Peak Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparation Tips
As the Atlantic Hurricane Season enters its most dangerous period, when a majority of the season’s tropical storms and hurricanes normally occur, fleet managers are encouraged to prepare now before a storm strikes.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30, but the season historically peaks between mid-August and mid-October.
Penske has tips and resources available to help truck fleet operators prepare for a hurricane and guidance on where to go in the event you need assistance after the storm.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center anticipates this year will be an especially active season with 17-25 named storms, 8-13 hurricanes and 4-7 major hurricanes. The increase is due in part to La Nina and warmer ocean temperatures.
So far, three named storms have formed this season: Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Chris.
Authorities encourage residents and business owners to take steps now to prepare in the event storms impact their area.
The Department of Homeland Security, through its Ready national public service campaign, has assembled some hurricane preparedness tips for every stage of the storm. It includes evacuation tips, what to include in a disaster supply kit and how to create a family communication plan.
Tips for Penske Consumers and Business Customers
Penske offers the following advice to consumers and business customers on what to do before a storm arrives:
Make safety your number one priority.
Top off truck fuel tanks.
Move trucks to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.
Stay tuned to local news stations for weather reports.
Adhere to all travel, road advisories and restrictions.
Delay travel into impacted areas when possible.
Know your evacuation routes and have a plan.
Seal and lock all fuel tank tops.
Secure outdoor items and clear debris that could become a projectile.
Charge all mobile phone battery packs and ensure you have charging cables.
Put mobile devices on low-power mode to conserve battery.
Ensure you have employee contact information and a post-storm follow-up plan to verify the status of each employee.
If you suspect your vehicle may have been flooded do not start the vehicle. Starting the vehicle may cause significant damage to the emission control system. Contact your local Penske service location or 24/7 Roadside Assistance for guidance.
Important Penske Information
Contact us if you need assistance with your lease or rental units before or after the storm:
- Penske Location and Fuel Finder Tool
- Penske Driver™ App
- Fleet Insight™
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: 1-800-526-0798
- Consumer Truck Rental Reservations: 1-888-996-5415
- Commercial Truck Rental Reservations: 1-800-736-7531
Penske Facilities Questions
Penske takes steps to ensure continued service, but there are times when delays and closures may be necessary due to travel restrictions, weather conditions, power outages or a state of emergency.
Please call our 24/7 Roadside Assistance team at 1-800-526-0798 to confirm the open or closed status of a Penske facility.
Additional resources:
- U.S. DOT National Traffic and Road Closures and Advisories by State
- Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)
- FEMA Blog – Emergency Updates and Preparedness
- National Hurricane Center Storm Updates
- American Red Cross Hurricane Tips
By “Move Ahead” Staff
FMCSA will also be renaming the Cargo-Related BASIC to the Hazardous Materials (HM) BASIC, which will better identify HM-related safety problems and change how HAZMAT carriers are classified to allow for increased intervention scrutiny. Now HAZMAT violations will be placed in the HAZMAT BASIC, which will better identify HAZMAT-related safety problems and change how HAZMAT carriers are classified to allow for increased intervention scrutiny. The HAZMAT BASIC will include items such as placarding and paperwork violations.