As we enter hurricane season, it’s important to prepare for possible storms and understand the resources available to you should our region be impacted by inclement weather. Below, you will find the information you need to be prepared ahead of, during, and after any storm. As a reminder, hurricane season began June 1st and lasts through November 30th, with its peak running from mid-August to mid-October.
Researchers at NC State University have released their forecast for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, predicting 12 to 15 named storms, which align with historical averages. Of these, they predict 6 to 8 may become hurricanes, with 2 to 3 potentially becoming major hurricanes.
If you find this information helpful, and would like to continue receiving updates from my office, including important tips to navigate future storms, you can sign up for my newsletter or visit my hurricane resources page below.
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Proper planning and preparation are critical to reducing any possible storm’s impact on you and your family. Please take time to review the information below BEFORE a storm makes landfall. Know your Hurricane Risk
Hurricane return periods are the frequency at which a certain intensity of hurricane can be expected within a given distance of a given location. For example, a return period of 20 years for a major hurricane means that on average during the previous 100 years, a Category 3 or greater hurricane passed that location about five times. We would then expect, on average, an additional five Category 3 or greater hurricanes within that radius over the next 100 years.
Know your Evacuation Zone
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Follow instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety. You can find their contact information below.
Stay Informed
In the event of inclement weather, it is important to have multiple sources of information and potential alerts to protect yourself and your family. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather warnings, like a weather alert app on your phone or a NOAA weather radio in your home. Tune in to local TV news when severe weather threatens. Additionally, there are multiple websites with trusted sources of information on such events, including: |
Watches vs Warnings
To keep your family safe if a storm threatens your area, it is important to know the difference between watches and warnings.
Watch: A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.
Warning: Hurricane warnings indicate hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph), the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds to allow for important preparation.
Building an Emergency Supplies Kit
An emergency kit is a container of items your family may need during or after an emergency. Put the kit in a location where everyone in your household can access it, and put enough water, food, and supplies to last three to seven days (don’t forget about your pets!) Click here for instructions on how to put an emergency kit together.
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Review Important Documents and Insurance Policies
When preparing for a natural disaster within your area, one of the most important things a homeowner can do is confirm they have a good insurance policy. Be aware homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage, regardless of if you own or rent. Whether you are in a high, low, or moderate risk area, a separate flood insurance policy can be purchased. Policies are available for both residential and commercial buildings as long as the community joins in the National Flood Insurance Program. Remember, new flood insurance policies often require a 30-day waiting period. For information about the National Flood Insurance Program, call 888-379-9531. Additionally, ensure your insurance policies and personal identification documents are current. It's also important to make digital copies and store them securely in a password-protected digital location (i.e. iCloud or Google Drive). |
Stay Informed
Again, pay close attention to emergency information and alerts from the sources listed above.
Local Emergency Contact Information
During a storm, 911 lines need to remain open for life threatening emergencies. You can contact your local emergency management department for non-life-threatening emergencies, preparedness tips, and recovery information before, during, and after a storm. Dealing with the Weather
To stay safe during severe weather, it's important to know how to protect yourself from high winds and flooding. Seek shelter in a designated storm shelter or an interior room during high winds. If flooding traps you, move to the highest level of the building, but avoid climbing into a closed attic, as rising floodwaters could trap you. Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters—turn around, don’t drown. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep away a vehicle.
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Evacuating
When debating whether to evacuate or stay at home during an emergency, it is always important to follow the orders of local emergency management officials. As you may not have much time to leave in some cases, it is always important to have a disaster and evacuation plan in place everyone in the family knows. Visit ReadyNC for evacuation routes, evacuation zones, and what to take to a shelter.
Staying Safe at Home
If local emergency management officials instruct residents to remain in their homes, you must prepare to be self-sufficient for several days. Some important steps to take in ensuring safety within your home include the following: - Never run a generator inside your home or garage. Carbon monoxide fumes can build up and become deadly.
- During a power outage, do not open your refrigerators or freezers unless absolutely necessary. This could cause cold air to escape, making food thaw more quickly.
- Cover windows and doors with plywood and shutters. Thick plastic sheeting and duct tape can also be utilized.
- Bring all of your family members and pets inside.
- Bring your emergency supply kit with you.
- Go into an inside room on the first floor with few windows.
- Stay informed using the radio or other electronic devices.
- Bring loose items (tables, chairs, etc.) indoors.
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Returning Home - Follow guidance from local officials for updates and special instructions.
- Use caution during cleanup:
- Wear protective clothing, gloves, and appropriate face coverings or masks, especially when dealing with mold or debris.
- Individuals with asthma, compromised immune systems, or other lung conditions should avoid entering buildings with visible or strong-smelling mold or water damage.
- Children should not participate in disaster cleanup efforts.
- Always work with a partner and wear appropriate safety gear.
- Avoid touching electrical equipment if it's wet or if you're standing in water. If safe, turn off power at the main breaker to reduce the risk of electric shock.
- Stay out of floodwaters, which may contain hazardous bacteria, chemicals, debris, and even live electrical currents from downed power lines.
- Reserve phone calls for emergencies. Use text messages or social media to stay in touch with loved ones when networks are overloaded.
- Take photos of any property damage and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible for support.
Additional Resources
Depending on your specific situation, the information below may be helpful to you following a storm.
Available Housing Information
North Carolina residents who have been displaced by a disaster may search for available housing on NCHousingSearch.org. Property owners and managers can add and/or update listings of available units.
Disaster Legal Services
Free legal services are available for low-income survivors of a disaster. Attorneys may be able to assist survivors with disaster-related legal matters. Call the Disaster Legal Services Hotline at 833-242-3549.
Insurance Hotline
If you need help with your insurance claim or settlements, call the NC Department of Insurance at 855-408-1212. For more information, go to NCDOI.gov.
Services for Seniors
North Carolina has many programs and services for seniors. Details are available on the NC Department of Health and Human Services website.
County Departments of Social Services
Every county in North Carolina has its own local social services agency. A directory with contact names, addresses and phone numbers is on the NC Department of Health and Human Services website.
Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Services
The NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services works to promote excellence in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for those struggling. Visit their website.
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As always, my office and I are here to help before, during, and after a storm. You can email my team and I or call my Wilmington office at (910) 395-0202. Contact information for each of my offices can be found here.
It is an honor and privilege to serve you in the House of Representatives.
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