Could your home handle a hurricane? Here's how to prepare

Living along the North Carolina coast comes with plenty of perks, from beautiful beaches to mild winters and endless outdoor recreation.

It also means preparing for hurricane season.

While major storms don't happen every year, taking a few simple steps before hurricane season begins can help protect your home, your family and your peace of mind. The best time to prepare is long before a storm appears in the forecast.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, and preparation should begin well before a storm develops.
• The details: Homeowners should review insurance coverage, build emergency kits and create evacuation plans before hurricane season begins.
• Why this matters: Preparing early can help reduce stress, protect your property and make it easier to respond if severe weather threatens the Cape Fear region.
• The more you know: Flooding can occur well inland, making flood insurance worth considering even if you don't live directly on the coast.

Know your risks

Not every hurricane brings the same hazards.

Depending on where you live, storms can produce:

• High winds
• Heavy rainfall
• Flooding
• Storm surge
• Power outages
• Downed trees

Understanding your property's flood risk and local evacuation zone is one of the first steps in building a preparedness plan.

Review your insurance coverage

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until a storm is approaching to review their insurance.

Take time before hurricane season to:

• Review your homeowners insurance policy.
• Understand your hurricane or wind deductible.
• Consider purchasing flood insurance if you don't already have it.
• Create a digital inventory of your home's contents with photos or videos.

Good to know: Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage.

Build an emergency kit

If power is out for several days, you'll want essential supplies already on hand.

Your emergency kit should include:

• Drinking water (at least one gallon per person, per day)
• Nonperishable food
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Phone chargers and backup battery packs
• Important documents in a waterproof container
• Cash
• Pet food and supplies, if needed

Tip: Check expiration dates each spring and replace items as needed.

Protect your home before a storm

A few simple maintenance tasks can help reduce damage when severe weather arrives.

Before hurricane season:

• Trim dead or overhanging tree branches.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Secure outdoor furniture and decorations.
• Inspect your roof for loose shingles.
• Test your generator, if you have one.
• Know how to shut off your utilities if necessary.

Completing these projects early is much easier than trying to do them when a storm is only days away.

Have an evacuation plan

If local officials issue an evacuation order, it's important to leave early.

Before hurricane season begins:

• Know your evacuation zone.
• Identify multiple evacuation routes.
• Decide where you'll stay if you need to leave.
• Keep your vehicle fueled during hurricane season.
• Make a plan for pets.

Good to know: Traffic increases significantly when evacuation orders are issued, so leaving early can make travel safer and less stressful.

Stay informed

Reliable information is essential during hurricane season.

Monitor weather updates through trusted sources, including:

• National Hurricane Center
• National Weather Service
• New Hanover County Emergency Management
• Brunswick County Emergency Services
• Pender County Emergency Management
• Local television and radio stations

After the storm

Even after the wind has stopped, hazards can remain.

Remember to:

• Avoid flooded roads.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Document property damage with photos.
• Contact your insurance company promptly.
• Follow guidance from local officials before returning home.

Recovery often takes time, so patience and preparation go hand in hand.

A little preparation goes a long way

Living on the coast means accepting that hurricane season is part of life, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming.

By reviewing your insurance, preparing your home and having a plan in place before storms develop, you'll be better equipped to protect your family and your property when hurricane season arrives.