Natural disasters can strike with little warning, leaving businesses scrambling to maintain operations and protect property. For gas station owners, especially those in storm-prone areas such as the Gulf Coast, Southeast, and Atlantic Seaboard, the stakes are particularly high. Gas stations serve as critical infrastructure during emergencies, providing fuel for evacuation, transportation, generators, and first responders. But without a solid emergency preparedness plan, these stations can quickly become liabilities rather than assets.
Nicholas Kambitsis offers an in-depth guide to emergency preparedness for gas station owners, focusing on hurricanes, floods, and power outages. With the right strategies in place, you can ensure not only the safety of your business and employees but also continued service to your community when it’s needed most.
Understanding the Risks
Storms, Floods, and Power Outages: A Triple Threat
Gas stations are uniquely vulnerable to extreme weather due to their above-ground fuel storage equipment, reliance on electrical systems, and location near major thoroughfares that may flood or close during storms. The main risks include:
- Power outages disrupting pumps, lighting, point-of-sale systems, and communication.
- Flooding causing damage to underground storage tanks, contamination of fuel, and unsafe access points.
- Wind damage to canopies, signage, and building structures.
- Fuel shortages due to disrupted supply chains and panic buying.
Preparing Ahead: Business Continuity Starts Before the Storm
The most effective emergency plans begin long before the storm clouds gather. Here’s how gas station owners can proactively safeguard their operations.
Develop a Comprehensive Emergency Plan
A written, site-specific emergency preparedness plan should include:
- Contact lists for employees, emergency responders, utility companies, fuel suppliers, and equipment vendors.
- Evacuation procedures and shelter-in-place options.
- Roles and responsibilities for staff during an emergency.
- Protocols for securing and shutting down the facility if necessary.
Review and update this plan annually—preferably before the start of hurricane season.
Install Backup Power Solutions
Because fuel pumps and payment systems rely on electricity, power loss can bring operations to a grinding halt. A commercial-grade generator is a must-have.
- Choose a generator that can power essential systems: fuel dispensers, lights, refrigeration (if applicable), and payment terminals.
- Install transfer switches to allow safe and fast transition between grid and generator power.
- Conduct regular maintenance and ensure adequate on-site fuel for at least 3–5 days of backup operation.
Flood-Proof Critical Infrastructure
If your station is located in a flood-prone area:
- Elevate electrical panels, wiring, and fuel monitoring systems above known flood levels.
- Use waterproof barriers or sandbags to block water intrusion at entry points.
- Invest in sump pumps and proper drainage systems to prevent water buildup.
- Install backflow prevention valves on sewage and water lines.
Safeguarding Your Fuel Supply
Fuel is your business’s lifeblood; protecting it is essential.
Secure Fuel Storage and Delivery Systems
Before a storm:
- Inspect and secure fill caps, vent pipes, and tank hatches.
- Confirm that all underground storage tanks (USTs) are properly anchored to prevent floatation.
- Monitor fuel levels to avoid overfilling or empty tanks, both of which can be risky in floods.
Coordinate with your supplier ahead of any potential storm to ensure delivery schedules are adjusted accordingly and emergency refueling is prioritized.
Prevent Fuel Contamination
Water intrusion in fuel tanks leads to product contamination, engine damage for customers, and possible EPA violations. To prevent this:
- Ensure all seals and tank covers are watertight.
- Use fuel additives that separate water from fuel.
- Test fuel regularly—especially after storms—to ensure quality.
Protecting People: Staff, Customers, and Community
Train Your Team
Your employees are your frontline responders in a disaster scenario. Train them on:
- Emergency shutdown procedures.
- Generator operations and fuel safety.
- Customer communication during outages or emergencies.
- Evacuation plans and personal safety protocols.
Rehearse drills at least once a year and more often if your region is particularly storm-prone.
Communicate Proactively
Leverage your signage, social media, and mobile alerts to communicate hours of operation, fuel availability, and safety measures. Clear, timely messaging can prevent panic and build customer trust.
Resuming Operations: Post-Storm Recovery Tips
Once the storm passes, returning to business safely and swiftly is critical.
Inspect Before Reopening
Conduct a thorough site inspection with a checklist:
- Power system functionality (grid or generator).
- Structural damage to canopy, pumps, tanks, and signage.
- Fuel quality checks and leak detection.
- Safety system checks (fire suppression, alarms, etc.).
Do not reopen until all safety hazards are addressed, and if necessary, coordinate with local authorities for inspection clearance.
File Insurance and Incident Reports Promptly
Photograph damage, retain repair receipts, and document any equipment or inventory losses. Notify your insurance provider immediately and begin the claims process.
If you’re in a federally declared disaster area, consider applying for small business disaster assistance loans or grants through FEMA or the SBA.
Long-Term Investments in Resilience
Preparedness is an ongoing investment. Consider integrating the following:
- Storm-resistant construction such as impact-resistant windows, reinforced canopies, and wind-rated signage.
- Smart fuel management systems that remotely monitor tank levels and detect water intrusion.
- Solar-powered lighting to enhance visibility during power outages.
- Business interruption insurance to help cover lost revenue during closures.
Gas stations are more than just businesses—they’re essential service providers in times of crisis. By preparing in advance for hurricanes, floods, and outages, gas station owners can weather the storm while continuing to support their communities. Investing in emergency readiness is not only a smart business decision—it’s a civic responsibility.
As climate-related events become more frequent and severe, resilience is no longer optional. It’s the new standard. Owners who rise to meet that challenge will protect their livelihoods, preserve public safety, and remain operational when others cannot.