Practical Hurricane Season Preparation Starts Before the First Storm

Hurricane season officially begins June 1, and for eastern North Carolina, preparation is not just a coastal concern. Heavy rain, flooding, downed trees, power outages, tornadoes and washed-out roads can affect families well inland, even when a storm never makes a direct hit.

The best time to prepare is before a storm is on the map.

Start with the basics: make sure your household has enough food, water and medicine for several days. A good emergency kit should include drinking water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, phone chargers, hygiene items, pet supplies and copies of important documents. Families with young children, older adults or medical needs should plan for those needs early, including prescriptions, oxygen, mobility equipment or refrigerated medicine.

Now is also the time to review your evacuation plan. Know where you would go, what route you would take and what you would bring. Do not wait until roads are crowded or conditions are already dangerous. If local officials issue evacuation instructions, follow them.

Homeowners should take a walk around their property before the season gets busy. Clear gutters, trim weak limbs, secure outdoor furniture and check for anything that could become a hazard in high winds. It is also wise to review insurance coverage, especially flood insurance. Standard homeowners insurance often does not cover flooding, and flood policies may have a waiting period before taking effect.

Communication matters, too. Make sure every family member knows how to receive weather alerts and emergency information. Have more than one way to stay informed, such as local news, county emergency management updates, NOAA Weather Radio and trusted weather apps. During a storm, power and cell service may be unreliable, so portable chargers and battery-powered radios are worth having.

After a storm, avoid flooded roads, downed power lines and improper generator use. Never run a generator inside a home, garage or enclosed space. Carbon monoxide can be deadly and is often called a silent killer because it cannot be seen or smelled.

Hurricane preparation does not have to be complicated or expensive. The goal is simple: make a plan, gather supplies, protect your home where you can and stay informed. A little preparation now can make a difficult situation safer and less stressful later.

Helpful resources: ReadyNC Hurricane Preparedness, FEMA Hurricane Safety, and the National Hurricane Center.