Builders and Communities Prep for Hurricane Season

Disaster Response
Published
Contact: Jonathan Falk
[email protected]
Director, Disaster Operations
(202) 266-8005

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts 17 to 25 named storms this hurricane season, which began on June 1 and continues until Nov. 30. In response, home builders associations (HBAs) are educating members on how to prepare for the upcoming storm season. In addition, industry members are reaching out to the community to empower residents with reliable disaster preparedness and response information.

Storm Prep 2024

The HBA of Greater New Orleans (HBAGNO) held Storm Prep 2024 on May 31 at the offices of the HBA. The inaugural event featured speakers, interactive demonstrations, and resources for the greater New Orleans community. The expo’s goal was to educate the public about hurricane preparedness and response.

The free event included information for the community about evacuation routes, emergency communication strategies, and how to create a disaster preparedness kit. Attendees met with members of HBAGNO who can assist residents before and after the storm, from wind mitigation to tree removal.

HBAGNO invited governmental organizations to participate in the event including fire, police, the sheriff’s office and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness. In addition, experts were available to discuss the permitting process and best practices for filing insurance claims.

Several local television media outlets interviewed Shivers Nellon, president of HBAGNO, and Dan Mills, HBAGNO’s executive officer. Nellon and Mills spoke directly to members of the community about the importance of finding local licensed and insured local contractors.

Hurricane Readiness Summit 2024

The Gold Coast BA (West Palm Beach, Fla.) held its third annual Hurricane Readiness Summit in Boyton Beach, Fla., on May 29. The event brought together builders, contractors and suppliers from around the south region of the state to discuss the upcoming hurricane season and how they can prepare. The event featured a panel of speakers, including a representative from FEMA’s National Emergency Business Operations Center, a local insurance expert, and Jonathan Falk, NAHB’s director of disaster operations.

Additionally in support of the summit, to further assist builders and contractors preparing for hurricane season, the Gold Coast BA recorded a podcast featuring a speaker from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) to discuss this season’s forecasts and some upcoming updates to the NHC’s hurricane model.

Visit NAHB’s disaster resources page to access hazard preparedness and response information.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Workforce Development | Membership

Jul 11, 2025

Maine HBA Brings Real-World Training to State’s Future Builders

Recognizing an aging workforce and a critical need for new talent, the Association has partnered with the Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) to prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Through HBA-led instruction, high-school students are building homes from the ground up and gaining real-world experience.

Advocacy | Tax Reform

Jul 10, 2025

What to Know About Expiring Energy Tax Credits

President Trump recently signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, which significantly accelerates the termination date for federal energy tax incentives. Builders and remodelers using the credits should be aware of the new expiration dates and where necessary, consult with their tax professional for additional guidance.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Jul 11, 2025

Shrinking Lots: Spec Building New Norm

The share of smaller lots remained record high in 2024, with two out of three new single-family detached homes sold occupying lots under 9,000 square feet (1/5 of an acre or less).

Economics

Jul 10, 2025

Remodeling Market Sentiment Dips in Second Quarter

In the second quarter of 2025, the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 59, down four points compared to the previous quarter.

Economics

Jul 09, 2025

Mortgage Applications Picked Up in June as Rates Eased

Mortgage application activity picked up in June, supported by a slight decline in interest rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, which tracks mortgage application volume, rose 5.4% from May on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to June 2024, total applications were up 21.1%.