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TOP 5 MISTAKES TO AVOID DURING HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SEASON

Hurricane preparedness is essential for protecting people, property and work operations during hurricane season. Unfortunately, even experienced planners can overlook critical steps that may risk your overall safety and recovery. After all, understanding what not to do is just as important as what you should do.

Below, Cotton Global Disaster Solutions has introduced five of the most common mistakes people make during hurricane season, showing you how to strengthen your storm preparation strategy ASAP.

Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters More Each Season

Each hurricane season presents new challenges with potentially damaging impacts and powerful storms, making hurricane preparedness more crucial than ever.

Without a proactive emergency planning strategy, even minor oversights can lead to costly damage, downtime and danger. That’s why identifying common mistakes ahead of time helps businesses and property owners stay resilient in the face of severe weather.

Let’s move into these typical mistakes and how to avoid them before disaster strikes.

Mistake #1: Delaying Your Hurricane Preparedness Plan

One of the most common and dangerous mistakes you can make during hurricane season is waiting too long to begin hurricane preparedness. Putting this off limits access to critical supplies and reduces the time needed to secure property or coordinate with friends, family or staff.

To avoid last-minute panic and ensure you’re ready for any storm, Cotton GDS recommends doing the following:

  • Start emergency planning well before hurricane season begins.

  • Assign clear responsibilities to key team members.

  • Regularly update your storm preparation checklist.

  • Establish communication protocols for employees and stakeholders.

  • Identify backup power, logistics and shelter resources early.

Acting early and reviewing your plans regularly reduces your vulnerability and improves response time when a hurricane approaches.

Don’t forget that Cotton Global Disaster Solutions offers tools and resources, including a comprehensive Hurricane Preparedness Checklist, to help you get started before it’s too late.

Mistake #2: Overlooking Structural Risks During Storm Preparation

During hurricane season, overlooking your building’s structural vulnerabilities can lead to catastrophic damage. Hurricane preparedness isn’t just about stocking supplies: it’s about ensuring your facility can withstand high winds, flooding and flying debris.

Storm preparation should include inspecting roofs, windows, doors and drainage systems for potential failure points.

Neglecting these areas puts lives and assets at risk. Partnering with experienced professionals like Cotton GDS can help you identify and reinforce weak spots before a storm hits, ensuring your property is ready to weather the impact.

Mistake #3: Failing to Prioritize Emergency Planning for Your Business

Many businesses focus on physical storm preparation but forget that operational continuity is just as critical.

Without a documented emergency planning strategy, even a brief disruption can cause long-term losses ranging from halted services to lost data and customer trust.

Some key elements of a business-focused emergency plan include:

  • Defining roles and responsibilities across departments.

  • Establishing remote work and data recovery protocols.

  • Securing critical documents and backup systems.

  • Coordinating with vendors and supply chain partners.

  • Outlining post-storm recovery timelines and communication.

By building a business-specific plan, you protect more than your property: you’re protecting your people, reputation and long-term stability.

Mistake #4: Underestimating the Importance of Communication in Hurricane Season

Clear, proactive communication is crucial to hurricane preparedness, yet it’s often underestimated.

During hurricane season, timely updates and coordinated messaging can differentiate between an organized response and operational chaos.

Effective emergency planning includes setting up communication channels with employees, vendors and response teams before a storm strikes.

Real-time updates, backup contact methods and centralized messaging tools ensure everyone stays informed and safe when conditions change quickly and unpredictably.

Mistake #5: Skipping Our Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

When it comes to hurricane preparedness, overlooking the small details can have the most significant consequences. That’s why having a thorough, step-by-step hurricane preparedness checklist is essential.

From pre-storm planning and building inspections to communication protocols and post-storm actions, Cotton Global Disaster System’s checklist ensures no part of your emergency planning is left to chance.

While Hurricane season moves fast, your response should be faster. Download the checklist here to stay ahead of every stage of storm preparation and recovery.

How Cotton GDS Supports Emergency Planning and Storm Preparation

Cotton Global Disaster Solutions is trusted by commercial property owners and business leaders nationwide for our proven track record in emergency planning and storm preparation.

With decades of experience responding to hurricanes and natural disasters, Cotton GDS delivers rapid, reliable support before, during and after the storm.

Our team of experts helps businesses identify risks, implement custom preparedness strategies and recover quickly with minimal disruption.

From checklists to comprehensive recovery services, Cotton GDS stands ready 24/7 with the resources, scale and commitment you need to protect what matters most.

Start Your Hurricane Planning With Cotton Global Disaster Solutions Today

Every moment counts when a storm is approaching. That’s why Cotton Global Disaster Solutions offers more than just recovery: we ensure you’re equipped with the resources to prepare long before landfall.

Download our Hurricane Preparedness Checklist today to take control of your storm preparation, or contact us directly for confidence throughout hurricane season.

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FAQs About Hurricane Preparedness Season

Learn more about emergency planning and storm prep through our frequently asked questions below.

How far in advance should businesses begin hurricane preparedness?

Businesses should begin hurricane preparedness efforts well before the official start of hurricane season, ideally several months in advance. Starting early reduces the risk of last-minute decisions and ensures that your storm preparation efforts are thorough and effective.

What role does staff training play in storm preparation?

Employee readiness is a critical part of storm preparation. Regular training ensures team members understand emergency procedures, evacuation protocols and individual responsibilities during weather events.

Why is it important to review your insurance policies during hurricane season?

Understanding your policy’s limits, deductibles and exclusions – especially involving flood damage or business interruption – can help you avoid costly surprises. Keeping digital and physical copies of your policies in secure, accessible locations should be a key part of your checklist.