The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the most active weeks typically arriving in mid-August through late September. Even if you are not directly in the path of a storm, preparation is critical. Severe weather can have far-reaching impacts - from flooding and power outages to property damage.

At BCU Risk Advisors, we want to make sure you have practical steps, trusted resources, and the right coverages in place to protect what matters most.

Storm Preparation Basics

Simple steps around the home can reduce your risk and make recovery easier:

• Clear gutters and trim trees to minimize flooding and wind damage.
• Check your roof, shutters, and garage doors for vulnerabilities and make small repairs now.
• Service your generator and stock up on fuel, extension cords, and batteries.
• Protect valuables: Store artwork and collections at least 6 inches off the floor and keep an updated home inventory with photos.
• Create a Digital Go-Bag: As we shared in our recent blog, digitizing essential records and backing up photos ensures you can access what you need even if you must evacuate suddenly.

Coverage Considerations

Hurricanes highlight important coverage details that can easily be overlooked:

• Flood Insurance: Most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. If you don’t already have coverage in place, it’s important to act quickly — most flood policies come with a waiting period before they take effect. Explore Chubb’s Flood Resources to better understand your options.
• Wind Coverage: Not every homeowners policy automatically includes wind. If it does, be sure you know your deductible and any carrier requirements tied to coverage. Some insurers require specific actions before a storm — such as putting shutters down — and failure to do so could result in a higher deductible or reduced coverage.

Emergency Checklist

Before storm season intensifies, review your supplies and ensure you have:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers and backup power
• 3–5 days of non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Extra food on hand beyond your immediate needs
• First-aid kit and prescriptions
• Cash and copies of important documents (stored in waterproof containers and/or digitally)
• Pet food, crates, and supplies
• Games, books, and activities to keep children occupied
• Full gas tanks in all vehicles in case you need to evacuate
• A hand-crank or battery-operated radio to stay informed if power and internet go out
• A generator tested and fueled — and a backup plan in case it fails

Preparing for What’s Ahead

Storm preparation is about more than weathering the next hurricane. It’s about building resilience against the broader risks families face today - from rising construction costs to more frequent severe weather events. In our 2025 Mid-Year Pulse Check, we share how proactive families are adapting to these challenges, protecting wealth, and staying ahead of risk.

Final Word

No matter where you live, now is the time to revisit your coverage, refresh your storm readiness plan, and confirm that your family has the right protections in place.

At BCU, we are here to review your program, answer questions, and provide guidance - so you can move into this season with confidence and peace of mind.