What you need to know before storms spawn

PHNjcmlwdCB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2phdmFzY3JpcHQiIHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6Ly9zdGF0aWMubXlmaW5hbmNlLmNvbS93aWRnZXQvbXlGaW5hbmNlX3ZpZXdwb3J0X2RldGVjdGlvbi5qcyI+PC9zY3JpcHQ+PHNjcmlwdCBhc3luYyB0eXBlPSJ0ZXh0L2phdmFzY3JpcHQiPm15ZmlXYXRjaFdpZGdldCgnbXlmaVdpZGdldF8wJyk7PC9zY3JpcHQ+Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer who specializes in insurance, with extensive experience in topics such as life insurance, property insurance, car insurance and health insurance. Her work has appeared in Bankrate, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Investopedia, Insurance.com, Car and Driver, and Money Under 30. You can reach her at rivelli.elizabeth@gmail.com.Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This may influence which products we write about and where those products appear on the site, but it does not affect our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in research.Mobile app users, click here for the best viewing experience.BALTIMORE — Hurricane season can be a daunting time of year if you live in a hurricane-prone region like the Mid-Atlantic. A single hurricane making landfall can leave a trail of devastation, especially in the most flood-prone areas of Baltimore.While it’s rare for an actual hurricane (that is, a storm with sustained winds above 74 mph) to make landfall in Baltimore, it’s not uncommon for the remnants of one to bring storm surges, heavy rainfall and high winds, which can be plenty destructive. (The most recent hurricanes to cause major damage in Maryland were Irene in 2011 and Isabel in 2003.) Low-lying areas of the city, such as the Mount Washington, Clipper Mill and Fells Point areas, are particularly vulnerable to flooding. | WEATHER ALERTS: How to get severe weather alerts for your neighborhoodIt’s extremely important to make sure your home and your family are protected against potential storms. We’ve got some tips for preparing for the upcoming hurricane season and making sure you have the right insurance coverage for your property in the event of hurricane, tropical storm or flood damage.Predictions for hurricane season 2023The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects that we could most likely see a fairly typical Atlantic hurricane season in 2023. Its forecasters project a 40% chance of a near-normal hurricane season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of below-normal season.If the predictions pan out, that would equate to 12 to 17 named storms, five to nine of which could become hurricanes. Of those hurricanes, NOAA expects one to four to be “major” — that is, Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes with winds above 111 mph.Two competing factors are expected to contribute to the near-average season. There’s a 90% chance of El Niño this summer in the Atlantic, which typically quells hurricane activity. On the other hand, the tropical Atlantic Basin is expected to generate hurricane-friendly conditions as a result of above-average African monsoon activity. Ultimately, however, NOAA predicts the competing events will offset each other.Colorado State University (CSU), meanwhile, recently released its hurricane predictions for 2023, and researchers there are expecting a slightly below-average number of hurricanes this year.CSU makes its predictions by comparing averages from the 1991 to 2020 hurricane seasons and then makes its models for the upcoming hurricane season. For 2023, CSU predicts six hurricanes and 13 named storms. For comparison, the historical average is 7.2 hurricanes and 14.4 named storms. Fortunately, CSU is also predicting fewer major hurricanes than average. For 2023, researchers are predicting only two major hurricanes, compared to the historical average of 3.2 major hurricanes.However, even with slightly below-average hurricane forecasts, it’s still important for homeowners to take hurricane preparedness seriously. Experts are warning everyone, particularly residents of flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant and prepare early.”As we saw with Hurricane Ian, it only takes one hurricane to cause widespread devastation and upend lives,” said FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. “So, regardless of the number of storms predicted this season, it is critical that everyone understand their risk and heed the warnings of state and local officials. Whether you live on the coast or further inland, hurricanes can cause serious impacts to everybody in their path.”How good are meteorologists at predicting the severity of hurricane season?Hurricane forecasting has come a long way in the last several decades. And, in general, researchers are very good at predicting potential storms.NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, which is responsible for U.S. hurricane predictions, has improved its track accuracy by 75% and its intensity predictions by 50% since the early 1990s.To predict hurricanes, NOAA researchers use different tools and technology, including satellite information and land- and sea-based data. Air-based technology, like uncrewed sail drones, ocean gliders and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), has also made hurricane predictions more accurate.In 2023, NOAA will begin using a new model, called the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS) model, to predict major storms. This new model will allow scientists and researchers to view multiple storms at once, which can help predict how the storms may interact with each other. This matters, since the earlier NOAA can predict a storm’s severity and track, the more time people have to protect their homes and, if necessary, evacuate to safer areas.How to prepare for hurricane seasonWith the 2023 hurricane season fast approaching, now is the time to get ready. Here are some of the most important hurricane preparedness recommendations for homeowners in Florida and in other hurricane-prone states.Know your zoneThe Maryland Department of Emergency Management makes it easy to know if you need to evacuate during a hurricane or tropical storm. Visit KnowYourZoneMD.com and enter your address to find out what evacuation zone you live in (they’re color-coded and labeled either A, B or C).During severe weather, you’ll then receive instructions on whether to evacuate or shelter in place. The highest risk areas will be evacuated first, followed by lower risk zones, if needed. (Note that even if you don’t live in one of the three official zones, you might still need to evacuate, depending on the weather situation.)Know your evacuation routeBefore or during a hurricane, you might be ordered to evacuate your home. Find out the locations of your closest shelters and figure out how you will get to them. While Baltimore does not designate specific evacuation routes, you can plan ahead by looking up alternative driving routes. If possible, keep a map in your vehicle so you can redirect yourself on the fly, if necessary.Store and collect suppliesMake sure you have enough food, water and medical supplies for each family member to last at least two or three days. Your hurricane supply kit should also be stocked with a radio, extra batteries, a flashlight, space blankets and important documents.Don’t forget your petsYour pets are important members of the family, and they need to be taken care of during an emergency. Learn which shelters do and don’t accept pets. Or, you can consider a pet-friendly hotel that’s outside the evacuation zone.Download the FEMA mobile appFEMA’s mobile app has many disaster resources, including safety tips and weather alerts. It also has a checklist of emergency supplies and shelters and will keep you updated with real-time alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS).Protect your homeOnce you’ve made your emergency plan and assembled your emergency kit, it’s time to prepare your home. While this list can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be done all at once. Instead, start working your way through the list now, and check off items once completed. Landscaping — Replace gravel or stone garden beds with lighter material that will not damage your property in high winds.Trees and shrubs — Remove any weak, dying, or damaged trees and branches which could break off in high winds and crash into your house.Windows — Consider installing storm shutters to prevent window glass from breaking. Plywood sheets can also be used in a pinch. Doors — Think about swapping your current doors for hurricane-proof doors with three hinges and a deadbolt. Ideally, glass sliding doors should be made of tempered glass and protected by storm shutters or plywood.Garage doors — Ensure your garage or roller doors are in good working condition and locked securely.Vents and wall openings — Fill any vents or exterior holes with high-quality urethane-based caulk to prevent water penetration.Boats — If you keep a boat in your yard, anchor your boat securely to a tree or the ground before the storm arrives.Types of insurance that cover hurricanesIf you live in an area that experiences hurricanes and tropical storms, it’s important to have the right insurance coverage. Here are some types of insurance that will cover your home and your personal belongings in the event of a major storm.Homeowners insuranceMost homeowners insurance policies will cover damage caused by hurricanes, windstorms and hail. If the physical structure of your home or your personal belongings are damaged or destroyed, your policy will pay to replace them. If your home is located in a very high-risk area, you might have to pay a separate hurricane deductible if something happens to your property. Although most home insurance policies cover hurricanes, not all damages are covered. For example, your policy will likely cover water damage caused by a hurricane, but that doesn’t include damage caused by floods.Also, if damage — such as sewage damage — is caused by a flood, your homeowners insurance will not cover it. You typically need to add an endorsement to your policy if you want coverage for water that backs up into your home through sewer pipes or drains.Flood insuranceMost homeowners insurance policies don’t include coverage for damage caused by floods, even after a hurricane. If you want flood protection, you will need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy. In fact, if you live in a special flood hazard zone and have a federally backed mortgage such as an FHA loan, the federal government requires that you have flood insurance. You can find out whether you live in one of these zones by looking at FEMA’s interactive map. Baltimore City’s Floodplain Management Office can also help you determine how vulnerable your address is to flooding.But even if you live outside a high-risk area, you could still benefit from flood insurance. Most flood insurance policies are sold through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is managed by FEMA and consists of a network of more than 50 insurance companies. NFIP flood insurance typically covers buildings, personal belongings or both. Important tip: Most flood insurance policies don’t kick in until 30 days after purchase, so it’s too late to add one if a hurricane is on the horizon. If you live in a flood-prone area, plan ahead by adding a flood insurance policy well before you think you might need it.Wind insuranceWindstorm insurance is typically part of your homeowners insurance policy. However, some insurance policies have a built-in “named storm” deductible. If your house gets damaged by a named storm (not necessarily a hurricane), you will need to pay an additional deductible on top of your regular dwelling insurance deductible.Full-coverage car insuranceYou might be wondering what would happen if your car was damaged or destroyed in a hurricane. If you want to protect your car from hurricane damage, you will need to purchase full coverage car insurance. The comprehensive coverage portion of your full car insurance will cover the following:Debris damage — If your car is parked in the driveway and gets hit by debris from falling trees, your car insurance will cover it.Strong winds — Comprehensive car insurance will cover the damage if strong winds flip over your car.Water damage — Comprehensive coverage will pay to repair water damage in your vehicle if there’s a flood. Tips for buying hurricane-related insuranceIf you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, here are some things you need to consider when purchasing insurance.Consider where you live — Consider the risk of hurricanes in your specific location. Even within the Baltimore metropolitan area, not all zones are created equal. For example, areas along the Patapsco, Back and Middle rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay are much more vulnerable to storm surges and other hurricane damage than areas farther inland. If you live somewhere that has been hit by hurricanes in the past, consider additional insurance policies, like flood insurance or water backup coverage.Purchase enough insurance coverage — While saving money on insurance in the short term sounds like a good idea, it can be extremely expensive to rebuild or repair your home after a storm. Make sure to buy enough coverage to fully protect your dwelling and personal items. Otherwise, you will have to pay a portion of the out-of-pocket cost.Understand your policies — It’s essential to read through your insurance policies and understand what is and is not covered. If you need to purchase additional policies, talk to your insurance agent about which policies or add-ons are best for your situation.Review your insurance annually — Take the time to review your insurance policy every year and ensure that it’s up to date. If you feel like you’re paying too much for coverage, you can always get new quotes to see if you can find a cheaper premium.Inquire about discounts — Some insurance companies offer discounts if your home has storm shutters, hurricane-proof windows or an impact-resistant roof. If your home has any of these features, ask your insurance agent if you qualify for savings.Keep your insurance documents somewhere safe — Find a secure location to store all your important documents, including insurance documents, banking information, birth certificates, passports, etc. Store additional copies in a secondary location away from your home.Ask questions — If you have any questions or concerns about your insurance policies and whether they’ll cover you in the event of a hurricane, talk to your insurance company. It’s better to understand what’s covered now and make sure you have the right insurance. Editorial Disclosure: All articles are prepared by editorial staff and contributors. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the editorial team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in this article is accurate as of the date of the publish. Check the lender’s website for the most current information.This article was originally published on SFGate.com and reviewed by Lauren Williamson, who serves as Financial and Home Services Editor for the Hearst E-Commerce team. Email her at lauren.williamson@hearst.com.