Every year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) dedicates a week in early May to help Americans prepare for hurricane season before it begins. National Hurricane Preparedness Week runs May 3-9, and the timing is intentional: the Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1, giving homeowners a short window to get ready before the first storm could form.
NOAA’s message is straightforward: the best time to prepare is well before hurricane season begins. Stocking supplies, reviewing your evacuation plan, and securing your home are all on the list. But there’s one step on the preparedness checklist that homeowners tend to overlook, and it’s often the one that matters most when a storm actually hits: flood insurance.
Why Flood Coverage Belongs on Every Homeowner’s Checklist
Flooding isn’t only a coastal risk. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), floods can happen almost anywhere and are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Nearly one-third of flood insurance claims come from properties outside designated high-risk flood zones.
Hurricanes and tropical storms can push inland flooding hundreds of miles from the coast through heavy rain, overwhelmed drainage systems, and rapid runoff. Just one inch of water inside a home can cause more than $25,000 in damage. For most homeowners, that’s a number worth planning around.
A standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. That’s why flood insurance can help you close the gap well ahead of hurricane season.
What a Flood Policy Covers
A flood insurance policy protects your home and belongings against damage from qualifying flood events.
Coverage typically includes:
- Your home’s foundation, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Furnaces, water heaters, and air conditioning
- Kitchen appliances, flooring, and cabinetry
- Debris removal after a flood
- Personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, and electronics
Get a flood insurance quote or contact a Westwood agent to get started.
Please note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.
