The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, with storm activity intensifying in late summer, peaking around mid-September. And while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a calmer-than-usual storm season this year, boards and managers in the tri-state area still need to be proactive in getting their communities ready for rough weather when it happens. Here are some tips for pre-season prep across your community’s administrative, exterior, and interior operations.

Administrative & Procedural Readiness

Proper hurricane preparation begins well before high-wind warnings are issued. Boards and managers should do a bit of administrative housekeeping to ensure operational continuity, including:

Review Insurance Policies & Deductibles. Verify your master policy limits for windstorm, named-storm, and rising-water/flood coverage. Pay close attention to separate wind or named-storm deductibles, which are often structured as a percentage of total building value rather than a flat fee. Remind your residents in writing of the distinction between master property coverage and their individual unit policies.

Pre-Authorize Emergency Spending. Convene a board meeting to pass resolutions granting your property manager or board president emergency spending authority (up to a clearly defined dollar threshold) for immediate pre- and post-storm stabilization, such as board-ups, water extraction, and tree removal.

Confirm Vendor Contracts. Reach out to your trusted restoration, plumbing, tree-trimming, and roofing contractors to confirm priority service protocols or retainers before regional demand surges.

Establish Communication Protocols. Update digital contact rosters for all owners, tenants, and off-site landlords in your building or association. Clearly outline how emergency alerts, evacuation notices, or post-storm ‘all-clear’ messages will be transmitted if power fails.

Exterior & Grounds Prep

High winds can turn unsecured items on roofs and balconies into hazardous projectiles, and heavy coastal rainfall can quickly overwhelm street-level drains and water collection points. To head off these hazards at the pass:

Clear Drainage & Catch Basins. Inspect and clear street-level and rooftop drains, as well as any gutters and scuppers. In dense neighborhoods, leaf litter and debris can quickly block drains, causing rapid localized flooding into ground-level units and basements.

Prune High-Risk Trees. Engage a certified arborist to inspect mature trees near your building, parking areas, and power lines, trimming deadwood and weak branches.

Secure Amenities & Common Elements. Inspect your courtyard, roof deck, and patio common areas, securing any furniture, dumpsters, recycling bins, and exterior signage. Mandate that residents bring any furniture, grills, planter boxes, and unsecured decorations on their private balconies or terraces indoors. 

Inspect Roofs & Facades: Inspect and secure flashing, parapets, roof membranes, and HVAC tie-downs. Loose gravel or unanchored equipment on flat roofs can easily become airborne in gale-force gusts.

Interior & Mechanical Operations

In multifamily structures, interior systems and below-grade areas bear the brunt of severe water intrusion and utility disruptions—especially in lower-lying areas. Make sure yours are as secure as possible: 

Test Emergency Power & Sump Pumps. Exercise backup emergency generators under load, checking fuel levels and automatic transfer switch functionality. Inspect all sump pumps, clean pump pits, and confirm that battery-backup secondary pumps are fully charged and in good working order.

Review Elevator Storm Protocols. In the event of severe flooding threats or major power outages, parking elevators on upper floors (rather than leaving them at the pit/basement level) can prevent catastrophic water damage to cab machinery and electronics—so coordinate with your elevator service provider on pre-storm procedures. 

Protect Below-Grade Infrastructure. Inspect baseline foundation walls, bulkheads, and basement windows for seals or cracks. Stage portable sandbags or flood barriers near low-lying entryways, garage ramps, and utility rooms housing boilers, main electrical panels, or domestic water pumps.

By pairing a clear game plan with proactive administrative and physical maintenance, your board-management team can maintain safety, protect shared assets, and minimize damage to your community as the 2026 storm season rolls through.