Hurricane Season Is Here

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and if you’ve lived through a few of them, you know how quickly things can go from calm to chaos. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned Texan, it’s worth taking the time to get ahead of the storm—literally.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you prep your home, your family, and your peace of mind.

Step 1: Make a Plan

You don’t want to be figuring things out once the storm is already on its way. Make sure everyone in your household knows:

• Where to go if you need to evacuate

• How you’ll stay in touch if cell service is spotty

• What to do with pets—not all shelters allow them

Pro tip: Choose a friend or family member outside the area to be your emergency contact.

Step 2: Build Your Supply Kit

You’ll want to have enough on hand to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Start with:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)

• Non-perishable food

• Flashlights and batteries

• First-aid kit

• Medications and copies of prescriptions

• Phone chargers (battery-powered or solar)

• Cash (ATMs might be down)

• Important documents in a waterproof bag

If you’ve got little ones, don’t forget diapers, wipes, formula, and comfort items.

Step 3: Prep Your Home

It’s not just about riding out the storm—it’s about minimizing damage. Before hurricane season ramps up:

• Trim trees and secure loose outdoor items

• Clear gutters and drains

• Check your roof and windows for vulnerabilities

• Install storm shutters or board up windows

• Consider a whole-home generator if you’re in an outage-prone area

Now is also the time to review your homeowner’s insurance. Make sure you understand your coverage—especially flood insurance, which isn’t typically included in standard policies.

Step 4: Stay Informed

Weather changes fast. Here’s how to stay ahead:

• Sign up for local emergency alerts

• Download a weather app with push notifications

• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio handy

Make sure your devices are fully charged well in advance of a storm watch or warning.

Bonus Tip: Document Everything

Take a quick video walk-through of your home and belongings. If you ever need to file an insurance claim, you’ll be glad you did.

Final Thoughts

Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. A little planning now can save you a lot of stress later. If you have questions about how to protect your property or need local recommendations for service providers who can help storm-proof your home, I’m happy to be a resource.

Stay safe and prepared this season.