When hurricane season ramps up, jobsite prep becomes just as important as project deadlines. Wind, flooding, and flying debris can turn even the most organized worksite into a liability. And if you’re not ready, you’re putting your crew, your equipment, and your timelines at serious risk.

The good news? With the right plan, and a little help from OSHA’s hurricane safety guidelines, you can prepare your site, protect your people, and recover faster.

Use this checklist to make sure your jobsite is ready long before the next storm warning.

Secure Loose Materials and Equipment

According to OSHA, unsecured materials are one of the most dangerous storm hazards on a construction site. High winds can turn everyday tools into flying debris, damaging structures or injuring workers.

What to do:

• Remove or tie down anything that can be carried by the wind (e.g. lumber, sheet metal, tools, signage, trash bins, etc.)
• Lower and secure scaffolding
• Lock down portable restrooms, dumpsters, and fencing
• Move materials into enclosed storage if possible

Bonus tip: Take inventory beforehand so nothing goes missing post-storm.

Protect Vital Project Documents and Site Plans

Permits, blueprints, inspection records—if you’ll need it after the storm, you’d better protect it now.

What to do:

• Store digital copies in a secure cloud platform
• Keep physical records in waterproof containers, off-site if possible
• Photograph the jobsite before the storm for insurance and safety documentation

Being able to show proof of pre-storm conditions can speed up insurance claims and inspections.

Power Down and Shut Down Safely

If your site is in a projected impact zone, powering down safely is non-negotiable. Follow OSHA’s guidance on electrical safety during emergencies.

What to do:

• Shut off power sources and fuel lines
• Turn off and secure generators
• Park heavy equipment away from flood-prone areas and on stable ground
• Cover exposed electrical panels and wiring

Also, make sure you’ve communicated the shutdown plan to every supervisor and subcontractor.

Review Your Emergency and Recovery Plan

The time to plan for recovery is before the storm arrives. OSHA recommends having a clear emergency action plan in place that includes communication, evacuation, and re-entry procedures.

What to do:

• Assign a storm response lead and safety officer
• Set up a group communication method (text chain, app, etc.)
• Pre-identify a staffing partner in case you need emergency skilled labor post-storm
• Plan for site inspections before bringing workers back

Your response will only be as good as your prep.

Train Your Crew to Respond, Not Panic

Even the best checklist falls apart if no one knows what to do. Safety training should include evacuation procedures, severe weather protocols, and hazard recognition.

What to do:

• Walk through hurricane response procedures with your team
• Assign roles for securing specific areas or equipment
• Make sure every worker knows who to contact and what to expect

You’re not just protecting property, you’re protecting lives.

Don’t Let the Storm Take Control

Natural disasters don’t have to mean weeks of lost time. With the right plan in place, you’ll protect your team and get your project back on track quickly.

Need help sourcing reliable, skilled labor before or after the next storm? Our team is here to support your crew when you need it most.

Download our Hurricane Preparedness Checklist to help ensure your crew and jobsite are ready when the next storm hits.