05 Jun Understanding your specific risks is key to hurricane preparedness
By Anita Byer
The 2025 hurricane season is underway, so the time to prepare is now. We know that preparing for hurricane season can be overwhelming, particularly when the forecast is for above-normal storm activity. Fortunately, preparations can be made easier by working smarter, not harder. In this context, working smarter means understanding the types of wind and water hazards you may face in the event of a storm.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the primary hazards from tropical cyclones (tropical depressions, tropical storms, hurricanes) include storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, and destructive winds. To effectively prepare for hurricane season, it is important to consider your specific threats.
Storm surge, which is water that is pushed toward shore by storm winds, has historically caused the largest loss of life in hurricanes. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, which can submerge entire areas, cause structural damage to buildings, and wash out roads. Storm surge can travel several miles inland, especially along bays, rivers, and estuaries.
Flooding, including flash flooding from extreme rainfall, has also proven to be very damaging and deadly. Homes and businesses could flood. Washed out roads can make evacuations difficult, if not impossible, and potentially deadly for those caught in their vehicles. Extreme rain from storms and hurricanes often flood areas that aren’t normally prone to flooding, including hundreds of miles inland.
Hurricane-force winds can cause damage to homes and other buildings, ranging from moderate to catastrophic depending on both wind speed and structural integrity. These winds can cause power and communications outages. Uprooted trees and debris can make roads impassable. Signs, roofing material, and other items left outside can become flying missiles during hurricanes.
To properly understand your risk, NOAA recommends taking the following steps.
Determine if you live in a flood-prone area. Anyone living in a flood-prone area is especially vulnerable to hurricane impacts. However, floods are not limited to flood zones. Extreme rain from tropical storms and hurricanes can bring floods to areas that are not prone to flooding. To properly protect against flooding, it is crucial to fully understand the specific flood risk in your area.
Identify your home’s structural risks. Find out if your home has any weaknesses that may not be able to withstand excessive wind, rain, or flooding. Are your exterior doors, windows, and garage door hurricane proof? Do you have storm shutters? Some aspects of your home can be strengthened to help withstand hurricane impacts (and possibly reduce insurance premiums). Items that cannot be strengthened permanently may need to be reinforced temporarily in the event of a storm.
Find out if you live in an evacuation zone. Determine if you live in an evacuation zone. In addition to providing insight into your specific vulnerability to storm winds, rain, and surge, it will also let you know whether you must have plans in place to evacuate your family long before the evacuation order is given.
Get an insurance check-up. NOAA stresses the importance of insurance, particularly during hurricane season. Make sure you have enough insurance to repair or replace your home, car, personal property, and business. Remember, standard policies do not cover flooding, so you will need a separate flood insurance policy for your home and business.
It only takes one storm to make it an active hurricane season for you. Start preparing before the lines grow long and supplies run short. Contact our team of experienced and responsive insurance and risk management professionals to find affordable options to protect your home and your business in the event of a hurricane.