AAA Survey: More Than 1 in 4 North Carolinians Unprepared for Hurricane Season

CHARLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — More than one in four North Carolinians have not made any advance preparations for hurricane season, according to a new AAA survey released Monday as National Hurricane Preparedness Week begins.

The AAA–The Auto Club Group survey found 27% of respondents said they have not taken steps to prepare for storms, while 62% said they only prepare if a hurricane is approaching their area.

The findings come as forecasters and emergency officials continue to stress the importance of early preparation ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 through Nov. 30.

Among those who have begun preparing, 43% said they have purchased emergency supplies and 37% have stocked extra food and water. Fewer respondents said they had taken steps related to planning and insurance, including 21% who reviewed their insurance coverage and 17% who reviewed evacuation routes.

“When asked what type of damage they are most worried about, residents cited structural damage from high winds at 54%, falling trees or wind-blown debris at 53%, and prolonged power outages at 51%,” said Tiffany Wright, a spokesperson for AAA–The Auto Club Group.

Wright said delaying preparations can increase risk once a storm develops.

“Waiting until a hurricane forms is not the time to figure out your insurance coverage, evacuation plans, or home vulnerabilities,” she said.

The survey also found gaps in insurance awareness. About 28% of respondents said they did not know homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage. Nearly half, 45%, said they suspect they have coverage gaps or are unsure what their policy includes.

Flood damage remains one of the most common and costly impacts of hurricanes, according to AAA. Flood insurance generally requires a waiting period before taking effect.

The survey also found concern among residents about tornadoes spawned by storms, cited by 34%, and storm surge, cited by 13%.

AAA partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety to promote preparedness guidance that includes reviewing insurance coverage, securing evacuation plans and reinforcing homes against wind and water damage.

The AAA Consumer Pulse survey was conducted online among 400 North Carolina residents from April 17–26. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.