The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season produced 20 named storms, seven of which became hurricanes. Meteorologists are predicting another active hurricane season in 2024.
Fortunately, there are things you can do as a homeowner to prepare for hurricane season.
Maximize Your Policy
These coverages already come with your home policy, but you may want to increase your limits to better prepare for hurricane season:
- Replacement cost contents – If you ever need to replace the belongings in your home, this coverage will pay to replace them at today’s prices—not their depreciated value.
- Mold coverage – We’ll pay up to $10,000 to repair damage to your home or property caused by fungi, wet or dry rot, or bacteria. You can also increase the limit if you want.
For even greater hurricane preparation, consider these optional coverages:
- Neptune Flood coverage – Adding this coverage to your home insurance policy will protect your home and its contents from damage caused by rising water.
- Water backup – If your sump pump fails, or if water backs up through a sewer or drain, you’ll be covered for any damage to your home or personal property. Choose from three limits: $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000.
You could even save money on your home policy:
- Fortified home discount – You can get a 7% discount if your home has been designed and built to better resist hurricanes and other catastrophic windstorm events. Doesn’t apply to condo or renters policies. View other home policy discounts.
- Deductible – Review your hurricane or windstorm deductible. By raising your deductible, you can lower your premium.
Hurricane preparation and safety
You can’t control Mother Nature. But you can prepare your home and family in case disaster strikes.
Take these steps to better prepare your home:
- Arrange for any weak branches and shrubbery to be trimmed
- Seal outside vents, electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and openings for wires and pipes
- Have your roof and chimney inspected for damaged shingles and leaks
- Bring all outdoor items inside, including patio furniture, potted plants, bikes and toys
- If you own a boat on a trailer, anchor the trailer to the ground or house
- Create a list of personal possessions to make sure you have adequate insurance to repair or replace them
Safety tips
Here are some important safety tips for you and your loved ones:
Stock up on emergency supplies
Keep these items in a safe place: water, non-perishable food, blankets, first-aid kit, flashlight, batteries, medicine, toiletries, cell phone with charger, battery-powered radio.
Gather important documents
Keep these items in a waterproof container: medical records, insurance policies, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, financial documents.
Make a plan
Cell phones might not work during an emergency, so determine how your family will reconnect. Choose a meeting location outside of your neighborhood. Post emergency numbers by the phone.
Stay informed
Follow the instructions of authorities if told to evacuate. Listen to your local news channels or NOAA Weather for updates.
