Natural disasters aren’t slowing down. From hurricanes battering the Gulf and Atlantic coasts to wildfires across the West and ice storms paralyzing entire regions in winter, tree care professionals are increasingly called upon to respond when communities need them most.

That response comes with serious risk, and major storms have underscored the need for preparation before crews are dispatched. In September 2024, Hurricane Helene prompted TCIA to refocus its efforts on updating Storm Network resources and strengthening targeted member alerts when significant storms are approaching.

That work was put into practice when, for example, Winter Storm Gianna strengthened into a bomb cyclone in January 2026, threatening the Carolina coast. TCIA sent direct alerts to members in the affected region, pointing them to Storm Network resources and reminding them to review preparation and response plans well before landfall.

TCIA’s Storm Network exists to help members prepare before a storm hits and respond safely when one does. It provides training resources, operational guidance, communication tools and industry knowledge to support companies before, during and after storm events.

A resource hub

The Storm Network is a central hub for storm preparedness and response. Members have access to TCI Magazine articles covering storm-cleanup best practices, archived storm-response guidance, curated industry links and sample press releases companies can adapt before and after a disaster. Additional articles address wildfire prevention and suppression training, fire-safety gear and training frameworks that give crews foundational knowledge on fire behavior and emergency response.

TCIA also gives members access to OSHA guidance on flood preparedness, hurricane response and wildfire recovery, as well as real-time storm tracking through the National Hurricane Center. These resources address risks that rise sharply during cleanup operations, such as spring poles, energized downed lines, heavy traffic and long hours under stress.

Connecting companies

One of the Storm Network’s most practical tools is the participant list, a directory of TCIA member companies that have opted to offer or request assistance during a natural disaster. All members can use the list to find assistance, regardless of whether they have signed up as a Storm Network participant.

Participants are encouraged to share equipment, crews and expertise, and to offer or request additional support when storm response demands more than what’s readily available.

The list ranges from small, specialized crews to larger operations that will travel thousands of miles.

How to get involved

Storms don’t wait. The best time to explore these resources is before you need them. The Storm Network is one of many practical resources available to TCIA members, giving companies a way to offer or request assistance before and after major weather events.

Alex Allbritton is a TCIA business-support specialist. Members can access the Storm Network by logging into their TCIA member accounts at tcia.org. There, they can also view Storm Network resources and the current participant list. Members can call our member-services team at (800) 733-2622 with questions.

To access the Storm Network:

1. Log in to your TCIA member account at tcia.org.
2. Go to the member resource library.
3. Click the Business Strategy link.
4. Select Storm Network Access.
5. Complete the signup form, indicating whether your company is available to offer assistance, seek assistance or both.
6. Provide details on crew size, equipment and travel range.