The Official 2024 Mappus Insurance Hurricane Guide

As June 1st quickly approaches, we are also nearing the onset of another hurricane season. Forecasters anticipate AN EXTREMELY ACTIVE HURRICANE SEASON due to current weather patterns, underscoring the urgency for homeowners and all property owners to brace themselves against potential storms.

Why an extremely active hurricane season over any in the past? The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be highly active, potentially setting records for activity. Colorado State University (CSU) meteorologists attribute this to favorable weather patterns, including the shift from El Niño to La Niña, which reduces wind shear and fosters hurricane development. CSU predicts a total of 23 named storms, with 11 possibly escalating to hurricanes, and 5 of those potentially achieving major hurricane status.

At Mappus Insurance headquartered in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, but writing business in North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and many other states, we recognize the paramount importance of safeguarding your home and family amidst these uncertainties. To assist you in navigating the impending hurricane season and grasping the significance of flood insurance, we’ve assembled this comprehensive guide.

The Forecast: Predictions point to an active 2024 hurricane season across Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and of course, South Carolina, with multiple named storms and hurricanes projected to impact both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Given the escalated risk of severe weather events, it is imperative for our homeowner, commercial property, business, and investment clients at Mappus Insurance to take proactive measures to fortify their properties and ensure adequate insurance coverage.

The Significance of Flood Insurance: A pivotal aspect of hurricane preparedness in 2024 is securing flood insurance. Many homeowners may not realize that standard homeowners’ insurance and commercial property insurance policies typically exclude coverage for flood damage. With the potential for heavy rainfall and storm surges during hurricanes, flood insurance provides crucial financial protection against water damage to your home and possessions. It’s crucial to initiate the application process promptly as FEMA flood policies entail a 30-day waiting period. Click here to begin the process.

Preparation Before the Storm: Ahead of hurricane season, property owners should undertake the following measures to brace for potential storms:

1. Review Your Insurance Coverage: Ensure your homeowners’ insurance is sufficient and contemplate adding flood insurance if not already included…and familiarize yourself with your deductibles (especially your wind or hurricane deductibles)
2. Craft an Emergency Plan: Develop a family emergency plan encompassing evacuation routes, designated meeting spots, and emergency service contacts.  I know this sounds cheesy and that it “won’t happen to us”…but it happens to someone…
3. Secure Your Property: Reinforce windows and doors, trim trees and shrubs, and secure outdoor furniture and other loose items. We recommend conducting a trial run now to ensure you can efficiently deploy protective measures when needed.
4. Compile a Disaster Kit: Gather essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, first aid supplies, and important documents.
5. Stay Informed: Keep tabs on weather forecasts and heed official updates from local authorities. Enroll in emergency alerts for timely information on evacuation orders and shelter locations.
6. Document: Document your key items and valuables by photographing or videotaping each room in your home.  Use your smartphone, it doesn’t have to be anything professional…just document!

Action After the Storm: In the aftermath of a hurricane, homeowners and all property owners should take the following steps to evaluate damage and commence the recovery process:

1. Prioritize Safety: Ensure your family’s safety before returning home and exercise caution around hazards like downed power lines and flooded areas.
2. Document Damage: Capture photos and videos of any property and belongings damage to facilitate insurance claims.
3. Contact Your Insurance Carrier: Notify your insurance provider promptly of any damage and initiate the claims process.  We strongly recommend to file your claim DIRECTLY WITH YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER but still let us know at Mappus so we can help champion you through your claim.
4. Mitigate Further Damage: Take measures to prevent additional property damage, such as covering broken windows and drying flooded areas….FYI, if the claim is covered then you will get reimbursed for these initiatives so long your deductible is met.
5. Seek Assistance: Utilize available resources and assistance programs to aid in cleanup and recovery endeavors. Check out our list of disaster mitigation companies we endorse, below.

As we brace for the upcoming 2024 hurricane season, it’s imperative for Mappus Insurance clients all across the southeast to take proactive steps in safeguarding their properties and loved ones. By grasping the importance of flood insurance and adhering to preparatory measures pre and post-storm, homeowners and all property owner can mitigate the impact of severe weather events and ensure a prompt recovery in case of damage.

At Mappus Insurance, we stand ready to support our clients every step of the way, offering the insurance coverage needed to weather the storm confidently.

Stay safe and prepared for this hurricane season.

BONUS: Here are A few disaster mitigation companies that we endorse:

A&I Fire & Water Restoration 843-720-4900

Pivotal Restoration 800-250-6071

Service Master of Charleston 843-760-0404

ServPro 843-884-2258

Disaster Plus 843-724-7247

Belfor 843-767-0711