 7-22 Wind Load Standards

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Review

Verify the written Emergency Action Plan is current, accessible, and meets OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 requirements.

  • Does the facility have a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP) that specifically addresses hurricane and severe weather events?
  • Has the EAP been reviewed and updated within the past 12 months or after any major incident?
  • Does the EAP include designated shelter-in-place locations and evacuation routes for hurricane scenarios?
  • Are emergency coordinator contact names and 24/7 phone numbers listed in the EAP and posted in accessible locations?
  • Does the EAP include a procedure for accounting for all employees after evacuation or shelter-in-place activation?
  • Has the EAP been communicated to all employees, including new hires and contractors on-site?

Structural & Exterior Condition Assessment

Inspect building envelope, roof, windows, doors, and exterior elements for hurricane wind and water resistance.

  • Is the roof in good condition with no missing shingles, lifted flashing, or visible storm damage from prior seasons?
  • Are all exterior windows rated for hurricane-force winds or equipped with impact shutters or plywood protection plans?
  • Are all exterior doors, including loading dock and overhead doors, rated or reinforced for high-wind events?
  • Are gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems clear of debris and functional to handle heavy rainfall?
  • Are all exterior loose items (signage, furniture, equipment, decorations) identified and removable or securable before a storm?
  • Photograph and describe any structural or exterior deficiencies identified.

Utility Systems & Backup Power

Assess electrical systems, backup generators, water supply, and fuel reserves for extended outage scenarios.

  • Is a backup generator available, load-tested within the past 6 months, and fueled to capacity?
  • Is the generator located at an elevation above the base flood elevation to prevent flood damage?
  • Are automatic transfer switches (ATS) tested and functioning to transfer power to the generator upon utility failure?
  • Are main electrical panels, HVAC disconnects, and critical utility shut-offs labeled and accessible to authorized staff?
  • Is there a minimum 72-hour potable water supply available on-site for emergency personnel if required to shelter in place?

Emergency Supplies & First Aid Equipment

Verify that emergency supply kits, first aid supplies, communication devices, and protective gear are stocked and accessible.

  • Are first aid kits fully stocked, within expiration dates, and accessible in multiple locations throughout the facility?
  • Are battery-powered or hand-crank weather radios available and operational for NOAA weather alerts?
  • Are flashlights, backup lighting, and spare batteries available and stored in accessible, known locations?
  • Is a minimum 72-hour supply of non-perishable food and water available for employees required to shelter in place?
  • Are personal protective equipment items (gloves, safety glasses, rain gear) available for post-storm damage assessment teams?
  • Is a satellite phone or two-way radio communication system available in case cellular networks are overloaded or damaged?

Evacuation Routes & Drills

Confirm evacuation routes, signage, muster points, and drill history meet regulatory and best practice requirements.

  • Are evacuation route maps posted in all required locations including hallways, break rooms, and near exits?
  • Has at least one hurricane evacuation drill been conducted in the past 12 months and documented?
  • Are all primary and secondary emergency exits unobstructed, clearly marked with illuminated EXIT signs, and operational?
  • Have designated muster points been established at a safe distance from the building and communicated to all employees?
  • Is there a documented procedure for accounting for employees with disabilities or mobility limitations during evacuation?

Data Protection & Business Continuity

Evaluate data backup systems, business continuity plans, and critical document preservation measures.

  • Are all critical business data and systems backed up to an off-site or cloud location outside the hurricane impact zone?
  • Is there a documented Business Continuity Plan (BCP) that defines recovery time objectives for critical operations?
  • Are copies of critical documents (insurance policies, leases, contracts, employee records) stored securely off-site or in the cloud?
  • Have insurance policies been reviewed in the past 12 months to confirm adequate coverage for hurricane, flood, and business interruption?
  • Are vendor and supplier contact lists updated and accessible off-site in case primary systems are unavailable post-storm?

Post-Storm Re-entry & Damage Assessment Protocol

Confirm that a documented re-entry procedure exists, including safety checks before employees return to the facility.

  • Is there a written re-entry protocol that requires a safety inspection before employees are permitted to return to the facility?
  • Does the re-entry protocol include checks for gas leaks, structural damage, electrical hazards, and mold risk before employee return?
  • Is there a designated damage assessment team with appropriate PPE and training for post-storm facility inspection?
  • Are employees trained on carbon monoxide (CO) hazards from portable generators used during or after a storm?
  • Provide any additional preparedness gaps, corrective actions, or follow-up items identified during this inspection.
  • Document overall facility condition and any immediate concerns with photographs.

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Why Use This Hurricane Season Preparedness Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This hurricane season preparedness inspection checklist [free pdf] helps general business teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for safety coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 39 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: annually.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 - Emergency Action Plans, OSHA General Duty Clause 5(a)(1), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Section 4.8 - Emergency Planning, FEMA P-1019 - Buildings and Infrastructure Protection for Hurricanes, Local Building Codes - ICC/ASCE 7-22 Wind Load Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hurricane Season Preparedness Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 39 inspection items across 7 sections: Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Review, Structural & Exterior Condition Assessment, Utility Systems & Backup Power, Emergency Supplies & First Aid Equipment, Evacuation Routes & Drills, Data Protection & Business Continuity, Post-Storm Re-entry & Damage Assessment Protocol. It is designed for general business operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually. Each completion takes approximately 60-90 minutes.

Who should use this Hurricane Season Preparedness Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Safety Coordinator professionals in the general business industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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