A hurricane is threatening or approaching your area. We know storm prep can feel overwhelming, and we want to help you and your family get ready and stay safe.
Know if you're in an evacuation zone. Check your local emergency management website or search "[your county] evacuation zones."
If you're in an evacuation zone and told to leave, go. Storm surge and flooding are the biggest killers in hurricanes. Your safety is what matters most.
Whether You're Leaving or Staying
We know these decisions aren't easy. Some of you are evacuating because you're in a designated evacuation zone or because it's the safer choice for your family. Others are preparing to ride out the storm at home. Here's what you need to know for either situation.
If you're evacuating:
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Pack your go-bag if you have time: medications, documents, phone chargers, cash, 3–5 days of clothes
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Bring pets in carriers with food and water
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Leave early — roads get congested fast, and the earlier you go, the safer the drive
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Let someone outside the area know where you're headed
For your pets:
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Call ahead to hotels or shelters to confirm they accept pets — not all do
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Have a backup plan: friends or family outside the evacuation zone, boarding facilities, or veterinary clinics
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Never leave pets chained or caged outside — they can't escape rising water
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Don't leave them in the house with "enough food and water" — conditions can change fast
If you're riding out the storm:
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Stay inside and away from windows once winds pick up
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Identify an interior room on the lowest floor now — a closet, bathroom, or hallway with no windows
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Don't go outside when the eye passes over — it might seem calm, but winds will return from the opposite direction, sometimes even stronger
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If flooding starts, move to the highest floor (not the attic unless it has an exit to the roof)
For your pets:
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Keep pets indoors with you in your safe room
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Cats and small dogs should stay in carriers during the worst of it — they can hide in dangerous places if scared
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Keep dogs leashed or in a secure room — broken windows or doors can give them an escape route
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Have a battery-powered radio on to help mask the storm sounds
Before the Storm Hits
Whichever you choose, here's how to prepare:
Secure what you can
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Bring in or tie down anything outside (furniture, grills, plants, decorations)
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Board windows if you have materials
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Fill your vehicle's gas tank — stations may run out or lose power
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Charge all devices and battery packs
Stock up on basics
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Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
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Non-perishable food
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Medications (fill prescriptions now)
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Cash (ATMs may be down for days)
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Flashlights and batteries
Prepare your pets
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Make sure they're wearing collars with current ID tags and your phone number
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Have a photo of you with your pet on your phone (proves ownership if you get separated)
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Pack their go-bag: 5–7 days of food and water, medications, vaccination records, bowls, leash, waste bags
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Put cats and small dogs in carriers before the stress starts — pets can panic and bolt
What to Know About Your Insurance
Your Kin policy may cover wind damage, water damage, or both, depending on what coverage you selected. Many policies also include coverage for additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable and you need to stay elsewhere temporarily. The specific limits, deductibles, and terms that apply to you are listed on your Declaration page. Please also note that standard home insurance policies don’t provide coverage for damage caused by flooding unless you’ve purchased an optional flood coverage endorsement or a separate flood insurance policy. All coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of your individual policy.
Not sure what you're covered for? Check your Declaration page or call us now at 855-216-7674. It's important to know before the storm hits.
Two things that help any claim:
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Take photos or video of your home's exterior and interior before the storm hits
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After the storm, document any damage before you clean up or make temporary repairs
Keep our claims contact info in your phone: 866-204-2219 or kin.com/claims
We'll Be Reaching Out
We'll be monitoring the storm and checking on customers in affected areas. After major weather events, we typically send Wellness Check texts to make sure you're okay — and if you have damage to report, you can start your claim right there. You won't have to hunt for us.
When Things Settle Down
Once you and your family are safe, we'd like to help you think about the future. We've put together information on steps you can take to harden your home against hurricanes, wildfires, and floods — things that can make a real difference the next time severe weather threatens.
Visit https://www.kin.com/blog/home-hardening-tips/ when you're ready.
More Information (if you need it)
Your deductible: Most home insurance policies in hurricane-prone areas have a separate hurricane deductible that's higher than your regular deductible. Check your Declaration page now so you know what to expect. If you have questions, call us at 855-216-7674.
After the storm: Don't return home until officials say it's safe. Watch for downed power lines, flooding, and structural damage. Take photos of any damage before cleaning up — you'll need them for your claim.
Keep pets safe after the storm: Keep them leashed or in carriers when you first go outside — familiar landmarks may be gone and they can get disoriented. Watch for hazards they might investigate: downed power lines, debris, standing water, displaced wildlife.
Staying informed: Monitor local news, NOAA Weather Radio, and the National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov). Download the FEMA app for real-time alerts. Your county's emergency management social media will have the most local information.
Power outages: Turn off major appliances to prevent damage when power returns. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Never use generators indoors or in garages — carbon monoxide kills.
💬 Questions? Call us at 855-216-7674
Stay safe, Your Kin Team