Coastal living. Storm-ready thinking.
The Gulf Coast has a lot going for it. Hurricanes are part of the deal. Here's how to prepare your home, plan your evacuation and understand your insurance before the next storm approaches.
Paradise has a storm season.
Beach weekends, warm evenings and beautiful coastal towns. There's plenty to love about living near the Texas Gulf.
There's also hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. The best time to prepare is well before a storm appears on the forecast.
It's not just the wind.
Hurricanes can bring several different hazards, and some can reach communities far from the coastline.
Water comes ashore.
Powerful hurricane winds can push seawater inland, flooding coastal communities and low-lying areas.
Rain adds up fast.
Heavy rainfall can cause dangerous flooding well beyond the coast, including outside mapped high-risk zones.
Secure everything.
Hurricane winds can damage roofs, break windows and turn unsecured objects into dangerous debris.
Another thing to watch.
Hurricanes can produce tornadoes, sometimes in rain bands far from the storm's center.
Don't focus only on the category.
A storm's category describes its sustained wind speed. It doesn't tell you how much flooding or storm surge your community could experience.
Make your plan while the sun's out.
You don't want to be figuring everything out while the grocery store shelves are empty and traffic is building.
Check with your local emergency management office and identify where you'll go if you're told to leave.
Identify alternative evacuation routes and somewhere safe to stay. Include plans for pets and family members who need additional assistance.
Keep water, nonperishable food, medication, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies and important documents ready.
Choose an out-of-area contact and agree on how everyone will check in after a storm.
Check your wind and hail coverage, flood insurance, deductibles and policy contact information.
Time to make
some decisions.
If local officials order an evacuation, follow their instructions and leave promptly. Don't wait for the weather to look dangerous.
Hurricane watch
Hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area. Complete preparations, review evacuation instructions and monitor official forecasts.
Hurricane warning
Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area. Follow evacuation orders immediately and take appropriate protective action.
If you're sheltering at home
Stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors. Use a small interior room when dangerous winds threaten, provided the building is not at risk of flooding or storm surge.
Never ignore an evacuation order because you have a sturdy home.
Give your home a head start.
Some hurricane preparation takes planning. Other steps can be completed when a storm is forecast, while conditions are still safe.
Reinforce the openings.
Consider properly installed storm shutters or other approved window protection.
Inspect early.
Repair existing damage, clear gutters and ask a qualified professional about wind-resistant improvements.
Bring them inside.
Secure furniture, decorations, planters and anything that could become airborne.
Move valuables higher.
If flooding is possible, move important documents and valuable items away from lower floors.
Take a home inventory.
Photograph your rooms, furniture, appliances and valuable belongings. Store a copy somewhere you can access even if you evacuate.
The skies cleared.
Stay careful.
Hurricane hazards can continue long after the worst winds have passed. Floodwater, damaged buildings and downed power lines can remain dangerous.
If you evacuated, return only when local officials say it's safe.
Never walk or drive through flooded areas. Floodwater can hide electrical hazards, debris and damaged roads.
Take photographs and videos when it's safe. Keep receipts for necessary temporary repairs.
Report damage promptly and ask about the claims process and your deductible.
Generator safety matters.
Never run a generator indoors, inside a garage or near doors and windows. Carbon monoxide can be deadly.
Oh yeah.
Insurance.
Hurricanes can cause several kinds of damage, but one insurance policy doesn't necessarily cover them all.
Windstorm coverage
Some Texas coastal homeowners need separate wind and hail coverage. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, or TWIA, is one possible source for eligible properties.
Flood insurance
Most homeowners policies exclude flooding from rising water and storm surge. Flood insurance is usually purchased separately.
Many flood policies have a 30-day waiting period, subject to exceptions.
Comprehensive auto coverage
Comprehensive coverage generally helps pay for covered vehicle damage caused by flooding, wind and falling objects, subject to policy terms.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you explore available insurance options and understand how your coverage fits together.
Hurricane season
isn't a surprise.
Not sure if you have the right windstorm or flood coverage? Let Charley take a look before the next storm heads toward the Gulf.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →