Even if your home isn't in direct path of named tropical storms or hurricanes, it pays to be prepared for the worst in case that storm takes a turn for your home. Every year the Texas Gulf Coast has a hurricane season that has many many storms to prepare for, so take notice of where you live and be prepared. Let us help you prepare
12 Ways to Prepare Your Home for for Storms
As we know a tropical storm or hurricane can linger longer than the weather folks indicate, hello Hurricane Harvey, to name a recent one. So being prepared will help you weather that storm the best way possible. Let's see how you can get ready and what better way than to start from the top down!
1 - Clear out gutters and downspouts
Start from the top down and one of those are your gutters and downspouts which often get blocked with leaves, especially if you have a lot of trees overhead. When the gutters are overflowing with ruffage, it blocks to flow and can cause further damage to your roof or structure.
2 - Repair gutters and downspouts
On that same note, be sure that your gutters and downspouts are in working order. That means that there aren't any leaks or gaps - this ensures that the drain properly, which is away from your home/structure.
3 - Check your roof completely
Take a good look at your roof. After all, the roof is what protects the interior of your home from the outside elements. And naturally, your roof is usually where the leaks come in from the downpour of rain.
Be sure that if you have skylights that they are properly sealed.
Sometimes the roof may be something that is a little out of your comfort zone - especially if you have a high pitch or steep sloped roof, that may not be something you want to take on. In that case, be sure that you hire the appropriate roofing contractor that is licensed in your area to assist with a quality roof inspection.
4 - Get trees trimmed back
If you have trees overhead, be sure any hanging limbs are trimmed back and not tapping on your roof - which would cause further damage to your shingles and roof structure.
5 - Inspect the house siding
Next up would be your siding, whatever type of material you have, it's a good idea to ensure that there aren't any gaps for water or wind to creep in. After all, here in Texas, we pay a lot of money for our air condition, wouldn't you rather keep that cool air inside? So, be sure to check for clear signs of damage and then seal up any visible cracks with paintable caulk or sealant.
6 - Windows and doors
Weatherstrip all windows and doors to help seal from potential water leaks, as well as drafts and minimize your air conditioning seeping out of your home. That's like trying to air condition the humid Texas air - good luck on that!
7 - Prepare or install storm doors and windows
You may want to upgrade your standard doors and windows to storm doors and double insulated windows. This will not only help keep the water out but again, keep your air conditioning, and thus your money, inside the house.
8 - Consider buying a generator
This definitely isn't unheard of down here in the Texas Gulf Coast - most folks do have some sort of generator for the common but yet random power outtages. Whether you have a whole-house generator or one that will power up your fridge and some essentials, it's always a good idea to invest in one. Don't forget the gas needed to power that generator too!
9 - Check around the outside of your home
If you have patio furntiture, pool toys, BBQ grills and etc laying around outside, it would be a good idea to have them secured or bring them into the garage or storage area. These are just considered projectiles once the heavy winds take over and nothing like your own belongings being thrown through your own windows.
10 - Consider sandbags
If you live near a bayou, lake, beach or other bodies of water, it isn't such a bad idea to help keep those rising waters and surges away from your house and diverted to other drainage opportunities.
11 - Be prepared for the worst
Sadly, living here, while it has its many advantages, hurricane season is a good part of the year, so part of life in the Texas Gulf Coast is to be prepared for the worst. Be sure your vehicles and home have ample disaster and emergency supplies kit, and have it ready and available. Review some more suggestions for how to prepare your home for hurricanes here.
12 - Review your insurance
Be sure you are COVERED! Reminder, be sure you have flood insurance and note that if you just bought this coverage that there is a 30 day waiting period so you should have this coverage well before the hurricane and storm season. Be aware that your home may become flooded even if it isn’t located in a high-risk area. Flood damage from a storm can be devastating for any family, and most flood losses are not covered by your standard home insurance policy. We have multiple options for your flood insurance in Texas.
Of course, it is never a bad time to review your insurance policies with your trusted local independent agent, My Harbour Insurance Services. So, contact one of our staff at 281-520-4090 for any questions you may have about your Texas home and flood insurance needs to help prepare you for the worst that hurricane and storm season may bring.