It’s Hurricane Season – again.
Hurricane researchers at Colorado State University have predicted nineteen storms in 2025, nine of which could become hurricanes and four of which could reach Category 3 status or stronger. The good news for is that the Atlantic hurricane season may not be as active as 2024, which saw 11 hurricanes, five of which were Category 3+, and 18 named storms in total.
Last year, Hurricane Helene caused the most damage we have ever experienced as an insurance agency in our 63 years of business, causing inland wind and flood damage in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia, to name just a few states. Families and businesses in our area are still recovering from the devastation that occurred.
Hurricane Season lasts from June 1 to November 30 each year. Even though we are still recovering from the aftermath of Helene, it’s important to think about what we learned from last year and how we can be better prepared if another hurricane makes it to the Upstate.
Here are some things you, as a property owner, can do to prepare, and also to help in the event you need to file an insurance claim for property damage. Keep in mind, this is certainly not all-inclusive, and true preparation will be specific to the event and the property involved.
Understand the coverage provided in your policy. No one should be surprised that things like “flood” and “earth movement” may be limited or excluded under some insurance policies. Most standard home policies exclude coverage for surface water that damages the property, and do not offer earthquake coverage. Everyone lives in a flood zone, so if you need help deciding if flood insurance is right for you, we are happy to help. Just know that a flood policy may take 30 days to go into effect.
Educate yourself on how to best protect your property for the area where you reside and the disasters that may affect you by considering the following:
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Do you need to store plywood that has been cut to protect your windows and glass doors?
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What is the safest part of your home or office should high winds blow through or a tornado touch down?
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Take stock of what maintenance work in your yard could prevent further storm damage. Trim trees of weak branches that could come off and cause damage. Make sure gutters and drains are cleaned out and working properly.
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Consider investing in a generator to save your basement from sump failure and flooding, and to keep your freezers from thawing out. (Note: If you have added a permanent generator to your home, let us know as you could be eligible for an insurance credit.)
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Organize and store your most important documents off-site (retaining copies for reference as needed) or in a fire/flood-rated safe. This should include a home inventory as well as your property insurance policy.
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Stock up on battery powered flashlights, a radio, extension cords, phone chargers, battery powered lights and fans, and extra batteries. Several of our team members found the Ryobi brand held up well.)
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Keep our contact information in your phone.
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Ensure your mobile device is configured to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
Together, let’s take what we have learned to be as prepared as we can.
This loss control information is advisory only. Not all exposures are identified in this article.
