by Jim McCafferty

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita physically devastated the Gulf Coast last year, but some of the most lasting pain is still being felt by homeowners who never thought about insuring their homes against hurricane damage.

North and South Carolina have suffered from major hurricanes in the past - Hugo, Charley, Isabel, Floyd - and this year the National Hurricane Center predicts an active hurricane season between June 1 and Nov. 30.

In an average year, 10 tropical storms form over the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico with six of these storms becoming hurricanes, and in an average three-year period, about five hurricanes hit the U.S. coast. 

The insurance industry estimates insured losses from Hurricane Katrina ranged between $35 billion and $55 billion, and Rita added another estimated $4.5 billion in losses. (By comparison, Hurricane Hugo caused an estimated $4 billion in insured losses.)

Here are hurricane season tips from the National Hurricane Center:

Secure Your Home
Protect areas where wind and water can enter your home.  One of the best times to start securing your home is when making home improvements or putting an addition on your home. 

Be sure to contact local building code officials to find out what the requirements are for any home improvement projects, including hurricane security.
One of the best ways to protect a home from windstorm damage is to install impact-resistant shutters over all large windows and glass doors to protect the doors and windows from wind-borne objects. They may also reduce damage caused by sudden pressure changes when a window or door is broken.

Have a Plan
Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family and consider the following:

• Locate the safest area for your family. This may not be in your home, but within your community. 
  
• Have predetermined escape routes and places to meet.
• Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact. This will allow all of your family members to have a single point of reference.
• Have a pet plan in the event you need to evacuate.
• Post emergency phone numbers and be sure children know how to use the 911 system.
• Be sure your insurance coverage is in order. NOTE: Flood insurance is not covered under a typical homeowner’s insurance policy.
• Have a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) radio and replace batteries every six months when you change batteries in your smoke detectors.
• Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
• Keep stock of nonperishable emergency supplies and have a disaster supply kit that should include at least the following:
  1. One gallon of water daily per person for three to seven days
  2. Enough nonperishable food and juices for three to seven days
  3. Cooking tools (including a non-electric can opener), fuel, paper plates and utensils
  4. Pet care items including proper identification, immunization records, medication, an ample supply of food and water, a carrier or kennel and a muzzle and leash
  5. Blankets and pillows
  6. Medication/prescriptions
  7. Flashlights and batteries
  8. Cash (an ATM will not work without power)
  9. Important documents (keep in waterproof container)
  10. Toys, books and games

Review Your Insurance Policy
If you live in a North Carolina coastal county, your homeowner’s insurance policy probably doesn’t provide wind coverage, let alone hurricane coverage. Your agent can obtain this insurance through the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA), which will not begin coverage if a hurricane is approaching.

Except for coverage being requested for a home loan closing, there is a 30-day waiting period from when NCIUA receives your full payment and application. 

Flood insurance also is not included in your homeowner’s or renter’s policy.  Many of the homes in Mississippi affected by Hurricane Katrina’s flooding were not in designated flood zones.

A separate policy protecting your home from flood damage is a wise, relatively inexpensive investment. Flood coverage is backed by the federal government under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Both wind and flood insurance policies are offered by your AAA Insurance Agency.