PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

A Message from Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey

Hurricane Debby has made landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast and is expected to bring heavy rain and other storm conditions to North Carolina this week!

This is the fourth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season after Tropical Storm Alberto, Hurricane Beryl, and Tropical Storm Chris all of which formed in June. The heaviest rain amounts from Debby could top 25 inches or more, with some forecast models showing the storm could linger through Thursday.

The impact of this storm could potentially affect everyone in North Carolina. In anticipation of this storm, the governor has declared a state of emergency which will waive certain requirements to expedite preparations and provide for swift emergency response and recovery after the storm. This includes relaxing enforcement of certain size and weight restrictions for vehicles that will be engaged in relief efforts before, during and after the system to include, but not limited to, power restoration and debris removal.

It’s important to not be a victim!

The best time to prepare is now – protect yourself and your valuables before the impacts from the storm arrive. It is also imperative to understand your home’s vulnerability so you can know how to shore up. Here are some tips of what to do before, during and after the storm:

Before

1. Do you have flood insurance? Even if you don’t live in a flood zone, your home may experience flood damage due to rising waters.  It takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to take effect, so while getting insurance won’t protect you from the effects of Debby, contacting your agent to enact your policy now will help with future rain and flood events.
2. Update your insurance.  Check your insurance policy ahead of the storm to see what is covered. Know where your insurance documents are located and take them with you in case you need to evacuate.
3. Do you have an evacuation plan? Plan your route now and have an alternative. Leave when ordered to do so and communicate your plan with someone who is not in the storm’s path.
4. Don’t forget your pets! Most local shelters do not permit them, so make sure there is a safe place for them as well.
5. Is your home protected? Keep trees around your home trimmed to prevent damage from broken branches. Have the proper materials in advance to board up your windows to protect them from flying debris. Bring loose outdoor items such as patio furniture inside. Secure all doors on your property. Remember the garage door is usually the most vulnerable. Move your car inside a garage or to another secure location. Know where to take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure in case high winds or a tornado suddenly strike.
6. Do you know how to access storm information?  Tune to your trusted local news source – whether it is television, radio, phone apps or social media – and listen closely to local officials for guidance. You can also access information from weather.gov or ready.gov.
7. Put together an emergency kit.  Check emergency equipment such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters. Have food, water and medicines ready to take with you in case of an evacuation.
8. Make a home inventory. Take pictures of your home, valuables and other items to have on hand to show your agent in case of damage.

During

1. Shelter in place if officials advise it.
2. Stay away from windows, glass doors and skylights.
3. Find a safe place to stay in the interior of the home on a lower floor unless flooding is a possibility.
4. Make sure your cell phone is charged. Do not use a landline if lightning is present.
5. Turn off the electricity at the main breaker if flooding becomes a threat.
6. Remain indoors until officials give notice that it is safe to go outside.
7. If officials order an evacuation, do not come home until officials advise it is safe to do so.

After

Sadly, fraud is very common after a big storm. I encourage storm victims to avoid roofing and contractor scams by only working with licensed and insured contractors. Our NCDOI Criminal Investigations Division has a staff of Special Agents who investigate insurance fraud daily.

Here are some things you should do immediately after the storm:

1. Contact your homeowners’ insurance agent or company to report the loss. Even if you have a separate windstorm or hail policy in addition to your homeowners’ policy, your primary homeowners’ insurer will investigate and adjust the claim even if you have wind or hail loss. Be patient as the insurer will likely be dealing with many claims.  
2. Make a list of the damages and take clear pictures before you make any temporary repairs.
3. Do what you can to stop further damage from happening. For instance, place a tarp on your roof to prevent water from coming into the house. Keep receipts because your reasonable expenses to protect your property are part of the loss and may be reimbursed by your insurance company.     
4. Do not make permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the damage and you have agreed on the cost of the repairs. Check with your insurance company before you dispose of damaged materials or items.
5. If your home is uninhabitable, check with your insurance company to determine which expenses will be reimbursed. 

For more information on how to be prepared before, during and after any storm, or to get help with insurance claims, visit www.ncdoi.gov/disaster or contact the NCDOI Consumer Services Division at 1-855-408-1212.

Remember “preparation time is never wasted time.” 

Mike Causey

N.C. Insurance Commissioner