Big skies. Bigger storms.
Tornadoes, hail, hurricanes and everything in between. Texas weather doesn't exactly believe in doing things halfway. Here's how to prepare your home, protect your family and understand your insurance before the next storm rolls in.
Sunshine today.
Something else tomorrow.
Texas has a little bit of everything. Beautiful sunshine, spectacular thunderstorms, and occasionally, weather that makes you reconsider your afternoon plans.
Whether you're new to Texas or have called it home for years, knowing what to expect can help you protect your home and family.
Meet the usual suspects.
Texas is enormous. The weather in El Paso can look completely different from what's happening in Houston. Here are six hazards worth knowing.
When the sky starts spinning.
Tornadoes can develop during severe thunderstorms. Know where to shelter and have a reliable way to receive weather warnings.
Ice. From the sky.
Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging hail that dents vehicles, breaks windows, and damages roofs.
Coastal living has its moments.
Texas Gulf Coast communities face risks from hurricane winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall.
Water moves fast.
Intense rainfall can cause dangerous flooding, including far from rivers and designated high-risk flood zones.
Yes, it's really that hot.
Prolonged high temperatures can threaten your health, strain air conditioning systems, and increase electricity demand.
Texas gets cold, too.
Freezing temperatures, ice, and occasional snow can disrupt travel, cause outages, and damage unprotected plumbing.
Watch versus warning.
Big difference.
You'll hear these two words a lot during severe weather season. Here's how to tell them apart.
WATCH = Be prepared.
Conditions are favorable for the specified type of severe weather. Review your plans, monitor forecasts, and be ready to act.
WARNING = Take action.
The hazardous weather is occurring, imminent, or indicated by weather radar. Follow the warning's safety instructions immediately.
During a tornado warning, move to a basement, safe room, or small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows.
CHECK NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ↗Before the storm.
Not during it.
The best time to prepare for severe weather is when the forecast is boring. A little planning now can make a big difference later.
Start with your home.
Inspect your roof, clear gutters, trim dangerous tree limbs, and secure outdoor furniture.
Know where your safest shelter is and identify evacuation routes if you live in a hurricane or flood-prone area.
Don't forget your emergency kit.
Keep drinking water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents accessible.
Include supplies for children, pets, and anyone with additional medical or accessibility needs.
A little maintenance.
A lot less stress.
You can't control the weather. But you can take practical steps to make your home better prepared.
Inspect for missing shingles, damaged flashing, and signs of wear. Arrange repairs before storm season.
Bring in or secure patio furniture, grills, and other loose objects when severe winds are expected.
Check FEMA's flood maps, review local drainage concerns, and understand your flood insurance options.
Charge backup batteries, keep flashlights available, and learn how to operate any backup power equipment safely. Never run a generator indoors.
Take photographs or videos of your rooms, furniture, electronics, and valuable items. Keep a copy somewhere secure.
Does homeowners insurance cover storms?
Often, yes. But different kinds of storm damage can require different insurance coverage.
Check your policy.
Many Texas homeowners policies include wind and hail coverage. Along parts of the coast, separate windstorm insurance may be necessary.
Usually separate.
Most homeowners policies don't cover rising floodwater. Flood insurance is generally purchased separately.
What about your car?
Comprehensive auto insurance generally covers vehicle damage from hail, flooding, and wind, subject to policy terms.
Know your share.
Windstorm and hurricane deductibles may differ from your standard homeowners deductible.
One thing worth checking today.
Pull out your homeowners policy and look at your wind and hail coverage, flood exclusions, deductibles, and coverage limits.
Don't assume that because something is called storm damage, every kind of storm damage is covered.
Oh yeah.
Insurance.
Hail in Dallas. Hurricanes in Houston. Flash floods in the Hill Country. Your insurance needs can look very different depending on where you call home.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you compare coverage options from multiple carriers and understand how your homeowners, flood, and windstorm policies fit together.
Don't wait for the forecast.
Flood insurance often has a waiting period before coverage takes effect. Some insurers also restrict new policies when major storms approach.
Review your coverage well before severe weather arrives.
Big storms.
Better prepared.
From hailstorms to hurricanes, let's find insurance that makes sense for your Texas home.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →