National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 5-11
With the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season just a month away, now is the time to get ready for potential storms, as preparation is key to keeping you and your property safe.
National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 5-11, provides an opportunity to review your safety plans and make any changes long before a storm arrives.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30, but the season historically peaks between mid-August and mid-October. According to the National Weather Service, the U.S. coastline typically experiences three hurricanes per year, including one major storm.
Along with high winds, hurricanes can cause flooding and storm surges. If your area is affected by these conditions, planning ahead can potentially save your business and your life.
The 2023 hurricane season was one of the most active on record with 20 named storms – the fourth-most in a year since 1950. Seven storms reached hurricane status. Idalia was the only hurricane to hit the U.S. when it reached Florida as a Category 3 hurricane in August.
Forecasters predict this year’s Atlantic hurricane season will be extremely active with 23 named storms, 11 expected to rise to hurricane status and five are predicted to be major hurricanes.
Penske offers the following advice to consumers and commercial customers about what to do before a storm arrives:
Make safety your number one priority.
Top off your 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.
Important Penske Information
Contact us if you need assistance with your lease or rental units before or after the storm:
Penske Location and Fuel Finder Tool
24/7 Roadside Assistance: 1-800-526-0798
Consumer Truck Rental Reservations: 1-888-996-5415
Commercial Truck Rental Reservations: 1-800-736-7531
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.
Additional Helpful Resources
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
Ready,Gov
Photo Credit: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration