North Carolina’s Hurricane Exposure
Hurricanes in North Carolina and South Carolina are common. In fact, according to the National Hurricane Center, NC and SC are the fourth and fifth most commonly hit states — beat by Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but that doesn’t mean hurricanes can never strike outside that timeframe. September is usually the most active month for hurricanes, although 2022 has yet to see a major hurricane strike the US.
Enter Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian marks the first Named Hurricane to strike the US in 2022, making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Florida’s coast on September 28. It brought with it massive storm surges and catastrophic damage.
It’s still early on, but it’s looking to be an event most people living in the southeast won’t forget.
Hurricane Preparedness
If you find yourself in the path of a hurricane, here’s what you need to do to prepare (NOAA):
- Determine your risk
- What hazards could happen where you live?
- Even if you’re inland, you can still be impacted by strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding.
- Develop an Evacuation Plan
- Do you live in an evacuation zone?
- Plan multiple routes
- Have a “go bag”
- Assemble Disaster Supplies
- Food and water
- Gas for your cars
- Cash
- Radios, batteries, and phone chargers
- Medicine
- Get an Insurance Checkup
- Contact us if you have questions about your coverages
- Consider flood insurance (remember there is usually a 10-30 days waiting period before coverage can begin. Plan ahead).
- Strengthen Your Home
- Cover windows
- Trim trees
- Secure loose outdoor items
- Move cars to a safe location
- Help Your Neighbor
- Think about your neighbors when preparing. They may rely on you before and after the storm.
- Complete a Written Plan
- Have a contact list (at least one person outside of the impact area)
- Keep important documents together for quick access
For more information, see NOAA’s official hurricane preparedness checklist on their website: https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
Does North Carolina have Hurricane Insurance?
Yes, and no. It’s not called “hurricane insurance” but any policy that covers wind damage should cover most damages caused by hurricanes. The exception is flood damage; you need a separate flood insurance policy if you want coverage for flooding.
Keep in mind, you need “Comprehensive” (Other-Than-Collision) coverage on your car in order to file claims due to hurricane damage. Flood damage is also covered under Comprehensive coverage on auto insurance in North Carolina and South Carolina.
What now?
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your agent here at Watchmen Insurance. If you’re not one of our clients, we are happy to do an insurance checkup with you to make sure you’re covered correctly.
Consider donating to organizations that help people impacted. Here are a few:
From all of us here at Watchmen Insurance, please stay safe.
