Hurricane season in the Atlantic stretches from the beginning of June to the end of November with the peak time for increased hurricane activity lasting from August to late October. We’re prepared for quite the finale of the 2023 season. With multiple Restoration 1 locations in the Carolinas, we are very familiar with hurricanes and the damage they can wreak.

Whenever wind and water damage occurs to your home or business, you'll need the help of a disaster restoration company. Flood restoration can be a lengthy and involved process, but disaster restoration professionals know how to get your space back to pre-flood condition as quickly as possible. 

What Damage Can a Hurricane Cause? 

Hurricanes and other catastrophic weather events can cause lasting damage to homes and businesses. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), even a Category 1 hurricane can produce winds up to 95 mph. These wind speeds can rip shingles off roofs and damage siding, leaving buildings susceptible to water damage. More intense storms can rip roofs from a building and bring down trees. With winds over 157 mph, Category 5 hurricanes can completely destroy buildings - and that's before coastal flooding occurs.

NOAA warns that a hurricane or tropical cyclone can create storm surges of over 20 feet along the coast and can bring more than 6 inches of torrential rain. There were almost three feet of rain in some areas of North Carolina after Hurricane Florence made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane in 2018. It is almost impossible to prevent flooding from happening when there is this kind of rainfall.

Being prepared before an adverse weather event can reduce the risk of injury or significant damage to your home. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a large storm or hurricane:

5 Tips to Prepare for a Hurricane 

1. Map your evacuation route and have an evacuation plan. Since most people will be evacuating at the same time, it would be a good idea to have an idea of alternative routes to avoid congestion. Give yourself enough time to evacuate (leave room for traffic) before the storm is predicted to hit. Adhere to evacuation orders and don’t linger. When it’s time to leave, be ready to leave as soon as you are able. If you have pets, make sure to find a hotel or storm shelter that allows animals.
2. Create a list of emergency phone numbers and contacts. This can range from family members to first responders, local shelters and hospitals. 
3. Compile your first aid kit and other emergency supplies. This includes gas, a few days’ worth of water and dry food, blankets, and portable batteries for charging your cell phone. Make sure to also gather important documents, flashlights and extra batteries, and extra clothes/toiletries.
4. Board up windows and doors to protect against high winds and flying objects. Protect your house by nailing boards outside your windows and entryways. Move cars into garages if possible and bring outdoor furniture inside to avoid flying objects.
5. Check the news for weather updates. Stay on top of the latest news to know when the storm is predicted to hit as well as evacuation orders and other emergency information. This will be vital to your evacuation plan

Contact a Disaster Restoration Company

Upon return, you may be stricken with damages to your home. The Restoration 1 pros know exactly what to look for and how to fix it. They’ll be able to help get your home back to the state it was in prior to the storm and may even be able to make improvements to protect against future severe weather events. Their water damage restoration services include handling water removal, dehumidification, damage control, and repair.

Seek Temporary Shelter

Depending on the information you learn from your contractor, insurance agent, and/or water damage restoration company, it may be wise (or even vital) to find a temporary home, while flood damage repairs are in process. You and your family’s health and well-being come first. Make sure to check with your insurance company – your policy may cover some or all of the cost to temporarily house you in a safe and dry location.

Restoration 1 of Raleigh North is here to help.

At Restoration 1, we understand how devastating severe storms and hurricanes can be. We hope you find these restoration and safety tips helpful in preparing for a large storm and how to deal with the potential aftermath. We’re here to help put your home and life back together again no matter how big the storm.

Remember us when it comes to hurricane damage restoration. Restoration 1 of Raleigh is here for you 24/7 around the clock. Contact us today.