The Virginia Department of Emergency Management suggests the following steps for making sure your home is ready for a hurricane:

Prepare Your Home

  • Bring in any loose, lightweight items that may blow around in the wind. These include patio furniture, garbage cans, bicycles, and children’s toys.
  • Board up windows and close all storm shutters if your house has them. Lock your doors and garage door if possible. If your garage door has slide locks, engage them.
  • Tie down/anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., gas grills and propane tanks).
  • Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs close enough to fall on structures.
  • Bring potted plants into your garage or tie to a sturdy structure so they don’t blow around
  • Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
  • Ensure storm drains are clear of any debris
  • Keep alternative power sources, such as a portable generator, outside, at least 20 feet away from the house, and protected from moisture.
  • Document the condition of your home, inside and outside prior to the storm for insurance purposes by taking photos and/or video on your cell phone. Back up those pictures online.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety also has a good amount of resources and tips for preparing your home.

Flood Insurance

Regular homeowners insurance does NOT cover flooding! Studies have shown that just one inch of water in a home or office can cost thousands in cleanup costs, including replacing drywall, baseboards, floor coverings, and furniture. 

There is a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect.

  • Homeowner and rental insurance do not cover flood losses, so you will need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
  • The NFIP offers both building and contents coverage if you own a home or business. If you are a renter, contents-only coverage is also available.
  • Use the Virginia Flood Risk Information System (VFRIS) at www.dcr.virginia.gov/vfris to find out your property’s flood risk.
  • Use the North Carolina Flood Risk Information System (NCFRIS) at https://fris.nc.gov/fris/Home.aspx?ST=NC to find out your property’s flood risk.

Get Hurricane Ready

Prepare for hurricane season: Know your zone
Prepare for hurricane season: What food and tools to have ready
Prepare for hurricane season: What to consider if you evacuate or stay home
Prepare for hurricane season: Getting your home hurricane ready
Prepare for hurricane season: Generator safety
Prepare for hurricane season: What to do with your pets
Prepare for hurricane season: Important phone numbers to report power outages/problems
Prepare for hurricane season: Protect your documents and valuables
Prepare for hurricane season: During the Storm
Prepare for hurricane season: After the storm