Hurricane Season Starts June 1

Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30 every year. It's important to be ready before the next storm comes and to know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane or major storm.

Before a Storm

1. Find out if you live in a flood-prone area and your flood risk on our flood information portal.
2. Build An Emergency Kit. The Ready Raleigh Guide shares who to contact and what to add in your kit.
3. Get a flood insurance checkup. Homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover losses from floods or flood damage. Residents receive a 25 percent discount on flood insurance policies!
4. Sign up for Weather Alerts and follow local news. ReadyWake! Alerts is a free alert service that sends customized alerts via phone call, text, and/or email.

During a Storm

1. Understand Hurricane Watch verses Warning: A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible in the area. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area.
2. Stay in your home or in a local shelter, have your emergency kit ready, connect with neighbors for assistance, and follow evacuation orders.
3. Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
4. If your house becomes flooded, get higher in your house to escape the flood waters. Call 911 in emergencies or trapped in flood waters.

After a Storm

1. Check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you smell gas, get outdoors immediately and call 911.
2. Avoid flooded roads and other unsafe areas.
3. If you have property damage, see if you can receive disaster recovery assistance.