Affordable Tips to Protect Your Home and Family This Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is here, and for those of us living in southeastern North Carolina, it’s important to be ready.

Currie, NC Hurricane Florence

Whether

you’re a lifelong resident or new to the area, the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes is something we all must take seriously.

At WARM NC, we know how devastating hurricanes can be, especially for low-income homeowners and vulnerable populations who already face challenges maintaining their homes. Here are some essential steps everyone can take to prepare, including some low-cost ways to protect yourself, your family, and your home.

Prep Your Hurricane Kit

Having a well-stocked hurricane kit ensures that you’re ready if the power goes out or you need to evacuate. According to Ready.gov, here are some essentials to include:

• Water, at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.

• Non-perishable food, enough to last three days per person, plus a manual can opener.

• Flashlights and extra batteries.

• Battery powered or hand crank radio.

• First aid kit and any necessary medications.

• Personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies.

• Important documents, store them in a water proof container.

• Cash, ATMs may not be available during outages.

• Face coverings, hand sanitizer, and wipes.

• Chargers and backup power banks for phones.

If you can, prepare your kit early and check it at the start of each hurricane season to replace expired items.

Leland, NC Hurricane Florence

Review Your Insurance

It’s important to review your homeowner’s insurance policies. Many homeowners find out too late that their insurance doesn’t cover flooding, which is not included in standard policies or that their coverage limits are outdated. Here are some key tips from StarNews,

• Make sure you understand what your policy does and does not cover.

• Consider flood insurance, even if you’re not in a flood zone.

• Take photos or videos of your home and belongings for documentation.

• Keep a copy of your policy and agent’s contact information in your hurricane kit and in a digital file you can access.

If you need assistance understanding your policy, reach out to the N.C. Department of Insurance. The number is 1-855-408-1212.

Affordable Ways to Prepare Your Home

For many of the families WARM NC serves, home maintenance is already a stretch. But even on a tight budget, there are simple, affordable steps you can take to protect your home:

• Seal door and windows. Use weatherstripping or caulk to prevent water intrusion.

• Clear gutters and downspouts. This helps direct water away from your home and prevents roof leaks.

• Trim trees and shrubs. Remove dead or overhanging branches that could fall during high winds.

• Secure loose items outside. Lawn furniture, grills, and trash cans can become dangerous.

• Check your roof. Patch small leaks or missing shingles with tarps if a storm is imminent.

• Use sandbags if needed. Many local emergency management offices distribute free sandbags before storms.

  
  

At WARM NC, we’re committed to helping our neighbors stay safe and secure in their homes. We encourage everyone in our seven-county service area to take hurricane preparedness seriously, no step is too small when it comes to protecting your loved ones and your home.

Additional Resources:

• Know Your Zone - Twenty-one coastal counties have established evacuation zones. Know your zone here.

• ReadyNC – North Carolina’s emergency preparedness tool providing evacuation information and other resources.

• DriveNC – Live updates on traffic and road closures statewide.

• National Weather Service – the agency provides forecast, live updates, hurricane preparedness information, and more.