How to Be Prepared for Hurricane Season

Published by O’Berry & Lewis Insurance Agency | Serving Eastern North Carolina

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and here in eastern North Carolina, we know better than most what it means to be in the path of a major storm. From Hurricane Floyd to Matthew to Dorian, our communities have weathered some of the most powerful storms to hit the Atlantic Coast. At O’Berry & Lewis, we believe that preparation isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Whether you’re a longtime eastern NC resident or newer to the area, this guide will walk you through everything you need to do before, during, and after a hurricane to protect your family, your home, and your finances.

Start with Your Insurance — Before the Storm

The single most important thing you can do before hurricane season is review your insurance coverage. Too many homeowners discover gaps in their policies only after a storm has already caused damage. Don’t let that be you.

Homeowners Insurance Standard homeowners policies cover wind damage in most cases, but coverage details vary significantly by carrier and policy. Review your policy’s dwelling coverage limit and make sure it reflects the true cost to rebuild your home — not just its market value.

Flood Insurance This is critical for eastern NC residents. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding. Given our region’s geography — low elevation, proximity to rivers, sounds, and the coast — flood risk is real even for properties that aren’t in a designated flood zone. Many of the worst flood losses from hurricanes like Matthew and Dorian came from areas that had never flooded before. If you don’t have a flood insurance policy, call us today.

Review Your Deductibles Many policies have a separate, higher deductible specifically for hurricane or wind damage. Knowing your deductible in advance helps you plan financially for what you’d owe out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in.

Take a Home Inventory Document your personal property — walk through your home with your phone and record a video of every room, noting major items and their approximate value. Store a copy in the cloud or somewhere outside your home. This makes the claims process far smoother if you ever need it.

Build Your Emergency Kit

FEMA recommends having at least 72 hours’ worth of supplies on hand, though in our region, being prepared for up to two weeks is wise given how infrastructure can be impacted after major storms.

Your kit should include:

• Water — one gallon per person, per day

• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener

• Prescription medications (at least a two-week supply)

• First aid kit

• Flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Phone chargers and a portable power bank

• Cash in small bills (ATMs may be down)

• Copies of important documents: insurance policies, IDs, medical records, deed or lease

• Extra clothing, blankets, and sturdy shoes

• Pet food and supplies if you have animals

Prepare Your Home

Outside the home:

• Trim trees and remove dead branches that could fall on your roof or windows

• Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations

• Check gutters and downspouts and clear any debris

• Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles before the season begins

• Consider storm shutters or plywood for windows if you’re in a high-risk area

Inside the home:

• Know how to shut off your utilities — gas, water, and electricity

• Keep your garage door reinforced; garage doors are frequently the first point of failure in high winds

• Fill your car with gas before a storm warning — stations run out quickly

Have an Evacuation Plan

Eastern NC has a well-established evacuation route system, but traffic can become a serious problem when large-scale evacuations are ordered. Plan ahead so you’re not making decisions under pressure.

• Know your evacuation zone (check your county’s emergency management website)

• Identify where you’ll go — with family, friends, or a hotel outside the storm’s projected path

• Plan your route and have a backup

• Make arrangements for pets ahead of time, as not all shelters accept animals

• If local officials issue a mandatory evacuation, go

Stay Informed

Sign up for your county’s emergency alert system so you receive text and email notifications directly from local authorities. During storm season, monitor the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov) and your local National Weather Service office for forecasts and watches/warnings.

A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Don’t wait for a warning to act — by then, shelves may be empty and traffic may already be building.

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, the work isn’t over.

• Do not return home until officials declare it safe — roads may be flooded, power lines may be down, and structures may be unstable

• Document all damage before making repairs — take photos and video of everything before touching anything; this is vital for your insurance claim

• Contact your insurance agent promptly — the sooner you report a claim, the sooner the process begins

• Be cautious of contractor scams — unfortunately, unlicensed and unscrupulous contractors follow major storms looking to take advantage of homeowners. Always verify licensing, ask for proof of insurance, and get multiple written estimates before signing anything

• Watch for mold — eastern NC’s heat and humidity create ideal conditions for mold growth after flooding; address water intrusion quickly

We’re Here When It Matters Most

At O’Berry & Lewis, we’re not just your insurance agency — we’re your neighbors. Our team is committed to making sure every client in eastern North Carolina has the right coverage before storm season arrives, and responsive support if you ever need to file a claim.

If you haven’t reviewed your homeowners, flood, or business insurance recently, now is the time. Don’t wait until a storm is on the radar.

📞 Call us: 919-735-1237 ✉️ Email us:

Reach out to schedule a coverage review or to speak with one of our agents. We’re proud to serve Wayne County and the surrounding communities of eastern North Carolina.

O’Berry & Lewis Insurance Agency | Goldsboro, NC | Serving Eastern North Carolina 📞 919-735-1237 | ✉️

This post is intended for general informational purposes. Coverage terms vary by policy and carrier. Contact our office for a personalized review of your coverage.