Is Your Home Ready for Hurricane Season?

With more than a decade of experience under her belt, Laura Inglis heads up the C&S Insurance Claims Department.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is here, and forecasters warn it could be more active than usual. With storms like Erin already threatening coastal communities, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 13 to 19 named storms this year. That makes it essential to follow a hurricane preparedness checklist to ensure your home and family are ready before severe weather strikes.

Even if you don’t live directly on the coast, the impacts of heavy winds and flooding can reach far inland. From June through November, anyone along or near the East Coast should be ready for possible evacuations, power outages, and property damage.

To help you get ready, we’ve compiled four hurricane preparedness checklists: one for reviewing your insurance, one for protecting your home, and two for what to do during and after a storm.

As always, follow the guidance of local authorities during a hurricane and call 911 in the event of an emergency.

Insurance Checklist: Make Sure You’re Covered

If your home suffers hurricane damage, the right insurance can help you recover financially. Review these key questions with your insurance agent:

Do you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or rebuild your home? Remember, market value is not the same as replacement cost.
What’s your hurricane and/or windstorm deductible? In coastal states, this is usually a percentage (1–5%) of your home’s insured value.
Are your possessions covered? Homeowners policies generally cover 50–70% of the value of your belongings. Renters need a renters policy.
Should you purchase flood insurance? It’s not included in homeowners insurance and comes with a 30-day waiting period.
Do you need sewer backup insurance? It’s often excluded from standard homeowners policies.
Do you have enough coverage for Additional Living Expenses (ALE), such as hotel stays or meals if you’re displaced?
If you live in a condo or co-op, what’s covered by the building’s master policy, and what do you need to insure yourself?

Answering these questions now will give you peace of mind before hurricane season intensifies.

Home Preparedness Checklist

Reduce your risk of damage by taking these steps before a storm:

Replace gravel landscaping with woodchips to minimize damage
Remove weak branches or dead trees near your home
Install storm shutters or secure plywood over windows and sliding doors
Clear gutters and inspect your roof, siding, and foundation for weaknesses
Reinforce exterior and garage doors to withstand wind pressure
Seal wall openings such as vents, pipes, or outlets with weatherproof caulk
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Secure boats, trailers, and mobile homes properly
Plan an evacuation route and pack an emergency supply kit (food, water, cash, flashlight, first aid, prescriptions, pet supplies, etc.)
Gather and secure important documents, including insurance policies and IDs

What to Do When a Hurricane Is Approaching

If a hurricane is on its way:

Bring outdoor furniture, toys, and trash bins inside
Shut off utilities (especially gas and propane)
Fill containers with clean drinking water
Charge your cell phone and refill prescriptions
Fill your car’s gas tank and withdraw extra cash if possible
Park your car in a garage or near a building for protection
Keep pets leashed or in carriers, and stay tuned to local radio/TV updates

Always follow evacuation orders. If authorities say to leave, do so immediately.

After the Hurricane

When the storm has passed:

Return home only when authorities say it’s safe
Avoid floodwaters, downed power lines, and areas with gas leaks
Communicate via text or social media to keep phone lines clear
Wear protective clothing during cleanup
Use flashlights, not candles, to avoid fire hazards
Dry and disinfect materials to prevent mold growth
Document all damage for your insurance claim

Our hurricane preparedness checklist is your resource for weathering the storm. If your home has been damaged by a hurricane, the agents at C&S Insurance are here to help. Contact us with your questions and we’ll guide you through the claims process.