The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, with storm activity intensifying in late summer, peaking around mid-September. And while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a calmer-than-usual storm season this year, New England boards and managers still need to be proactive in getting their communities ready for rough weather when it happens. Here are some tips for pre-season prep across your community’s administrative, exterior, and interior operations.

Administrative & Procedural Readiness.

Proper hurricane preparation begins well before high-wind warnings are issued. Boards and property managers should do a bit of administrative housekeeping to ensure operational continuity, including:

Review Insurance Policies & Deductibles. Verify master policy limits for windstorm, named-storm, and rising-water/flood coverage. Pay close attention to separate wind or named-storm deductibles, which are often structured as a percentage of total building value rather than a flat fee. Remind residents in writing of the distinction between master property coverage and their individual unit policies.

Pre-Authorize Emergency Spending. Convene a board of trustees meeting to pass resolutions granting your property manager or board president emergency spending authority (up to a clearly defined dollar threshold) for immediate pre- and post-storm stabilization, such as board-ups, water extraction, and tree removal.

Confirm Vendor Contracts. Reach out to your trusted restoration, plumbing, tree-trimming, and roofing contractors to confirm priority service protocols or retainers before regional demand surges.

Establish Communication Protocols. Update digital contact rosters for all owners, tenants, and off-site landlords in your building or HOA. Clearly outline how emergency alerts, evacuation notices, or post-storm ‘all-clear’ messages will be transmitted if power fails.

Exterior & Grounds Prep

High winds and heavy coastal rainfall often convert unsecured ground elements into hazardous projectiles and water collection points. To head off these hazards at the pass:

Clear Drainage & Catch Basins. Inspect and clean all street-level catch basins, area drains, roof gutters, and scuppers. In dense neighborhoods like the Back Bay or South End, leaf litter and debris can quickly block drains, causing rapid localized flooding into garden-level units and basements.

Prune High-Risk Trees. Engage a certified arborist to inspect mature trees near structures, parking lots, or power lines, trimming deadwood and weak branches.

Secure Amenities & Common Elements. Inspect courtyards, rooftop decks, and patios, and mandate that residents bring any outdoor furniture, grills, planter boxes, and unsecured decorations indoors. Secure common-area dumpsters, recycling bins, and exterior signage.

Inspect Roofs & Facades. Inspect and secure flashing, parapets, roof membranes, and HVAC tie-downs. Loose gravel or unanchored equipment on flat roofs can easily become airborne in tropical-storm-force gusts.

Interior & Mechanical Operations

In multifamily structures, interior systems and below-grade areas bear the brunt of severe water intrusion and utility disruptions. Make sure yours are as secure as possible: 

Test Emergency Power & Sump Pumps. Exercise backup emergency generators under load, checking fuel levels and automatic transfer switch functionality. Inspect all sump pumps, clean pump pits, and confirm that battery-backup secondary pumps are fully charged and in good working order.

Review Elevator Storm Protocols. In the event of severe flooding threats or major power outages, parking elevators on upper floors (rather than leaving them at the pit/basement level) prevents catastrophic water damage to cab machinery and electronics—so coordinate with your elevator service provider on pre-storm procedures. 

Protect Below-Grade Infrastructure. Inspect baseline foundation walls, bulkheads, and basement windows for seals or cracks. Stage portable sandbags or flood barriers near low-lying entryways, garage ramps, and utility rooms housing boilers, main electrical panels, or domestic water pumps.

By pairing a clear game plan with proactive administrative and physical maintenance, your board-management team can maintain safety, protect shared assets, and minimize damage to your community as the 2026 storm season rolls through.