Experts warn Virginians to be prepared for potentially active hurricane season

Hurricanes Michael and Florence left in their trail unprecedented destruction across the Carolinas in 2018, and with many of Virginia’s southern neighbors still picking up the pieces nearly a year later, experts across the commonwealth are urging Virginians to be prepared so that the same fate doesn’t befall their state in 2019.

While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a “near normal” 2019 hurricane season, that doesn’t mean Virginians are in the clear. After all, last year’s season was predicted to be along similar lines, yet it still resulted in one of the most destructive seasons in recent memory, with Florence and Michael leaving nearly $50 billion worth of damage in their wakes.

With that in mind, Robert N. Bradshaw Jr. – an insurance expert with Trusted Choice and the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia – said he wants to remind all Virginians to start their preparations early on in the season.

“If a named storm is in the forecast and on its way to Virginia, it’s already too late,” Bradshaw said. “You’re simply not going to have time to make all the necessary preparations in time to be ready once the storm hits.”

One of the biggest ways Virginians can ensure they aren’t left picking up the pieces both physically and financially after a hurricane rolls through is to ensure they have proper flood insurance policies.

With flooding being the most common natural disaster and often tied to hurricanes, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam advised those around the commonwealth to purchase or renew their flood insurance policies ahead of the 2018 hurricane season.

“I urge Virginians to take steps now to protect their lives, their properties and their financial livelihoods,” Northam said in a statement. “Make buying flood insurance a key component of your emergency plan, whether you live near the water or not.”

In Virginia, only three percent of residents have flood insurance policies, even though more than nine percent of land within the commonwealth is located in designated flood areas. In addition, 68 percent of Virginians living in high flood areas do not have policies that would protect them in case of flooding.

“The fact that so many Virginians – especially those in high-risk areas – do not have adequate flood insurance is extremely worrying,” Bradshaw said. “We need to learn from past events like what we saw last year in the Carolinas and make sure we’re not left picking up the pieces – and the bill – for whatever Mother Nature might throw our way.”

The previous two years accounted for a record-breaking two-year stretch of global economic losses at the hands of natural disaster. Bradshaw said this means now is the time Virginians must take action when it comes to purchasing flood insurance.

“Florence and Michael are the perfect example for what can happen when you’re not prepared,” he added. “Thousands of residents across the Carolinas – like many Virginians now – lacked proper coverage and were left with unbearable financial burdens once the storms passed. We have to learn from their mistakes.”

Bradshaw added that hurricanes can bring with them other potential insurance issues, not just those related to flooding. Wind damage and falling trees are also commonly ignored in typical homeowner’s insurance policies.

With this in mind, he noted it’s important read through your policy to evaluate your coverage and needs.

“It’s always a good idea to re-evaluate your policy every year to ensure you’re covered for any disaster,” Bradshaw said. “If you’re unsure of what may or may not be included in your plan, call your agent. After all, that’s what they’re there for.”

Virginians can visit www.FloodSmart.gov for information on flood insurance options.