Prepare for Hurricane Season
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024 is likely to bring an active hurricane season, with an 85% chance of above-normal activity. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, which occurs during many travelers’ summer vacation plans. Whether you are planning a trip or staying home this summer, here are some tips to prepare for hurricane season.
Protecting your property
If your area is at risk during hurricane season, be sure to tune into your local news outlets for warnings or instructions. Before a hurricane comes, reinforce the outside of your home, particularly doors, windows, walls, and roofs. Also, if evacuation becomes necessary, it’s a good idea to prepare a bag of emergency supplies—this could include food and water, medicine, flashlights, batteries and documents such as personal IDs, medical information or passports.
When a hurricane is forecasted for your area, always follow any guidance from local officials. If you’re told to evacuate, follow the plan you made and do so. If you have to shelter at home during a hurricane, stay in the lowest and most interior area of your home. In the event of a flood, seek higher ground.
There is no specific insurance policy for hurricanes—however, windstorm insurance may help protect your home from hurricane-related damages. Check your policy or review with your agent to ensure you have coverage for windstorm damage. In some areas, this may require an added endorsement or additional policy.
Comprehensive auto insurance can also protect your vehicle against incidents other than a collision, including weather events such as a flood or hail.
Traveling with peace of mind
According to a Nationwide Travel Insurance Survey, nearly all consumers (91%) plan to travel domestically this year, and 4-in-10 plan to travel more than they did in 2023. However, 54% of travelers cited weather-related delays or cancellations as their top travel concern. The third most common concern was natural disasters, with 44% worried about events such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados and wildfires.
Travel insurance can help cover reimbursement if a trip is interrupted by weather events such as a hurricane, as well as protect against other issues including missed connections, lost luggage or illness. While nearly a third of survey respondents believed that travel insurance usually costs more than 15% of the total trip cost, the average percentage is 5-6%.
For more information about Nationwide’s travel insurance offerings, visit our website.