Safety Series: Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Fleet Operators
Forecasters are predicting below-normal activity during this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 - November 30. Historically, peak hurricane season occurs from mid-August through mid-October when a majority of the season’s tropical storms and hurricanes occur.
Hurricanes, which form over the water and move inland, can cause high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, rip currents, tornadoes and flooding. Authorities are encouraging fleet operators and others to take steps now to prepare in the event strong storms strike.
Penske has tips and resources available to help you prepare for a hurricane – before, during and after a storm.
Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
In 2025, there were 13 named storms, five hurricanes and four major hurricanes. On average, the Atlantic produces 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.
While it was the first time in a decade that a hurricane did not strike the U.S., last year a tropical storm caused casualties and property damage in the Carolinas, and storms far off the East Coast caused rough waters which damaged property last year.
This year, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting 8-14 named storms, with winds 39 mph or higher.
Of those, 3-6 are forecast to become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph or higher. And, 1-3 could become major hurricanes – a category 3, 4 or 5 - with winds of 111 mph or higher.
Hurricane Preparation Resources
The Department of Homeland Security, through its Ready national public service campaign, has assembled hurricane preparedness tips for every stage of a storm.
Tips include evacuation guidelines, 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.
Important: 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.
Penske Contact Information
Reach out to us if you need assistance with your lease or rental units before or after the storm:
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: 800-526-0798
- Consumer Truck Rental Reservations: 888-996-5415
- Commercial Truck Rental Reservations: 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.
- U.S. DOT National Traffic and Road Closures and Advisories by State
- Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)
- FEMA Blog – Emergency Updates and Preparedness
- Ready.gov – Hurricane Preparedness
- National Hurricane Center Storm Updates
- American Red Cross Hurricane Tips
By “Move Ahead” Staff
