Prepare before the storm: write an outage plan, stock probe thermometers and insulated coolers, know where to get ice, clear the outdoor unit, ask an electrician about surge protection and a proper generator connection, and decide what to move first. After the storm, inspect the unit and restart it carefully. A written plan beats improvising in the dark.
Hattiesburg has real storm history. An EF4 tornado struck on February 10, 2013, an EF3 followed on January 21, 2017 and left about 10,000 people without power, Hurricane Ida in 2021 flooded roads and caused blackouts across the region, and severe storms in March 2026 cut power in nearby counties. For a restaurant, the question is not whether the power will fail, but when and for how long.
Before the storm
- Write the plan. One page: who calls whom, where food moves, who logs temperatures, who decides on discards.
- Stock supplies. Probe thermometers, insulated coolers, ice or frozen gel packs, flashlights and batteries.
- Know your ice source. A supplier or store that stays open, and a backup.
- Reduce what is at risk. Consider running stock lower before a forecast storm, and move delicate items to a cooler you can keep closed.
- Secure the outdoor unit. Clear loose items, and check that the pad, mounting and covers are tight.
- Talk to an electrician. Ask about surge protection for the condensing unit and, if you want backup power, a transfer switch.
- Set a temperature baseline. Log readings before the storm so you can see the outage clearly.
Power backup basics
- A generator must be sized for the compressor start current, not just its running load.
- A generator should connect only through a proper transfer switch installed by an electrician. Plugging it into building wiring can backfeed the grid and kill line workers.
- Generators run outdoors only, away from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide.
- Fuel needs planning, and refueling a hot generator is dangerous.
- Restarting on generator power can be hard on a compressor, so ask the technician about soft-start options.
During the outage
- Keep the walk-in door closed, and open it once with a plan.
- Note the time power failed, and log food temperatures at intervals.
- Turn off the unit's disconnect if the power is flickering, to avoid repeated hard starts.
- Move the most perishable items to coolers with ice if the outage will be long.
- Follow the time limits in the food-safety guide and your inspector's direction.
After the storm
- Look before you switch on. Check the outdoor unit for water, debris and damage.
- Check for flooding. If the disconnect or electrical section is wet, do not switch on.
- Wait for steady power. Let it stabilize for several minutes.
- Restart and watch. Listen for the compressor and fans, and watch the temperature fall.
- Call for help if it hums, trips or does not cool.
- Record everything for your inspector and insurer.
The storm recovery page covers the restart in detail, and surge protection explains the equipment side. For seasonal timing, see the pre-summer checklist.
Questions about storm prep
Is a generator worth it?
For a busy kitchen in a storm-prone area, it may be. Weigh the cost against the stock and sales at risk, and have it installed properly.
Should I empty the walk-in before a storm?
Not necessarily. A full box holds cold longer. Reducing highly perishable stock is sensible, and a written plan matters more.
What about dry ice?
It can help in coolers, but it needs ventilation and careful handling. Never use it in a sealed room, and keep it away from food contact unless properly separated.