Haun Mena wants you to be prepared for the Houston hurricane season. From our experienced Houston insurance claim attorneys, here is your 2026 Hurricane Season Preparation Guide for Houston homeowners.
Hurricane Season Preparation – Are You Ready?
Hurricane winds can top 200 miles per hour. Wind, water, electrical hazards, and toxic chemicals can all pose risks when a hurricane makes landfall. The things that you do in advance can minimize the likelihood of damage to your home.
Houston Hurricane Season Preparation Checklist
Your hurricane season preparation checklist should address:
- Emergency kit
- Evacuation plan
- Insurance
- Window protection
- Home and yard clean up
- Securing loose items
- Securing important papers
- Electronics
- Communication during and after the storm
Preparing for a hurricane means protecting your home, keeping things you may need on hand, and having an evacuation plan.
When Does Hurricane Season Start in Houston?
According to the National Weather Service, hurricane season in Houston, Texas, is June 1 to November 30 each year. Hurricanes are most likely to strike the Texas coast from August to September.
NWS reports 77 hurricanes making landfall in the Houston area, from 1854 to the present day. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused $125 billion in damage and resulted in 103 deaths.
How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season in Houston
Here are some tips for Houston hurricane preparedness:
Secure windows
If you can, install hurricane windows. They’re specially designed to withstand hurricane conditions, including high wind and flying debris.
Secure windows with shutters, plywood, or panels. Some shutters and screens are designed for hurricane protection. Tape around windows isn’t effective to keep out wind or rain.
Trim trees
Keep trees trimmed to prevent branches from falling and debris from flying and damaging your home.
Get familiar with your home
Learn how to turn off gas, electricity, and water to your home.
Reinforce the roof
Fix loose shingles. Install more durable roofing materials or a waterproof coating, if necessary. Use hurricane straps and seal gaps so the roof can withstand the storm.
Protect appliances
Unplug non-essential appliances, such as televisions, computers, the coffee maker, and the toaster. If you can’t unplug an appliance, a surge protector can help prevent harm. Unplug items before the storm, not during, to minimize the risk of electric shock.
Secure items
Move outdoor items into the garage, or otherwise secure them. Put things like grills, outdoor furniture, and recreational items where they won’t get damaged or cause damage. Park your car in the garage.
Secure external doors. The garage door is especially prone to hurricane damage.
Clean up
Clear your rain gutters, so they’re ready for the water, and clear debris from your yard.
Emergency kit
An emergency kit with flashlights, dust masks, basic tools, and extra batteries can help you respond quickly if you need to address an issue in your home.
Follow local reports
Local government officials and news outlets may provide important updates about the upcoming storm.
How To Review Your Insurance Policy Before Hurricane Season
An important part of Houston hurricane preparedness is your insurance. Our Houston wind damage insurance claim lawyers know how important hurricane insurance is when you have home damage.
Your homeowners’ insurance may cover wind damage, and other insurance policies may cover storm surge, rising water, and windstorm damage.
Evaluate your policy limits, deductibles, and coverage. Updating your insurance to meet your needs can give you peace of mind knowing you’re covered if damage occurs.
What To Do During a Hurricane To Protect Your Property
Take these steps to protect your property during a hurricane:
- Circuit breaker. If there is flooding, downed power lines, water enters your home, or you evacuate, turn off your main circuit breaker. Cutting your main circuit breaker can prevent electrical fires and electrical surges.
- Stay up to date. Listen for directions from public officials. They will have the latest safety recommendations.
- Evacuate, if necessary. Determine if it’s safe to remain in your home. You may need to leave temporarily if there is shifting, you hear strange noises, or there is a fire risk. Your safety is most important.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide can be a threat during and after a hurricane. Don’t use a portable generator inside. Never use charcoal indoors.
- Don’t power up wet electronics. A damaged electrical device can be dangerous. Allow the device to dry completely and have it professionally inspected before powering up.
- Prioritize your safety. Always put your safety first.
Beware of storm surge
In addition to the danger of the hurricane itself, beware of storm surge. Water can rise beyond astronomical tides, often quickly. Storm surge can happen before, during, or after the worst of the hurricane. Water can make it hard for emergency responders to reach those in danger.
To protect yourself from storm surge, store your personal documents in plastic tubs with secure lids. Store expensive items in high places in your home.
What To Do Immediately After a Hurricane Damages Your Home
If a hurricane damages your home, prioritize your immediate safety. Wait until danger has passed. Watch out for dangerous animals, downed power lines, and toxic chemicals.
If you haven’t already, shut off your home’s electricity, natural gas, and water.
Document damage with photos and video.
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. You can often start a claim online. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage. Wear personal protective equipment while working on your home.
Keep receipts for anything you buy to protect your home and related expenses, such as food and hotel costs.
If you’re not sure if it’s safe, wait for professional help. Watch out for scams.
When Should You Contact a Houston Property Damage Lawyer After a Hurricane?
You can contact a Houston property damage lawyer at any point after a hurricane. If you have significant damage, early legal help can protect your rights. A lawyer can guide you through documenting damage, reviewing coverage, and tracking expenses. Your lawyer represents you to the insurance company and can give you legal advice.
Talk to a Lawyer
Haun Mena is a law firm handling Houston hurricane insurance claims. Contact us to talk to a Houston insurance claim attorney and get help today.
