Hurricane season has a way of sneaking up. If you live in Landfall or nearby Wilmington, you know one storm can bring wind, surge, and days without power. You want a clear plan that protects your home and speeds recovery. This checklist gives you simple steps, trusted local links, and a calm way to get ready before, during, and after a storm. Let’s dive in.
Know your risk and timeline
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in late summer. Track forecasts and advisories from the National Hurricane Center for the most current updates and timing. Check the NHC outlook and forecasts.
Landfall sits near tidal waterways, so your top hazards are high wind, storm surge, and heavy rain. Surge can push water inland along creeks and the Cape Fear River. Review neighborhood surge risk using NOAA’s Storm Surge Risk Maps so you can plan for vehicles, valuables, and evacuation.
Start early: pre-season checklist
Insurance and documents
- Review your homeowners policy and add flood insurance if you do not have it. Standard policies do not cover flood damage. NFIP policies often have a 30-day waiting period, so buy early. Learn how FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 prices policies by parcel-specific factors and talk to your agent now. Get NFIP background and timing details.
- Digitize key records: deed, insurance policies and agent info, mortgage details, elevation certificate if you have one, IDs, medical and pet records. Save photos and video of your home’s interior and exterior. Use this list to guide your file prep. See FEMA’s application checklist.
Harden your home
- Roof and exterior: inspect shingles, flashing, gutters, and vents. Fix loose siding and trim. Hire licensed pros with hurricane experience.
- Trees: prune dead or overhanging limbs that could fall on your home or lines. New Hanover County highlights tree risk during storms. Review county emergency FAQs.
- Flood mitigation: if feasible, elevate HVAC or electrical panels and improve drainage. Keep your elevation certificate handy for insurance conversations.
- Windows and doors: purchase and stage approved shutters or pre-cut plywood, and practice safe installation.
Power, water, and alerts
- Backup power: plan for outages. If using a portable generator, run it outside at least 20 feet from doors and windows and install CO alarms. Read CDC guidance on carbon monoxide safety.
- Water and sewer: store at least 1 gallon per person per day and watch for boil-water advisories from Cape Fear Public Utility Authority. Check CFPUA advisories and contacts.
- Alerts: sign up for New Hanover County emergency alerts and keep the public information hotline saved. Duke Energy outage alerts and maps help you track restoration. Find county emergency resources. For outage reporting details, see Duke Energy outage information.
Community and special needs
- If anyone in your household has access or functional needs, register with the county and identify special-needs shelter options in advance. Start with New Hanover’s FAQs.
When a storm is on the way
72+ hours before impact
- Confirm your address and evacuation zone with North Carolina’s lookup, then save your route. Use Know Your Zone.
- Take final photos and videos inside and out for records and potential claims. Use FEMA’s checklist to organize documents.
- Build or refresh a 3 to 7 day kit: water, shelf-stable food, prescriptions, flashlights, batteries, first aid, power banks, cash, copies of documents, clothing, and pet supplies.
48–24 hours before
- Secure the exterior: bring in furniture, grills, and planters. Tie down trailers or boats and move vehicles to higher ground if flooding is likely.
- Know how to turn off water, gas, and power. If you expect flooding and are evacuating, shut off the main breaker only if it is safe and you have clear instructions.
- Move valuables and documents to high shelves or an upper floor. Use waterproof containers when possible.
Pets
- Identify pet-friendly lodging or county shelter options and pack leashes, crates, food, meds, vaccination records, and a recent photo of you with your pet.
If you are told to evacuate
- Leave right away. New Hanover County announces shelter locations and pet co-location sites as needed. Save the public information hotline: 910-798-6800. Check county emergency FAQs for updates.
After the storm: safety and recovery
- Safety first: avoid floodwater and downed lines. Do not reenter until authorities say it is safe. If you return to a flooded structure, watch for structural damage, gas leaks, and electrical hazards. Follow CDC reentry and flood safety guidance.
- Water and power: follow CFPUA advisories before drinking water. Report outages and downed lines to Duke Energy through official channels, not 911 unless there is an immediate life-safety threat. Review CFPUA advisories. For outage reporting, see Duke Energy outage information.
- Document and file claims: take photos and video before cleanup. Contact your insurer first. If federal Individual Assistance is available, apply after you file insurance claims. Learn how to apply for FEMA assistance.
- Mold and generator safety: dry out the home quickly, wear proper protection during cleanup, and never run a generator in a garage or near openings. Read CDC CO safety guidance.
- Avoid scams: verify licenses, get written estimates, and check with your insurer before big repairs.
Quick-reference contacts for Landfall
- New Hanover County Emergency Management, public information hotline: 910-798-6800
- New Hanover Emergency Management office: 910-798-6900
- CFPUA emergency (water/sewer): 910-332-6565; CFPUA main: 910-332-6550
- Duke Energy Progress outage reporting: 1-800-419-6356
- FEMA Disaster Assistance Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
Your seasonal timeline
- Off-season to early spring: review homeowners and flood insurance, schedule roof and tree inspections, create digital backups, sign up for alerts, and map your evacuation plan. Get NFIP policy timing and factors.
- 30+ days before a threat: top off prescriptions, fuel vehicles, charge power banks, gather documents, and stage shutters or plywood. Buy flood insurance early due to waiting periods. See NFIP background.
- 72–48 hours pre-impact: secure the yard and boats, move valuables up, confirm your family’s shelter location, and finalize your go-bag. Use Know Your Zone.
- After reentry: document damage, contact your insurer, follow utility advisories, and start drying out to limit mold. How to apply for FEMA assistance.
Staying prepared protects your investment and your peace of mind. If you want help thinking through property-specific risks before you buy or sell in Landfall or greater Wilmington, reach out to Happy Clark for calm, local guidance tailored to your home.
FAQs
When is hurricane season in Wilmington and Landfall?
- The Atlantic season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity in late August and September; follow the National Hurricane Center for current forecasts.
How do I find my evacuation zone in New Hanover County?
- Use North Carolina’s Know Your Zone address lookup to see your zone and routes, and then save that information for your household and any guests.
Do I need flood insurance if my lender does not require it?
- Flood damage is not covered by most homeowners policies; NFIP policies often have a 30-day waiting period, and pricing reflects property-specific risk under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0.
What supplies should I keep on hand before a storm?
- Plan for at least 3 to 7 days with water, nonperishable food, prescriptions, flashlights, batteries, first aid, phone chargers, cash, documents, and pet supplies.
What should I do first when I return after a hurricane?
- Put safety first, check for hazards, document all damage before cleanup, contact your insurer, follow water and power advisories, and begin drying out to reduce mold.
