Hurricane season begins June 1. Here's what every North Carolina resident needs to know

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With Atlantic hurricane season kicking off June 1, North Carolina residents from the coast to the mountains have good reasons to prepare. From the deadly storm surge of Hurricane Hazel in 1954 to the inland flooding brought by Florence in 2018, hurricanes pose a multifaceted threat well beyond the beach.

A hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone, a storm system that forms over the ocean. In the Northern Hemisphere, those storms are called “hurricanes” if they reach wind speeds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or higher.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to Nov. 30.

When is hurricane season in NC?

Hurricane season in North Carolina runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The greatest number and most severe hurricanes have hit North Carolina between the middle of August and the middle of October, although it’s possible to see a hurricane make landfall at any time of the year. To give you an idea, in 2018, Hurricane Florence made landfall on Sept. 14 as a Category 4 storm and caused widespread damage throughout the state. Later that fall, Hurricane Michael made landfall in North Carolina as a Category 4 storm on Oct. 10.

North Carolina’s geography makes it a frequent target for tropical systems. The state’s long coastline and barrier islands are close to the warm Gulf Stream, which is a prime breeding ground for hurricanes.

What kind of damage does a hurricane do?

It’s important to understand the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale so you know how dangerous a tropical storm or hurricane can be.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to rate the potential damage of hurricanes. The scale goes from Category 1, which has the weakest winds, to Category 5, which has the strongest winds. Like you can see in the chart above, a Category 1 hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 74-95 mph and can cause some damage to property.

A Category 5 hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 157 mph or more and can cause extensive damage or destruction. They can destroy homes and buildings. If you’re in the path of a Category 5 storm, evacuate as soon as possible.

Even a hurricane that doesn’t make landfall can bring significant impacts – spurring rip currents, strong winds and heavy rain, even miles from the storm center, or eye. Flooding is a major threat even for areas far from the coast.

A hurricane is more than just high winds, which can cause widespread property damage, topple trees and down power lines.

A life-threatening rise in sea level along the coast can cause catastrophic damage and loss of life. Inland, rising waters in estuaries and the Intracoastal Waterway often increase the threat of rain from the sky (rainfall) and sea (storm surge), threatening homes miles from the coast.

Torrential downpours can lead to flash floods, river flooding and inundation, particularly in low-lying areas.

Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes, adding another layer of potential destruction.

Prepare your home for hurricane season

Spend time before a storm is forecast to prepare your home. Take steps indoors and out to secure your property and preserve your peace of mind no matter what the season brings.

Have your roof inspected for loose or damaged shingles. A well-maintained roof is the first line of defense against wind and rain.

Secure loose items. Have a place to store any furniture, grills, tools and toys. Prevent them from becoming projectiles hurled by high winds.

Prune tree branches near your home for the same reason. Make sure your trees are in good shape and can withstand any winds that come.

Prepare for power outages: A battery-powered radio and flashlights are essential. Don’t forget to stock up on extra batteries! Charge electronics like mobile phones, and fill up your gas tank. Consider a backup generator for essential appliances.

Keep important documents like insurance policies (with the phone number to call and how to file a claim), identification and financial records in a waterproof container for easy access in an emergency.

Take photos and inventory of your personal belongings, especially valuables. Your homeowner’s (or even renter’s) insurance should cover everyday items like clothing, electronics and furniture up to a set value amount (refer to your policy to know what this amount is). For electronics, custom furniture, art work and jewelry, take pictures of all items along with the purchase information and store these with your insurance documents. Certain high-end valuables will be easier to claim if all documentation is available.

Consider purchasing flood insurance. Homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage, and you can’t change your coverage once a storm is forecast. Make sure your policy covers damage caused by hurricanes, windstorms, flooding and other related perils. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your insurance agent or provider for clarification, take notes of this conversation and store them in your guide.

Make a family emergency plan

A storm forecast can change quickly. Before hurricane season, every family should make and review a plan for emergencies.

Establish a designated contact person outside the area to coordinate communication should family members get separated. Determine how you will communicate (text, messaging app or social media) in case phone lines are down.

While staying home is often the safest option, mandatory evacuations might be issued for coastal areas in the face of a major hurricane. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes designated by your county emergency management office. Practice your evacuation plan with your family, including pets, to ensure everyone knows what to do.

Not all shelters welcome pets, so it’s important to have a plan in place for your pets if you must evacuate. Make sure your pets have up-to-date ID tags on at all times. Include a cellphone number so if your pet is lost, you can be reached.

If evacuating is not an option, designate a safe room in your home, preferably an interior room with no windows, on the lowest level if possible.

Have an emergency storm kit packed

There are many things you can do to prepare for a hurricane. No matter where you live, it is good to have a kit with emergency supplies packed in case you have to evacuate in a hurry.

Keep things like bottled water, nonperishable food, batteries, first aid supplies and flashlights together in one place.

Other essentials to include in your emergency kit:

• Medications (with a slight refill to account for potential delays)
• Extra batteries for flashlights
• Chargers or spare batteries for mobile phones and laptops
• Cash (ATMs might be unavailable)
• Copies of important documents (insurance, identification) in a waterproof container
• Sanitation supplies (wipes, trash bags)
• Pet food and supplies (if applicable)

After the storm: Assessing damage and cleanup

Once the storm has passed, it is important to assess any damage that has been done and begin the cleanup process. If you need help, there are resources available to you. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety offers a list of Disaster Recovery Centers where you can find information on disaster assistance programs.

Start by making sure family and friends are safe. There are dangers – including standing water on roads, power outages and rip currents – that can linger for days after the rain and wind move out.

Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters. Water could contain contaminants from runoff and have the power to push even a heavy vehicle.

Watch out for downed or unstable trees, poles and power lines. Where power lines are down, water can become electrified, creating a shock danger.

Take photos of any property damage and contact your insurance company for assistance.

Do not drink tap water until authorities say it is safe. If power went out, be aware that food in refrigerators or freezers may have spoiled.