How to prepare for a hurricane

Hurricanes are among the most powerful severe weather events found in nature. These fearsome storm systems can wreak havoc in areas, producing strong wind speeds of 157 mph or higher. And when they hit land, they can cause catastrophic destruction.¹ That’s why it’s never too early to think about hurricane preparedness and how you can protect your family, home, property and business.

Do you know the best steps you can take? Use the recommendations below as a guide to help protect you and your loved ones.

Stay informed about weather alerts

Local officials across several channels and radio stations will likely provide a lot of coverage and continuously track the storm’s progress as they issue alerts. Keep in mind that there’s a big difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. Make sure you understand what each alert means so you know what to do to stay safe.

What is a hurricane watch?

If you live in the southeastern coastal region of the United States, chances are you see at least one hurricane watch every year. A hurricane watch does not necessarily mean a storm is coming. When current conditions indicate that a hurricane could happen, that’s when a watch is issued. This happens 48 hours before the potential storm arrives.

In the event of a hurricane watch:

1. Review your evacuation plan.
2. Prepare your home for high winds by boarding up windows and bringing outdoor furniture inside.
3. Pay close attention to local officials for updates on the weather conditions.²

What is a hurricane warning?

On the other hand, hurricane warnings mean that a hurricane is expected to arrive. These warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of the impending storm.²

In the event of a hurricane warning:

1. Immediately complete storm preparations and take shelter.
2. Listen closely to instructions from local officials.
3. Evacuate the area safely and quickly if directed to do so by officials.²

Hurricane safety tips

How to prepare for a hurricane

If conditions are right for a hurricane in your area, this is how you can prepare:

• If emergency officials haven’t directed you to a public shelter, get your family to the basement, a closet, a small room or a hallway away from windows. The more walls between you and the outside, the better.
• Stay up to date on warnings, safety announcements or instructions by listening to your local radio station or news channel.
• Prepare a bag and plan your evacuation route so you’re ready if it becomes necessary to leave the area.
• Stock up on emergency supplies in moderation as others will need supplies, too.
• While being cautious about timing and safety, move anything inside that could fly away during high winds. Anchor outdoor items such as fuel tanks
• Reinforce the outside of your home, particularly doors, windows, walls and roofs.
• If there is time, review insurance policies and catalog your belongings.³

What to do during a hurricane

The decisions you make during the storm are crucial. Here are some actions you can take to stay secure when the weather gets bad:

• Follow any guidance from local officials. If you’re told to evacuate, follow the plan you made and do so. Make sure you bring essentials like the bag you prepared before the storm.
• Stay away from windows. Shelter in the lowest, most protective section of your home as possible.
• Never attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters.³

What to do after a hurricane

Once the storm is over, continue to monitor the media for emergency information. If you and your family evacuated from your home—or if it has been severely damaged by the hurricane—wait for authorities to give the all-clear to re-enter. Then:

• Scope the area for flooding. Remember, you should never attempt to enter floodwater.
• Identify any downed power lines, trees and poles. Some may still be upright but could still be highly unstable.
• Do not enter your home until it has been inspected for damage to the electrical system, gas lines, septic systems and water lines or wells.
• Listen to news reports to confirm if the tap water is safe to drink.
• Use a flashlight to help navigate in the dark rather than matches, a candle or a lighter. An open flame could ignite leaking gas.
• If there is water damage, consider hiring a professional water damage cleaning service.
• Begin your cleanup as soon as possible—wash and disinfect items that have been touched by floodwater or dispose of unsalvageable items. Wear protective gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes. Never attempt to remove any heavy debris by yourself.
• Once you’ve gathered necessary documents and evidence of your claim (photos or video), contact your insurance company or agent.³

Tips for tackling hurricane damage repairs

• If your property is affected by storm damage, you will likely need a contractor and/or roofer to make repairs.
• For repairs, select one from our On Your Side® Property Repair Network or find your own contractor. Contact your claims associate for additional information.
• Most contractors are honest, but some use fraudulent practices. Here are some tips to help avoid contractor fraud:
  • Be mindful of sales tactics: If a contractor shows up unannounced or tries to rush you to make a “now-or-never” decision, be cautious.
  • Use only licensed and insured contractors: Check with the Better Business Bureau and verify they are licensed in your area.
  • Don’t sign an incomplete contract: Never sign a contract with blank spaces or one that is otherwise incomplete.
  • Submit the claim yourself: Contractors shouldn’t submit insurance claims on your behalf.
  • Only pay after the work is finished: Never pay or sign completion agreements until all the work has been completed.
• If you suspect contractor fraud, contact local law enforcement, call the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 1-800-TEL-NICB or call the FEMA disaster fraud hotline at 1-866-720-5721.

Does home and renters insurance cover hurricane damage?

There is no single policy designed to cover hurricane damages, so how can you protect your home from them? Your homeowners or renters policy may cover some damages from wind, however, flooding is not typically covered. For maximum protection, you’ll want to purchase flood insurance and windstorm insurance. These are two separate policies, and together they should protect your home from any hurricane-related damages your standard home or renters policy will not.⁴

Even with the best preparation, you can still sustain damage from unexpected events like a hurricane. You can reach our claims center any time you need us. Get a quote from Nationwide today, and start protecting your home with the right homeowners insurance for you.

[1] “Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale,”https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php, accessed August 2024
[2] https://nhc.noaa.gov/aboutsshws.php, accessed August 2024
[3] “How to Prepare for a Hurricane,” https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/fema_how-to-prepare-for-hurricane.pdf, accessed August 2024
[4] “Complete Guide to Hurricane Insurance,” https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/hurricane-insurance, accessed August 2024