When things go sideways. Have a plan.
Big storms. Power outages. Unexpected evacuations. Here's how to make a household emergency plan that works for real life in Texas.
Texas weather doesn't always RSVP.
Hurricanes on the coast. Flash floods in the Hill Country. Tornadoes, wildfires and the occasional winter storm. Different emergencies call for different responses, but every household needs a plan.
You don't need a bunker or a basement full of canned beans. Just a few important decisions made before an emergency.
What could happen where you live?
Your emergency plan should reflect your location. A household in Galveston may need a hurricane evacuation plan, while a family in the Hill Country should pay particular attention to flash flooding.
Hurricanes & storm surge
Know your evacuation zone, inland destination and routes.
Tornadoes & severe storms
Identify a sturdy, interior shelter away from windows.
Floods & power outages
Prepare for flooded roads, disrupted utilities and changing conditions.
Fire & smoke
Plan evacuation routes, prepare a go-bag and monitor local fire alerts.
Decide who's doing what.
Emergency planning works better when everyone knows the plan. Set aside 30 minutes to talk through these questions.
Choose a nearby meeting place and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
Pick a trusted person outside your area who can coordinate updates if local communications are disrupted.
Save important phone numbers, keep a printed copy and use text messages when voice calls aren't connecting.
Include children, older adults, pets and anyone who needs help with transportation, medication or medical equipment.
Make it easy to find.
Print your plan and keep it somewhere accessible. Give everyone a copy and store a secure digital version.
Meet your new
just-in-case kit.
Keep enough essentials to support your household for at least 72 hours. Store supplies somewhere easy to access and check expiration dates regularly.
Food & water
Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, plus nonperishable food and a manual can opener. Plan additional water for hot weather, pets or medical needs.
Power & communication
Pack flashlights, extra batteries, charged power banks and a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio.
Health & hygiene
Include first-aid supplies, necessary medications, personal hygiene items, sanitation supplies and any essential medical equipment.
Documents & money
Keep identification, emergency contacts, insurance information, some cash and important documents in a secure, waterproof container.
Two plans. Both important.
Some emergencies require you to stay indoors. Others require you to leave quickly. Prepare for both and follow instructions from local authorities.
Know your safe space.
For tornadoes, identify a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
Know where you're going.
Identify more than one evacuation route and arrange somewhere safe to stay, including accommodations for pets.
Important: the safest place depends on the hazard.
A basement may be suitable for tornado shelter, but dangerous during flooding. Never shelter in a location threatened by rising water or ignore an evacuation order.
Keep your vehicle fueled when evacuation is possible and check official road conditions before leaving. Never drive through floodwater.
CHECK TEXAS ROAD CONDITIONS ↗Plan for life without an outlet.
Severe weather can interrupt electricity, internet, heating and cooling. Prepare for outages before you need to.
Charge portable power banks and keep car chargers accessible.
Identify somewhere you can go if your home becomes dangerously hot or cold.
If someone depends on powered medical equipment, arrange backup power and an alternative safe location in advance.
A serious generator reminder.
Never use a generator inside your home, garage or near doors, windows and vents. Keep working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Protect the things you can't grab.
You may have only minutes to leave during an emergency. Prepare your documents and property records now.
Photograph your rooms, appliances, furniture and valuable belongings. Store copies securely.
Keep your policy documents, insurer contact information and claims phone numbers accessible even when internet service is down.
Learn the proper procedures for your home and ask qualified professionals for guidance when needed.
Update contacts, replace expired supplies and practice your household emergency procedures.
Oh yeah.
Insurance.
An emergency plan helps protect your household. The right insurance can help with the financial aftermath of a covered loss.
Homeowners insurance
Review your dwelling, personal property and additional living expense coverage, along with your deductibles.
Flood insurance
Most homeowners policies exclude flooding caused by rising water. Flood insurance is generally purchased separately.
Wind & hail coverage
Some Texas coastal properties need separate windstorm coverage. Check your policy before hurricane season.
Auto insurance
Comprehensive coverage generally helps cover damage from events such as hail, flooding and falling objects, subject to policy terms.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you explore available coverage options and understand how your policies fit together.
Prepared for the storm.
What about after?
You've got your emergency supplies and evacuation plan. Now let's check your insurance. Charley can help you review your coverage and explore your options before the next emergency.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →