Preparing for Hurricane Season: Getting your home hurricane ready

Posted: Jun 14, 2024 / 12:29 PM EDT

Updated: Jun 16, 2024 / 08:44 AM EDT

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.