At Goodrich & Watson Insurers, we are committed to protecting the homes and livelihoods of our clients here in Newport News, VA and across Hampton Roads.
One of the most pressing risks we face in our coastal community is flooding and hurricanes, yet many homeowners remain unprepared. Only about 4% of Americans carry flood insurance, despite the growing frequency of extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene and Milton. With hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds all too common in our area, this lack of coverage leaves many vulnerable.
In Hampton Roads, flooding isn’t just a concern along the coastline—many areas are at risk due to heavy rainfall, storm surges, and overflowing rivers. Yet, many homeowners mistakenly believe their standard insurance policy covers flood damage. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. That’s where flood insurance comes in.
Protecting Your Home from Wind and Water Damage
Living in a coastal area, Hampton Roads residents are no strangers to the devastation caused by high winds and wind-driven rain from hurricanes, floods and storms. However, proactive measures can help minimize the damage of hurricanes. Here are a few steps you can take to better prepare your home for an imminent storm:
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Install Metal Connectors from Top to Bottom
Strengthen your home’s structural integrity by using metal connectors to tie your roof, walls, and foundation together. Ensure porches, decks, and attached structures are properly anchored to prevent them from becoming entry points for wind and water. Impact and wind-rated materials for roofing, doors, and windows will further secure your home. -
Protect the “Envelope” of Your Home
The exterior of your home—including siding, roofing, windows, and doors—must be properly fortified. Storm shutters, impact-resistant glass, and structural panels can prevent wind and debris from breaching the home’s defenses. Don’t overlook garage doors, which are often vulnerable during high-wind events. -
Secure Loose Objects
A hurricane’s strong winds can send objects flying at high speeds. If an outdoor object isn’t anchored in some way, it should be brought indoors or stored securely in some manner to prevent damage. -
Turn Off Utilities
Turn off gas, electricity, and water before the storm hits to reduce the risk of accidents. Find out in advance where the shutoff points are in your house so that when you need to turn off the utilities in an emergency, you’re not rummaging around. -
Fill Tubs & Bags of Freezing Water
A big storm can knock out your water supply. Filling tubs with water ensures you’ll be able to flush toilets after the storm. Another good idea is to fill quart-size bags with water and freeze them. It will keep your perishables cold for a while if you lose power and provide safe drinking water.
With the growing frequency of extreme weather, flood insurance is more important than ever. At Goodrich & Watson Insurers, we can help you assess your home’s risk and ensure you have the right coverage in place. Don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out to us today to explore your flood insurance options in Newport News, VA and learn how to better protect your home from wind and water damage.
To help those affected by Hurricanes Helene & Milton, visit the Red Cross.
