What Is Supply Chain Visibility and Why It Matters
For those living anywhere near the Atlantic or the Gulf Coast, hurricane season is a very real thing. More often than not, these hurricanes begin life as tropical storms that build up power as they cross over the ocean. By the time they make landfall, they are usually massive and simply pummel their way through, destroying all in their path.
Unfortunately, it looks like they won't be slowing down any time soon.
While hurricanes wreak havoc on buildings, homes, and basic infrastructure, they also disrupt most, if not all, supply chain movement. And the reality is that we aren't just talking about movement of freight during a hurricane. We are talking about the aftermath that hurricanes of large magnitude cause to basic mobility of logistics networks. Trying to get your supply chain up and running efficiently after a massive hurricane hits is no small task!
Furthermore, hurricanes can significantly impact public health and safety, potentially leaving your city crippled. In many cases, you may find your area completely cut off from the rest. However, being cut off from the rest of the world does not stop the need for medications, food, and other needed goods for the people who depend on them to live.
But all is not lost. In fact, those who operate within the logistics world can implement a disaster preparedness plan that can help them reduce damage, improve safety, and minimize shipping delays. We may not be able to stop Mother Nature, but we can learn to prepare for her wrath.
In this blog post, we'll cover eight things that all supply chain partners can and should add to their hurricane preparation checklist.
Short-Term Hurricane Preparation Plans
The Hurricane season for the Atlantic coast begins June 1 and it continues through the end of November. That is half of the standard calendar year. Within that window of time, the potential for hurricanes and tropical storms doubles beyond the rest of the year. It's not a matter of if a hurricane forms, it is simply a matter of when.
Luckily, most hurricane prediction models are becoming exceptionally accurate. What this means is that there's really no excuse for a lack of a solid hurricane preparation plan in place within any supply chain.
However, we do know that not all supply chains have such a plan set up. So, if this sounds like you, let us give you some tips to get you started off on the right foot with your short-term planning...
Develop a strong forecasting alert system
Your efficient movement of freight depends on clear roads and good weather. Since a hurricane or tropical storm can cause havoc to both of these, having a strong forecast alert system in place is a smart move for your operations.
These systems monitor and relay information from national and regional weather agencies. Proactive companies should be in the habit of assigning key employees in multiple departments to monitor weather activity on a daily basis. This information should be relayed to all team leaders in each role of the supply chain. In the event of an impending disruption to the supply chain via weather changes, all stakeholders should also be notified.
Improve inventory levels during hurricane season
The second way you can stay ahead of hurricane-related logistics delays is to maintain increased inventory levels through the season. This is especially critical for retailers or manufacturers who deal in commodities that are in demand during this season, such as wood, metals, safety equipment, water, and food. This will ensure the suppliers can keep up with emergency demand as consumers stock-up.
Identify areas of vulnerability
As a hurricane approaches, you will discover areas within your network that struggle during these aggressive weather patterns. Take note of these, research ways to correct and then implement them after the storm passes.
It’s important for you to learn from previous mistakes and identify areas of your supply chain that require fine-tuning to reduce such service disruptions.
Create emergency communication plans
One of the biggest issues you'll face with extreme weather is a disruption of normal communication methods. This includes cell and internet connectivity. As a proactive measure, it’s a wise idea to establish backup communications methods and back-up power supplies.
A way to begin achieving this is to keep and maintain a backup power generator on-site.
Long-Term Hurricane Preparation Plans
While the things we previously mentioned certainly help reduce logistics headaches as hurricane season approaches, they are quick fixes. Staying ahead of the long-term curve should be the primary goal.
Below, we have compiled a list of the things that you should consider implementing for the long-haul...
Create alternative routing
This is especially important if you operate in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and other Gulf Coast states. When hurricanes or tropical storms arrive, they tend to cause flooding and damage on many roadways, especially in outlining areas.
To improve route efficiency and reduce delays, create a series of alternative routes for trucks to take during tropical storms or hurricanes. This is also where having cloud-based dynamic routing software in place really comes in handy!
Diversify the network of carriers
You should also establish a diverse network of carriers. By having many movement options available to you, you can keep some freight moving by using carriers who can pick up routes from those who are in an active hurricane region.
Test your emergency services
Waiting until the hurricane season arrives to determine if your emergency planning works is never a good idea. The ‘off-season’ is a great time to test your emergency communication and evacuation plans.
Put your workers through emergency drills and monitor their performance under stress. Take note of all weak points and begin finding ways to improve those specific areas.
Improve your facilities to reduce flood exposure
You know it's hard to pickup and move your distribution warehouse or fulfillment center.
However, you can make improvements to your facilities to improve drainage in parking lots or on property that can reduce the potential of hurricane or tropical storm waters flooding your facilities.
As always, the safety and security of your team should be your top priority—one that you should plan for and execute during a tropical storm or hurricane.
Final Thoughts
Is your supply chain resilient to hurricane season? If not, what are you going to do about it?
By following these eight simple steps, your logistics based business can reduce a lot of the headaches associated with these devastating storms.
FAQs
What should a supply chain hurricane preparedness plan include?
A strong hurricane preparedness plan should include weather monitoring, inventory planning, backup communications, alternate routing, carrier diversification, emergency drills, facility flood protection, and a process for identifying weak points after disruptions. The goal is to keep freight moving safely, protect people and assets, and reduce delays before, during, and after a storm.
How do you prepare a supply chain for hurricane season?
Preparing a supply chain for hurricane season starts with daily weather monitoring and clear internal alerts, then moves to practical steps like raising inventory levels, setting backup communication methods, and keeping a generator on-site. Longer-term preparation includes alternate routes, a diverse carrier network, and testing emergency plans before storms arrive.
Why is increased inventory important during hurricane season?
Higher inventory levels help supply chains absorb demand spikes and transportation delays during hurricane season. That matters most for goods people buy in advance of storms, such as water, food, safety equipment, wood, and metals. Extra inventory gives suppliers more flexibility when roads, ports, or normal delivery schedules are disrupted.
How can supply chains keep communicating when hurricanes disrupt cell service and internet access?
Supply chains can keep communicating by building backup communication plans that do not rely only on cell or internet service. That may include alternate contact methods, assigned points of contact, and backup power such as an on-site generator. The key is to make sure internal teams and stakeholders can still receive updates if normal systems go down.
What are the best long-term hurricane preparation steps for logistics networks?
The best long-term hurricane preparation steps include creating alternate routes, diversifying carriers, testing emergency services during the off-season, and improving facility drainage to reduce flood exposure. These actions make the network more resilient over time instead of only reacting when a storm is already approaching.
Why should a supply chain test emergency plans before hurricane season starts?
Emergency plans should be tested before hurricane season because weak points are easier to fix when operations are stable. Running drills for communication and evacuation plans helps teams see how people perform under stress and exposes gaps in the response process before a real storm creates pressure and downtime.
How can facilities reduce flood risk during hurricanes?
Facilities can reduce flood risk by improving drainage in parking lots and around the property so water moves away from warehouses or fulfillment centers more effectively. While moving a facility is rarely realistic, making site improvements can lower the chance of flood damage and help protect employees, inventory, and operations.
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