Georgia residents urged to prepare as hurricane season starts

As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King has called on residents to prepare for potential storms. The season, which runs from June 1 through November 30, follows the significant impact of Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

"Hurricane Helene showed us that every part of the state is at risk of severe storm impacts," said Commissioner King. "With 11.2 inches of rainfall in Atlanta and winds reaching 90-95 mph in South Georgia, the storm damaged homes and disrupted areas that are not typically considered high-risk. That’s why it’s so important to review your insurance coverage before another storm strikes."

Commissioner King stressed the importance of reviewing insurance policies ahead of any storms forming, as securing coverage afterward may be too late.

Residents are advised to take several steps to prepare:

- Review Policies: Ensure coverage for wind, fallen trees, temporary living expenses, and other perils by contacting your agent.

- Flood Insurance: Note that standard homeowners', renters', and business insurance often exclude flood coverage; remember there is a 30-day waiting period for flood policies.

- Wind Deductibles: Understand separate deductibles for hurricanes or wind losses applicable under different damage scenarios.

- Create a Home Inventory: Document property with photos or videos, especially in flood-prone areas; maintain electronic access to inventory and policy details.

- Evacuation Prep: Develop an evacuation plan with family members including meeting points during emergencies; learn from Helene's road closures and power outages about early preparation needs.

- Post-Storm Actions: After incurring hurricane damage, contact insurers before permanent repairs or signing repair contracts; document all losses with photos while keeping receipts.

For insurance inquiries, residents can reach out to the Georgia Department of Insurance and Safety Fire at 1-800-656-2298 or visit oci.georgia.gov. Additional preparedness tips are available from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency at gema.georgia.gov.

The Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire aims to protect Georgia families by ensuring access to essential insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation fostering economic opportunities statewide.