Coastal Living and Hurricane Preparedness: What You Need to Know

June 20, 2025

Looking to call Eastern North Carolina home or just settling into the coast? With hurricane season officially underway from June 1 through November 30, it’s essential to understand the unique challenges of coastal living; especially when it comes to flood zones and storm preparedness.

Living by the water offers unmatched beauty and lifestyle perks, but it also comes with the responsibility of being prepared. Prospective buyers often ask us about flood zones, and we’re here to help. Our Streamline Developers team and your trusted agent will walk you through every step of understanding flood zones, home elevation, and insurance needs. To get ahead of the storm, use FEMA’s Flood Maps to evaluate your property’s risk. Then follow these key steps to build a thorough preparedness plan:

• Have a communication plan with family members – Decide how and where you’ll check in during a disaster
• Know your evacuation route and have pet supplies ready too – Include a travel kennel, leash, and comfort items for pets
• Review your flood risk and insurance policies – Make sure your coverage is up to date, especially flood insurance which is not included in standard homeowner’s policies
• Keep important documents and some cash in a waterproof container – Include IDs, insurance papers, home deeds, and emergency contacts
• Stock up on essentials – Water, non-perishable food, first aid kits, medications, pet supplies, flashlights, batteries, and sanitation items for at least seven days
• Fill your car with gas well in advance – Gas stations may run out or lose power during storms
• Charge devices and backup batteries – Ensure cell phones, power banks, and radios are fully charged
• Protect electronics and appliances – Unplug these before the storm and consider using surge protectors
• Install storm protection like shutters or hurricane panels – Consider professional options like those from Budget Storm Solutions
• Secure outdoor furniture and décor – Anchor or bring inside patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and yard decorations
• Trim trees and shrubs – Remove weak or dead branches that could become projectiles in high winds
• Seal and reinforce garage doors – These are often the weakest part of a home in high winds
• Check your generator – If you have one, test it and have fuel stored safely
• Photograph your home and valuables – For insurance purposes, document condition and inventory of your items and valuables

Staying informed is crucial! Stay up to date with local news, follow county emergency alerts, and check out FEMA’s blog on hurricane preparedness for reliable guidance and more preparedness checklist tips.

We’re proud to partner with Budget Storm Solutions, local experts who bring peace of mind with custom-fit hurricane shutters, awnings, and screens that protect your home without compromising coastal charm.

At Streamline Developers, we don’t just build houses, we create homes and outdoor spaces designed for the lifestyle you love, with both beauty and resilience in mind. Ready to make your move to the coast? Contact us at 252-648-8297 or info@streamlinedevelopers.com to learn more about our move-in ready homes and those under construction in Arlington Place, Cannonsgate, Aston Place at Carolina Colours, Beau Coast, Beau Coast West, and Carolina Colours.

This post was written by Streamline Developers.