For Florida’s public entities, hurricane season isn’t a question of if, but when. Preparation is more than a checklist. It’s a coordinated effort that protects employees, safeguards critical infrastructure and supports faster community recovery.
The Preferred 2026 Preparedness Guide brings together key risk management strategies, operational planning considerations and recovery insights to help organizations stay ready before, during and after a storm.
Below are some of the most important takeaways from the guide to help your organization prepare with confidence.
What should be included in a strong emergency action plan?
Preparedness begins with people. Public entity employees, from administrative staff to frontline responders, need clear direction and training before a storm ever forms.
A well-developed Emergency Action Plan helps ensure:
- Clear communication during emergencies
- Defined evacuation procedures and responsibilities
- Accountability for all personnel
- Access to emergency equipment and medical resources
Training employees in their roles is just as important as building the plan itself. When teams understand expectations, they can respond quickly and safely during high-pressure situations.
Protect the workforce in all phases of the storm
Hurricane-related risks don’t begin when it starts getting windy. They extend across three critical phases: preparation, response and recovery.
Your organization should anticipate hazards such as:
- Electrical exposure and debris-related injuries
- Heat stress, fatigue and extended work hours
- Floodwater contamination, mold and structural instability
Providing the right training, equipment and protective gear is essential to reducing injuries and maintaining continuity of operations.
Strengthen first responder readiness
First responders are the backbone of community resilience. Their ability to serve depends on how well they, and their families, are prepared ahead of time.
Effective preparedness includes:
- Organizational planning and training exercises
- Reliable power, sheltering and resource availability
- Coordination across agencies and community partners
When responders are prepared personally and professionally, they can stay focused on what matters most: protecting the community.
Plan now for debris management
Debris removal is one of the most complex and costly aspects of hurricane recovery. Without a plan, it can significantly delay response efforts and strain budgets.
Pre-disaster planning should address:
- Debris volume forecasting and disposal capacity
- Designated staging and management sites
- Environmental considerations and regulatory requirements
- Clear roles, responsibilities and communication plans
Communities that plan ahead are better positioned to recover faster and more efficiently after a storm.
Make property data a priority
Accurate, up-to-date property data plays a critical role in both risk management and insurance coverage.
The Preferred 2026 Preparedness Guide highlights the importance of COPE data—Construction, Occupancy, Protection and Exposure—including detailed information about:
- Roof structure, materials and condition
- Wind resistance of windows and doors
- Flood zone classification and elevation
- Equipment protection and site vulnerabilities
Having this information readily available helps ensure your organization is properly insured and prepared for potential losses.
Know your claims process before you need it
When a storm hits, response time matters. Understanding your claims process in advance can save time and reduce stress when it matters most.
Key steps include:
- Assess and prioritize damages
- Mitigate further loss where possible
- Report claims promptly with complete documentation
Prepared organizations can move faster, coordinate more effectively with adjusters and streamline communication with FEMA and other partners.
Align your FEMA planning strategy
Hurricane preparedness extends beyond response. It includes aligning with FEMA guidelines for both pre- and post-disaster planning.
Strong planning frameworks focus on:
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
- Community-wide coordination and engagement
- Clearly defined roles, responsibilities and recovery goals
- Long-term resilience and redevelopment priorities
Taking a proactive approach ensures your organization is ready not only to respond, but to recover stronger.
A stronger response starts with preparation
Hurricanes will continue to impact Florida communities. But with the right planning, coordination and resources, organizations can reduce risk, protect their teams and accelerate recovery.
Preparedness is not a one-time effort. It’s an ongoing commitment to resilience, and Preferred is here to help.
Recovery begins with Preferred Priority
And when a storm does hit, Preferred Priority, Preferred’s seamless and enhanced disaster recovery program, is designed exclusively for Preferred members. All components of Preferred Priority are designed to help you to prepare for disasters and get back to normal as quickly as possible after a storm. Whether it’s property appraisal services, pre-storm preparation, disaster recovery/mitigation or claims, Preferred Priority provides the services you need to prepare and respond to any natural disaster.
If you’re a Preferred member, and want more information about Preferred Priority, contact your Preferred Loss Control Consultant.
Get the full Preferred 2026 Preparedness Guide
This overview highlights just a portion of the strategies included in the Preferred 2026 Preparedness Guide, which provides deeper insights, tools and resources to support your organization.