RALEIGH, N.C. (September 02, 2025) – September is National Preparedness Month and peak hurricane season. The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas (BBB) has tips to prepare you for the impending severe weather systems.
“It is important to always be prepared this time of the year; hurricanes can cause disaster physically and financially,” said Mallory Wojciechowski, CEO and president of BBB. “Always have a plan in case you find yourself affected by a hurricane.”
A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm with sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour (119 km/h). Hurricanes can cause severe damage due to high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding. They can affect large areas and last for several days, posing significant risks to life and property.
-Prior to a Hurricane Warning
-Check on your insurance coverage. Find insurance companies near you.
-Do you need a sump pump for your basement? Find a plumber near you.
-Need a contractor? Find a general contractor near you.
-Is there a tree too close to your house? Find a tree service near you.
What to do during a hurricane warning?
When a hurricane warning is issued:
-Prepare an emergency kit. Include essential items like water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
-Secure your property. Board up windows, secure outdoor furniture, and ensure your home is as protected as possible against strong winds and flooding.
-Evacuate if instructed. Follow evacuation orders from local authorities immediately. Don’t wait until the last minute, as roads can become congested and dangerous.
-Find a safe shelter. If you are not in an evacuation zone, identify the safest room in your home, typically an interior room on the lowest floor without windows.
-Communicate. Inform household members of your plan and ensure everyone knows where to go and what to do.
-Stay informed. Monitor weather updates and alerts from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center in the U.S., local news, and emergency services.
For more information, visit bbb.org.
About BBB of Eastern Carolinas
Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Carolinas is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 48 counties in North and South Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from over 5,200 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit BBB.org.
