Prepare for Santa Ana winds before exposed work becomes unsafe: review the local forecast, secure movable site items, arrange qualified checks of known defects, and confirm operating and communication plans. Treat each property separately because a portfolio can include buildings with very different exposures and access conditions.
The National Weather Service describes Santa Ana winds as dry winds moving through Southern California mountain passages; they can damage property and increase wildfire risk. This preparation guide is not a forecast of a particular event. Use current official alerts for the property’s location. NWS explanation of Santa Ana winds.
Walk the site before the wind arrives
Assign a site contact to check movable furniture, loose stored materials, waste areas, temporary signs, and delivery staging. Decide in advance which items can be stored inside or secured using an appropriate method. The NWS recommends identifying outdoor items that need securing before a high-wind event. NWS preparation guidance.
Use existing work orders to identify recurring concerns such as loose-looking trim, gate problems, or damaged equipment covers. Arrange qualified review during suitable conditions. Do not improvise attachments to equipment, roofing, or signs; those details need the relevant professional’s assessment.
Assign the work by responsibility
| Workstream | Planning question |
|---|---|
| Property operations | Who handles loose site items, tenant notices, and access restrictions? |
| Roof and envelope | Are known defects assigned for qualified assessment before the event? |
| Equipment and utilities | Who confirms equipment-specific precautions and operating procedures? |
| Deliveries and contractors | Who communicates changes to outdoor work, loading, or temporary storage? |
| Management | Who approves urgent work and receives status updates after hours? |
Plan for operating changes
Review exposed work areas, delivery appointments, and contractor access with the people responsible for them. Establish how a supervisor will pause or reschedule work when conditions make the planned activity unsafe. Do not use a single generic wind-speed number as permission for every ladder, lift, or roof task.
Confirm how the team receives weather and local emergency alerts, and how staff will communicate if normal power or connectivity is interrupted. Follow the property’s established emergency and evacuation procedures. A building maintenance checklist is not a substitute for official instructions during a wildfire or other emergency.
Connect wind preparation to the next rain
Keep drainage and roof follow-up on the same planning calendar. After conditions are safe, record displaced material or debris requiring attention before another storm. Ask for the relevant trades to assess changed conditions rather than having staff walk the roof or touch damaged equipment.
The commercial roof rainy-season checklist and roof drain and scupper guide help organize the next maintenance discussion. Add findings to the site’s existing log so wind and rain issues are not managed as unrelated events.
Arrange the work ahead of the event
For a commercial building or portfolio, discuss known deficiencies and access needs through Brady’s storm-preparation services. Local resources include facility inspections in Ontario and facility inspections in Temecula.
When you request facility service, include the address, property contact, existing work-order list, safe photographs, and the proposed access window. Prioritize defined work that can be properly assessed and completed before conditions change.
Common questions
Are Santa Ana winds always accompanied by rain?
No. They are commonly dry winds. Prepare for the wind and related official alerts even when the rain forecast is clear.
Should a facility team access the roof during strong winds?
Roof access should be limited to appropriately qualified personnel under a task-specific safety plan. A forecast or checklist does not establish that roof work is safe.
Can all buildings in a portfolio use the same checklist?
Use a common reporting format, but tailor each site’s items to its equipment, exposures, access, and operations. Assign a local contact and decision-maker for every property.
What should happen when the wind subsides?
Follow official updates, check safely accessible areas for changed conditions, and arrange qualified review of damage concerns. Document any restrictions and repairs still needed before normal operations resume.