NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK

AAA Survey: Nearly Four in Ten Georgians Have Not Made Advanced Preparations for Hurricane Season

AAA and IBHS Insurance experts provide guidance to help residents prepare

AAA-IBHS Hurricane Ready Guide

IBHS B-Roll of High Wind Testing

As National Hurricane Preparedness Week begins, AAA – The Auto Club Group is releasing a new survey of Georgia residents, measuring their level of concern and preparedness for hurricane season.

According to the survey, 1-in-6 (16%) Georgia residents are more concerned about this year’s hurricane season than last year. When asked what type of damage they are most worried about, residents cited:

·      52% - Falling trees or wind-blown debris

·      43% - Prolonged power outages

·      38% - Structural damage from high winds

·      33% - Tornadoes spawned by the storm

·      26% - Flooding from heavy rainfall

·      13% - Storm surge

“Hurricane season brings a lot of unknowns, especially when people think about wind, flooding, and extended power outages,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “While you cannot control the storm, you can control how prepared you are. A solid plan and the right insurance coverage go a long way toward peace of mind.”

Advanced Preparations

·      39% have not made any advance preparations for hurricane season

·      58% only make preparations if there is a hurricane approaching their area

To help address those gaps, AAA partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety to provide a Hurricane Ready guide, designed to help residents prepare well before storms form.

“Delaying preparations creates unnecessary risk,” said Waiters. “Waiting until a hurricane forms is not the time to figure out your insurance coverage, evacuation plans, or home vulnerabilities. Those decisions need to happen well before a storm enters the forecast.”

Supplies Get More Attention Than Insurance

Among Georgians who have already begun preparing for hurricane season, actions are largely focused on basic supplies, while insurance and evacuation planning lag significantly:

·      30% extra food and water

·      29% purchased emergency supplies

·      Only 14% reviewed their insurance coverage

·      Just 14% reviewed evacuation routes

“It’s encouraging that people are stocking up, but preparation does not stop at batteries and bottled water,” Waiters said. “Insurance decisions, evacuation routes, and home protections take time, and those choices are hardest to make once a storm is already headed your way.”

Insurance Awareness Gaps are Widespread

Nearly four in ten (37%) Georgians still do not know that homeowners insurance does not typically cover flood damage. And when asked about their own policies, 51% suspect they have coverage gaps or are unsure what their insurance covers.

“Flood damage remains one of the biggest financial shocks after hurricanes,” Waiters said. “Since most policies require a 30-day waiting period, if you wait until a storm is on the way, you won’t have coverage in time.”

Hurricane Insurance Essentials

AAA recommends Georgians review these coverage areas now:

Flood Insurance

Flooding from storm surge and heavy rainfall remains a leading cause of hurricane-related losses, yet flood insurance requires advance purchase. Homeowners, renters, and condo owners can all carry flood coverage.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Comprehensive auto coverage protects vehicles from flooding, falling debris, and wind damage. Without it, drivers may face total losses with no reimbursement.

Hurricane Deductibles

Georgia homeowners often overlook hurricane deductibles, which are calculated as a percentage of the home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. Understanding that deductible before a storm forms can prevent costly surprises after landfall.

Strengthen Your Home Before the Storm Comes

AAA – The Auto Club Group partnered with the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) to provide residents with science-backed guidance to fortify homes against hurricane damage. IBHS research shows that strengthening key parts of a home can significantly reduce wind and water intrusion. The AAA–IBHS Hurricane Ready guide turns that research into practical actions homeowners can take based on time, budget, and risk.

IBHS recommends upgrades based on time and budget, including:

·      Sealing gaps and securing outdoor items

·      Improving roof, garage door, and window defenses

·      Installing impact-rated openings or FORTIFIED Roof systems

·      Considering backup power options to manage extended outages

“Hurricanes test a home’s weakest points,” Waiters said. “IBHS research shows that strengthening those vulnerable areas can dramatically improve how a home performs in severe weather.”

Take Action Now

AAA urges Georgians to:

·      Review homeowners, renters, flood, and auto insurance coverage

·      Understand hurricane deductibles before storms form

·      Create an evacuation plan and identify routes and destinations

·      Secure their homes using proven, science-based guidance

·      Take photos or video of their home and personal belongings

“Hurricanes are unpredictable,” Waiters said. “Preparation is not. The actions people take now often determine how well they recover later.”

For more hurricane preparedness and insurance guidance, visit AAA.com/Insurance.

About the AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey

The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among 400 Georgia residents from April 17 – 26, 2026. Survey results have a maximum margin of error of ± 4.9% points. Responses are weighted by age and gender to ensure a reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Georgia.