Hurricane season begins on June 1st and runs until November 30th with the peak period between August and October. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season will be near-normal.  Although predictions for hurricane season vary each year, preparation and planning are essential to minimizing your exposure to risk when considering the impact of a catastrophic event.

How to Prepare

• Read and download How to Prepare for a Hurricane by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• Assemble an emergency supply kit that includes non-perishable food, water, sanitary supplies, cell phones, radios, and extra batteries and important documents.
• Learn the difference between a Hurricane Advisory, Hurricane Watch, and Hurricane Warning from the National Weather Service.
• Bookmark the National Hurricane Center for the most up-to-date storm information available.
• If you are a business or community leader, read and download the Prepare your Business for a Hurricane Playbook.
  • Ensure workers know and understand the evacuation plan
• Know where to go if you need immediate help.  Contact your local American Red Cross or find a shelter.

If you live in Coastal Virginia

• Know your hurricane evacuation zone for both your home and your workplace.
• Find emergency resource numbers from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
• Register with VBgov.com/VBAlert​ to receive emergency notifications on your mobile devices.

Obtain Flood Insurance

Did you know?

• Homeowners insurance alone does not cover flooding.
• It takes 30 days for most flood insurance policies to become effective.
• FEMA does not provide comprehensive disaster funding to repair homes that flooded but didn’t have insurance.
• The National Flood Insurance Program aims to reduce the impact of flooding by providing affordable insurance to property owners and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations.

How to Report a Claim

We hope that you will never need to, but in the event you should have to report a claim, the best method is to contact your insurance carrier directly.  It is helpful to have your policy number available when reporting a claim.  Prompt claims reporting is critical.  If you need assistance contacting your insurance carrier to report a claim, please call us at (757) 965-8900 or email claims@coreassurance.com.

How Core Assurance Can Help

We offer a full portfolio of risk management products and services to protect your home and business from flood and hurricane damage.  Contact one of our Private Client or Business Insurance associates today to learn more.