Hurricanes and the resulting State of Emergency declarations can create uncertainty and stress for patients. Having a well-prepared emergency plan—and reviewing and updating it regularly—helps pharmacies continue providing essential care, clear communication, and peace of mind when patients need it most.
2026 hurricane season predictions
The NOAA predicts a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with a 55% chance of below-normal activity, a 35% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of an above-normal season. The forecast includes 8 to 14 named storms, with 3 to 6 becoming hurricanes, and 1 to 3 of those reaching major hurricane status (Category 3-5). Forecasters note that the expected development of El Niño is likely to suppress overall Atlantic hurricane activity, though residents in hurricane-prone areas should still prepare, as a single storm can have significant impacts.
Preparing your pharmacy for hurricane season
1. Know your risks
Start by understanding the full range of environmental risks your pharmacy may face. Hurricanes and severe weather can bring storm surge, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes, prolonged power outages, and access restrictions due to evacuation orders.
- Check FEMA flood maps to understand flood and storm surge exposure in your area
- Review regional risks such as wind damage zones, evacuation zones, and tornado-prone areas
- Evaluate whether your insurance covers property damage, inventory loss, and business interruption
- Consider how road closures or emergency declarations could impact pharmacy operations
2. Build a complete emergency operations plan
Your disaster plan should outline exactly how your pharmacy will function before, during, and after a storm.
Include:
- Closure and reopening procedures
- Staff roles and escalation chains
- Procedures for controlled substances and emergency refill requests
- Insurance documentation and recovery procedures
- A clear continuity plan for restoring operations quickly
Review and update the plan annually to ensure contact information, workflows, and responsibilities remain current.
3. Prepare for power, internet, and systems outages
Hurricanes often disrupt utilities and core systems simultaneously.
Ensure continuity with:
- Backup generators with tested fuel supply
- Internet redundancy (primary wired + hotspot or cellular failover)
- Cloud-based phone systems that maintain communications and enable patients to request refills
- VPN access to securely connect staff to pharmacy systems (PMS, records, and workflows) during remote operations or evacuations
- Softphone capabilities so staff can place and receive pharmacy calls from mobile devices or laptops when on-site systems are unavailable
Without connectivity, even staffed pharmacies may be unable to operate effectively.
4. Prepare & secure your facility
Physical preparation helps reduce damage and improve post-storm safety.
- Board up windows and secure entry points
- Use sandbags in flood-prone areas
- Verify alarms and surveillance systems are operational
- Secure controlled substances and high-value inventory
- Store essential documents in waterproof containers
Security risks can increase during prolonged outages or evacuations.
5. Plan for inventory & supply chain disruptions
Inventory continuity is essential for patient care during and after storms.
- Maintain reserve stock of critical and chronic medications
- Coordinate delivery timing with wholesalers before storms arrive
- Identify backup suppliers for emergency access
- Track inventory levels closely leading into landfall
Supply chain disruption often outlasts the storm itself.
6. Plan for staffing coverage & demand surge
Hurricanes often reduce staffing availability while increasing patient demand at reopening.
- Identify staff who may be unavailable post-storm
- Establish backup pharmacist and technician coverage
- Plan for increased volume during reopening periods
- Coordinate contingency support with peer pharmacies if needed
7. Plan for refrigerated meds
Power outages can quickly compromise temperature-sensitive medications.
- Ensure refrigerators and freezers are connected to backup power
- Verify temperature monitoring systems are functioning properly
- Establish procedures for documenting temperature excursions
- Have a contingency plan if power is lost for an extended period
8. Update your IVR messaging
Update your IVR messaging so patients can quickly access clear, timely information during a storm event. Keeping messaging current helps reduce call volume, confusion, and delays in care.
Consider including:
- Current store hours and any temporary changes
- Anticipated closure dates or reopening timelines (if applicable)
- State of Emergency updates and how they may impact pharmacy operations
- Emergency refill policies or supply limitations during disaster conditions
- Guidance on recommended at-home essentials (e.g., first aid supplies and OTC items for storm preparedness)
Clear, proactive IVR updates ensure patients get the information they need—even when your team is managing high call volume or limited availability.
9. Plan for staffing coverage & demand surge
Hurricanes often reduce staffing availability while increasing patient demand at reopening.
- Identify staff who may be unavailable post-storm
- Establish backup pharmacist and technician coverage
- Provide softphone access to critical employees to work remotely
- Plan for increased volume during reopening periods
- Coordinate contingency support with peer pharmacies if needed
10. Build a strong patient communication strategy
Before, during, and after a storm, patients need clear, consistent updates about access to medications and pharmacy operations.
- Use multiple channels to provide updates, including SMS, website, social media, outbound calling, etc.
- Proactively notify patients about closures, reopening plans, and emergency refill policies
- Identify and prioritize high-risk patients (chronic conditions, LTC, elderly) for direct outreach
- Provide clear guidance for patients who may evacuate, including how to get medications elsewhere if needed
- Reassure patients with simple, consistent messaging as conditions evolve
Strong communication reduces panic, prevents refill gaps, and helps maintain trust during disruption.
Ready to bolster your disaster preparedness plan?
Download our checklist to make sure you have all your bases covered in the case of a hurricane or another unforeseen circumstances that could impact your operations.
