Tips on Preparing for the 2024 Hurricane Season

Prepare, Protect, Prevail: Texas Hurricane Ready 

As residents of the Gulf Coast, Texans know all too well the destructive power of hurricanes. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 and it's essential to prepare for the possibility of a storm. Here are some tips for preparing for hurricane season.

1. Review your insurance policy: Take the time to review your insurance policy and make sure it covers the potential damage caused by hurricanes. Consider adding flood insurance, which is not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy.
2. Develop an emergency plan: Create an emergency plan for your family, including a meeting place if you are separated, a communication plan, and a plan for pets. Review and practice this plan with your family members to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.
3. Build an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries and cell phone chargers, non-perishable food. Make sure to have enough supplies for each member of your family for at least three days. You may want to consider extra medicine for family members and food and supplies for family pets.
4. Secure your property: Make sure your property is secure by trimming trees and shrubs, securing loose objects, and ensuring that your roof, windows, and doors are in good condition. Consider installing storm shutters or purchasing plywood to cover windows in case of a hurricane.
5. Keep important documents safe: Keep important documents such as insurance policies, identification, and medical records in a waterproof container. Consider keeping a digital copy of these documents in a secure location as well.
6. Know your evacuation route: Know the evacuation route in your area and plan to evacuate early if necessary. Listen to local authorities and follow their instructions.
7. Have a backup power source: Invest in a backup power source such as a generator or battery-powered charger to keep essential devices charged and running during power outages.
8. Stay informed: Keep track of weather reports and updates from local authorities. Sign up for emergency alerts to receive notifications about severe weather and other emergencies in your area.
9. Create a home inventory: Using your smartphone or a digital camera take photos or videos of each room in your home, as well as any identifying marks or serial numbers of electronics or other valuables. Store the photos or videos in a safe and accessible place, such as a cloud-based storage service or safe. Be sure to review and update your inventory regularly, especially after making significant purchases or changes to your home.

Preparing for hurricane season requires planning, preparation, and awareness. By taking these steps, you can help protect your family and property during a storm. Remember to review your insurance policy, develop an emergency plan, build an emergency kit, secure your property, keep important documents safe, know your evacuation route, have a backup power source, and stay informed. Stay safe and be prepared.