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By Mike Causey

Forecasters have predicted an extremely active hurricane season, which began June 1. Are you prepared?

If the forecasters’ predictions pan out, we’ll see 19 named storms and nine hurricanes, four major ones, in the Atlantic basin.

North Carolina has seen the devastation hurricanes can cause firsthand. Last year, Hurricane Helene tore through our state, leaving behind massive damage and many people in western North Carolina are still recovering.

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, bringing catastrophic flooding and destruction. Helene caused 107 deaths, destroyed thousands of homes and caused nearly $60 billion in damage, including roads, bridges and culverts.

Early preparation is critical to protect lives and property before a storm makes landfall. Here are a few things every North Carolina resident can do to prepare for a storm:

• Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Know what your insurance policy covers and doesn’t cover. Homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover damage from flooding, although mobile homeowners’ and comprehensive automobile policies do. If you’re renting, your landlord’s insurance will not cover your personal property. You’ll need a renters’ insurance policy to protect your personal items.
• Compile important documents. It’s a good idea to gather important paperwork, including insurance policies, medical records and prescriptions, in advance of a storm. Be prepared to bring copies with you if you are forced to evacuate your home. Also, know how to get in touch with your insurance agent or company if you need to file a claim.
• Create a home inventory. Go room to room in your home and write down the brand name, description, estimated value and date of purchase of items in your home. It’s helpful if you have receipts, appraisal documents and serial numbers of your belongings. Take videos or photographs of your belongings. Store your home inventory and related documents in a safe, easily accessible place online, on your smartphone, on your computer or in a fire-proof box or safe deposit box.
• Identify potential hazards around your home. Hanging tree branches, loose shingles, patio furniture and other outdoor objects can cause damage or injuries in a storm. Make repairs or secure large objects to reduce the threat.
• Check your emergency toolkit and to-go bag. Update items such as food (check the expiration dates), medicine and batteries. Make sure to include items for every member of your family, including pets.
• Electricity may go out; make sure you have extra drinking water. Also, fill the bathtub with water for bathing and flushing the toilet.

Being prepared can make a huge difference if a storm hits and damages your home. In future columns, I plan to discuss what to do during and after a storm.

For more information regarding storm preparation, please visit www.ncdoi.gov/disaster or call the NCDOI Consumer Services Division at 855-408-1212.

Mike Causey is the insurance commissioner for North Carolina.

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