Hurricane Preparedness Week: Time to Act!

The 2025 Hurricane Season Preparedness Week is here, and for businesses across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, that means one thing: it’s time to get ready. With many meteorologists forecasting an above-average season, companies can’t afford to wait. Preparation must start now to minimize possible disruptions, safeguard operations, and protect employees.

At Mansfield Energy, storm readiness is taken seriously. Throughout this week, the company has conducted internal tests to confirm that systems are fully operational and that emergency protocols are in place.

“We’ve thoroughly tested all of our systems, and everything is operating at peak performance,” said Marshall Anderson, Director of Customer Operations at Mansfield Energy. “We’ve also checked our contingency plans to ensure we remain operational – even if unexpected disruptions occur. No matter what the season brings, Mansfield is fully prepared to continue delivering the fuel and services our customers rely on to keep their operations running.”

Building a Storm-Resilient Fuel Strategy

Companies that want to weather-proof their operations should take a proactive approach to fuel management. Key strategies include:

• Secure Fuel Contracts in Advance – Lock in fuel agreements before the season starts to ensure priority access during shortages.
• Expand On-Site Storage – Larger fuel reserves give businesses more operational flexibility when resupply is delayed.
• Treat and Monitor Stored Fuel – Regular maintenance ensures fuel quality when it’s most needed.
• Strengthen Supplier Relationships – Work with suppliers like Mansfield that offer multiple supply points and strong emergency support.
• Develop an Emergency Response Plan – A clear plan to minimize the risk of business disruptions. It should include temporary storage tanks, dedicated fuel supply trucks and priority/emergency supply, and proactive tank and generator maintenance – in case a storm hits.

 Preparing Before the Storm

Don’t wait for a hurricane to show up on the radar. Businesses should review (or implement) their emergency response plans, verify fuel inventory levels, and top off critical equipment and generator tanks. It is important to establish clear communication channels with suppliers and emergency response teams, ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities should be struck by a storm.

Pre-storm preparations should also include:

• Confirming generator functionality and available run time
• Inspecting and securing fuel storage tanks
• Scheduling pre-storm fuel deliveries whenever possible
• Securing priority emergency refueling with your fuel supplier
• Keeping sandbags, securing loose items, and checking electrical and data systems.

You can learn more about how to get prepared for the storm here.

During the Storm

Businesses should monitor the situation closely while preserving fuel supplies for essential needs.

• Monitor Fuel Levels Closely – Track consumption rates in real time to prioritize essential operations and prevent unexpected runouts.
• Maintain Communication – Stay in contact with your fuel supplier for updates on availability, delivery schedules, and emergency options.
• Preserve Fuel Where Possible – Shut down non-essential equipment to conserve stored fuel for critical needs.

After the Storm

The immediate aftermath is often the most critical period for maintaining fuel access. Along with assessing damage, ensuring the safety of your team, and managing fuel supplies, the complex and often daunting storm aftermath should include:

• Inspect Fuel Storage – Check tanks and lines for contamination or physical damage. If needed, arrange for tank cleaning.
• Refuel as Early as Possible – Demand will spike immediately after a storm, so act quickly to secure resupply.
• Review and Improve Plans – Conduct a full review of what worked and what didn’t to strengthen preparations for the next event.

You can learn more about post-storm steps here.

Preparing your fuel supply is not simply about minimizing inconvenience; it is about protecting your business’s ability to serve customers, maintain critical operations, and recover quickly. With proper planning, you can stay ahead of disruptions, ensure continuity through the most challenging days, and emerge stronger in an increasingly unpredictable scenario.

Not sure how to implement your Emergency Plan? Talk to the experts!

Mansfield Energy, North America’s leading fuel distributor, brings a wealth of expertise to creating a robust emergency response program tailored to your company’s needs. With an extensive network servicing the US and Canada, Mansfield understands the importance of proactive measures in facing potential disruptions caused by hurricanes or other natural disasters.

Leveraging in-depth knowledge, Mansfield has developed a comprehensive Emergency Response Fuel Program that prescribes industry best practices. Mansfield’s program enables a multi-faceted approach, prioritizing essential services and collaborating closely with partners to ensure seamless fuel distribution during emergencies. Contact us today!