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As hurricane season intensifies, restaurant owners must be proactive in protecting their businesses, employees, and customers. Hurricanes can bring winds exceeding 180 mph and cause widespread destruction, so being prepared is critical to minimizing risks.

The National Restaurant Association's Always Ready: Natural Disasters guide offers practical steps to safeguard your establishment. Start by securing rooftop equipment, trimming nearby trees, and boarding up windows with marine plywood or storm shutters. Lower the thermostats in your walk-in coolers and freezers to preserve food if the power goes out. Additionally, ensure your emergency kit is stocked with flashlights, batteries, and important documents.

During the storm, if you need to shelter in place, move everyone to small, windowless rooms on the lowest floor or areas with reinforced concrete. Avoid large rooms with flat, wide-span roofs, which are unsafe during severe weather.

After the hurricane, safety is the top priority. Check for injuries, avoid standing water, and stay away from downed power lines. If possible, shut off power at the control box to prevent electrical hazards, but do so only if it’s safe.

By preparing in advance, restaurants in hurricane-prone areas can better protect their people and assets. For more detailed guidance, including a complete checklist, visit the Always Ready: Natural Disasters guide from the National Restaurant Association.

Taking these steps now will help ensure your business weathers the storm and can reopen quickly afterward.

Download the guide here: Resource Library | National Restaurant Association