Don’t get caught this hurricane season: Fleet safety tips
May 30, 2025
Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30
Hurricane season is here again and, if you’re managing a fleet, you know that preparation isn’t optional, it’s essential. Each year brings its own uncertainties, but 2025 is shaping up to be especially active.
Both the US and Canadian Hurricane Centers are predicting an above-average 2025 Hurricane season, including:
- 13 to 19 named storms
- 6 to 10 hurricanes
- 3 to 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher)
While much of the tropical storm and hurricane activity impacts the US Gulf and Atlantic coasts, Canada is not immune. On average three or four cyclone events impact Eastern Canada each hurricane season.
So, what does that mean for fleet driver safety? Whether your vehicles are electric, gas-powered, or a mix of both, the key to staying safe and minimizing disruption lies in planning ahead. Below are some actionable fleet safety tips and driver safety best practices to help you navigate the 2025 hurricane season.
Fleet-specific driver safety recommendations
- Review and update evacuation routes
This year, cities like Galveston, Texas, have extended their evacuation timelines due to ongoing construction that could impact traffic. That’s a real-world reminder of why your evacuation planning can’t be static.
Tip: Build in extra time and reroute your drivers based on regional construction or bottleneck alerts. Use GPS routing tools and local Department of Transportation updates to avoid getting stuck. - Enhance communication plans
Your drivers need to be kept in the loop. That means creating a clear, repeatable communication process.
Tip: Set up a tiered contact system that includes text or SMS messaging, push notifications through your fleet management system, and voice calls if needed. Update driver contact info regularly and rehearse the communications plan before storm season peaks. - Use advanced forecasting tools
NOAA has leveled up this year with improved weather models and a brand-new portal offering up to three days’ notice on flash flood and rainfall warnings. That means more time to prepare and act.
Tip: Integrate NOAA and Environment Canada alerts directly into your fleet management dashboard. If that's not an option, assign a team member to monitor and relay updates in real time.
Vehicle-specific fleet safety tips
For Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Vehicles
Fuel Up
Make sure every gas-powered vehicle has a full tank before the storm hits. Power outages can leave fuel stations closed for days.
Tip: Use tools like GasBuddy to locate open fuel stations and update your route plans accordingly. Make sure your drivers know where to go and when.
For Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Charge up
Just like fuel, you’ll want all your EVs at a full charge before the storm arrives.
Tip: Be sure to map available charging stations on your device ahead of time, especially if your area may experience evacuations. Print hard copies of charging maps just in case. - Unplug and power down
Power surges during hurricanes are no joke. A surge can fry a home charging station or even damage the vehicle battery.
Tip: Unplug charging cables from the vehicle and switch off the home charger. Consider surge protection upgrades for any commercial EV charging infrastructure. - Find higher ground
Flooding and EVs don’t mix. Water damage to an EV battery or electrical system can mean serious repair bills—or worse, a total loss.
Tip: If possible, park EVs in elevated areas or on car lifts/ramps to keep them above potential floodwaters. Avoid underground or low-lying garages altogether.
Fleet driver safety is everyone’s responsibility
The 2025 hurricane season is forecast to be more intense than usual, and for fleets, that means proactive preparation is more critical than ever. By updating your evacuation routes, strengthening communication, leveraging new forecasting tools, and safeguarding both ICE and EV vehicles, you’ll be better equipped to weather whatever comes your way. These fleet safety tips and driver safety practices are more than just best practices, they’re a lifeline for keeping your people and vehicles out of harm’s way. Stay alert, stay connected, and most of all, stay safe.
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