Be Prepared. Hurricane Season Is Here.

No one likes to think about it, but the time has come to face reality: hurricane season is upon us. Hurricane season essentially spans half the year—from June 1 to November 30—and Louisianans know how quickly conditions can change. Even a Category 1 hurricane or tropical storm can bring significant disruptions like downed trees, power outages, wind damage, and flash flooding.

Whether the effects we feel are equivalent to a fast-moving thunderstorm or a drawn-out, major tropical system, the risks posed by hurricanes are real. Fortunately, the National Weather Service provides critical resources to help Gulf Coast residents prepare, stay safe, and recover after a storm. Let’s walk through key steps you can take to protect your home, family, and peace of mind.

Understand Your Insurance: 

1. Review your insurance coverage early in the season to confirm what’s protected.
2. Confirm whether your policy includes flood insurance—it’s a separate, essential form of coverage that’s not included in any standard homeowners insurance.
3. Use floodsmart.gov to assess your property’s flood risk and explore policy options.
4. Take preventive steps now—such as securing your property—in line with your insurance guidelines.
5. Store your insurance paperwork and agent contact info in an easy-to-grab location in case you need to evacuate quickly.

Strengthen Your Home: 

1. Trim back tree limbs and remove dead branches before hurricane season ramps up.
2. Stock up early on plywood or storm shutters to safeguard your windows.
3. If you’re in or near the projected path of a storm, store outdoor furniture, garden tools, and décor indoors to prevent them from becoming airborne hazards.
4. Reinforce entry points—especially garage doors—to reduce the risk of structural damage.
5. Park vehicles in a safe, covered space to shield them from flying debris or floodwater.

“I urge all policyholders to ‘Be Insurance Ready’ by reviewing your policies now and discussing potential out-of-pocket costs with your agent,” Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said last month in a media release from the Louisiana Department of Insurance. “It’s much better to know how to file a claim before your property is damaged than to try and figure out that process after the fact.” 

We're Here If You Need Us

At Anderson Traylor Edwards, our experienced team is ready to assist if your property insurance claim escalates after a hurricane or tropical storm. We know how to unravel the complexities of your policy and manage the claims process to ensure you get what you're entitled to. Thankfully, the State of Louisiana continues to improve insurance regulations to create a more fair and stable claims process for all policyholders—but it’s always best to stay safe, stay informed, and stay prepared for whatever comes our way.