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The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season was the fourth-most active on record, with 20 named storms forming, tied with 1933. Record-warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures counterbalanced an ongoing El Nino event. Among them, 7 became hurricanes, with 3 reaching major hurricane strength. Although Virginia did not experience a major hurricane last year, we never underestimate any big storm's possible impact, and for good reason. We know from experience it only takes one of these tropical cyclones to devastate property and result in costly wind damage and flooding. While we wait to hear NOAA's predictions for the 2024 hurricane season, we already know how to prepare Virginia homes.
How to Protect Your Home From a Hurricane
How can you protect and preserve your home? You hope for the best and plan for the worst. We can help you know how best to shield your home from the top four areas of risk for hurricane damage. Asking and answering these questions could save you a ton of heartache for whatever is in store for the commonwealth this Atlantic Hurricane Season.
1. Will your roof protect everything under it?
The #1 preemptive weapon in your home’s arsenal is its roof. It’s also the most susceptible to costly damage. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to maintain your roof with an annual professional inspection, especially if it needs replacing. Virginia has already experienced its share of wild weather. Get an inspection now or anytime you suspect damage.
2. Are your gutters and downspouts clean?
Your gutters and downspouts are next in line for protecting your home in stormy weather. They need to drive all that rainwater down and away from your foundation. They can’t do it if they’re full of debris from the previous seasons. Annual maintenance of gutters is crucial to waterproofing your home during extreme rainfall.
3. When was the last time you took a good look at your trees?
Trees can cause significant damage to homes and property. While not all damage can be prevented, it's a good idea to check the health of any trees in your yard annually, especially those close to your home or driveway. Also, don't forget to do regular maintenance like trimming dead, overhanging branches, and fertilizing. Make sure to research the types of trees before planting. If you're not convinced, check out how the wind took its toll on the Shurtleff's trees in Charlottesville.
4. Do you have the right home insurance coverage?
When was the last time you updated your homeowners insurance policy? The important thing is to speak to your local insurance agent to ensure you are sufficiently covered for hurricane season, especially if you’ve done anything to your home that adds value. Ask for an insurance review and check for enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home in a worst-case scenario.
Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover home flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for flooding. It’s available through FEMA's flood program. Act now- flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Inland Flood Coverage can protect homeowners and renters who may not be in a high-risk flood zone but could experience flash floods or other unexpected sudden flooding.
Remember to protect your car. Check out our frequently asked questions about hurricanes, home, and car insurance for more information about what is covered under your policy. The good news is that comprehensive car insurance can cover flooding of your vehicle.
Our agents are right here and ready to help!
Let’s hope for a low-impact hurricane season for Virginia, but prepare for whatever comes. Start by addressing these four critical issues. Then protect your family and property; have a home inventory and check out our Virginia Hurricane Preparedness Guide. And let us know if we can serve you or provide a homeowners insurance quote. We are a Virginia-only insurer by choice. We specialize in preserving and protecting the things Virginians value most.
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THE NORTHERN NECK INSURANCE INTEGRITY PROMISE — We pledge to provide straight talk and good counsel from our NNINS Virginia insurance experts through our blog. While we hope you find this to be a helpful source of information, it does not replace the guidance of a licensed insurance professional, nor does it modify the terms of your Northern Neck Insurance policy in any way. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy.
