WASHINGTON — With NOAA forecasting an above-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, FEMA and the National Hurricane Center are urging homeowners, businesses, and restoration contractors to complete their preparedness planning during National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 4-10.
For homeowners, preparedness steps include reviewing and updating their homeowner's and flood insurance policies, documenting their possessions with photographs or video for insurance purposes, assembling a disaster supply kit, and identifying evacuation routes and destinations.
Flood insurance is a critical gap for many homeowners in hurricane-prone areas. Standard homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage, and flood insurance policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect — meaning that homeowners who wait until a storm is approaching to purchase flood insurance will not be covered.
For restoration contractors, hurricane preparedness includes reviewing equipment inventories and ensuring that all dehumidifiers, air movers, and generators are in good working order, confirming mutual aid agreements with contractors in other regions, and reviewing staffing plans for surge capacity deployment.
The National Hurricane Center's website provides real-time storm tracking, preparedness resources, and educational materials for homeowners and businesses. FEMA's Ready.gov website offers a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist and a guide to understanding the different types of hurricane watches and warnings.
