Commissioner King Urges Residents to Prepare as 2025 Hurricane Season Begins

ATLANTA – As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King urges residents across the state to get ahead of the storms. Running from June 1 through November 30, this year’s hurricane season comes after Hurricane Helene caused widespread and unexpected damage throughout Georgia in September 2024.

“Hurricane Helene showed us that every part of the state is at risk of severe storm impacts,” adds Commissioner King. “With 11.2 inches of rainfall in Atlanta and winds reaching 90-95 mph in South Georgia, the storm damaged homes and disrupted areas that are not typically considered high-risk. That’s why it’s so important to review your insurance coverage before another storm strikes.”

As this hurricane season approaches, Commissioner King emphasizes the need for all Georgians to review their insurance policies. Once a storm forms, it may be too late to secure coverage for your home, vehicle, or business. 

Georgians should consider the following steps when preparing for this hurricane season: 

• Review Policies: Contact your agent to ensure that you are covered for wind, fallen trees, temporary living expenses, and other perils.
• Flood Insurance: Homeowners, renters, and business insurance typically exclude flood coverage, which is a major concern during a hurricane. Remember the 30-day waiting period for flood policies.
• Wind Deductibles: Some policies have separate deductibles for hurricanes or wind losses. Before a storm hits, make sure you understand what will apply based on different kinds of damage.
• Create a Home Inventory: Take photos or videos of your property, especially in flood-prone locations. If possible, have electronic access to your home inventory and insurance policy.
• Evacuation Prep: Establish an evacuation plan with your family, including where to meet in case of an emergency. Helene’s road closures and power outages highlighted the need for early preparation and communication.
• Post-Storm Actions: If you incur hurricane damage, contact your insurer before beginning permanent repairs or signing any repair contracts. Be sure to keep receipts and document all losses with photos. You may make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.

For insurance questions, contact the Georgia Department of Insurance and Safety Fire at 1-800-656-2298 or visit oci.georgia.gov. For additional preparedness tips, visit the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency at gema.georgia.gov. 

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The mission of the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is to protect Georgia families by providing access to vital insurance products and safe buildings through fair regulation that creates economic opportunities for all Georgians.