Living in Texas means we enjoy big skies, beautiful coastlines, and vibrant communities. It also means we face the reality of hurricane season every year. At Water Rehab & Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a hurricane can disrupt lives, homes, and businesses. Our team has helped hundreds of Texas homeowners bounce back after storms. We know that the best way to protect your property is to prepare before disaster strikes, so we are here to help you do that.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what we’ve learned over the years: how to get your home hurricane-ready, what to do when a storm is on the way, and how to respond after it passes. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned storm survivor, these tips will help you weather hurricane season with more peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- Start early: Prepare your home and emergency plan before hurricane season kicks into high gear.
- Secure your property: Fortify windows, doors, roofs, and outdoor items.
- Focus on flood prevention: Gutters, landscaping, sump pumps, and sandbags all make a difference.
- Create an emergency kit: Be ready with food, water, first-aid, and important documents.
- Stay informed: Monitor local updates and know when to evacuate.
- Act fast after a storm: Document damage and contact a professional restoration team immediately.
- Trust local pros: Water Rehab & Restoration is ready to respond quickly and restore your peace of mind.
Why Hurricane Prep Matters in Texas
Hurricanes aren’t just a coastal issue. They bring wind, rain, flooding, and power outages far inland. In Texas, hurricane season typically runs from June through November, with peak activity around August and September. That means now is the time to act, not when the storm is already on your doorstep.
Failing to prepare can result in:
- Severe structural damage
- Costly water intrusion and flooding
- Mold and mildew growth
- Long delays in restoration due to high demand
Our team at Water Rehab & Restoration specializes in helping people recover after major storms, but we also believe in prevention. Taking smart steps now can save you thousands of dollars and weeks of stress later.
Start with a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
One of the best ways to safeguard your home is by creating a personalized hurricane preparedness plan. Here are some things that are important to consider:
1. Know Your Risk
- Are you in a flood zone? Visit FEMA’s flood maps to find out.
- How close are you to the coast or waterways?
- Does your neighborhood have a history of flooding?
2. Review Your Insurance
- Make sure your homeowner’s insurance includes flood coverage, standard policies usually don’t.
- Double-check your coverage limits and understand your deductible.
- Take photos of your belongings and keep a digital copy of receipts, warranties, and insurance policies.
3. Plan an Evacuation Route
- Know where you’ll go if you need to evacuate.
- Identify multiple routes in case some roads are closed.
- Keep a full tank of gas and an emergency bag ready during hurricane season.
Secure Your Home Before a Storm
You don’t need to be an expert to secure your property, just a little preparation goes a long way. Here are our top suggestions:
1. Protect Windows and Doors
- Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.
- Reinforce garage doors with braces or retrofit kits since they’re often the weakest point in high winds.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
- Use weatherproof caulk around windows, doors, and utility openings to reduce water intrusion.
3. Clean Out Gutters and Drains
- Remove debris to help rainwater flow away from your home.
- Ensure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation.
4. Inspect the Roof
- Look for loose shingles or flashing and repair them.
- Consider hurricane straps or clips to better secure your roof to your home’s structure.
5. Secure Outdoor Items
- Patio furniture, grills, planters, and even garden tools can become dangerous projectiles in a storm.
- Move everything indoors or secure them with straps.
Prepare Your Emergency Supply Kit
When a storm hits, you might lose power or be stuck at home for several days. Your emergency kit should include:
- Non-perishable food and water for at least 3 days
- Flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio
- First-aid supplies and necessary medications
- Phone chargers and backup power banks
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- Cash, since ATMs and card readers might not work
Bonus Tip: If you have pets, make sure your kit includes food, leashes, and any medications they need.
Flood Prevention Starts Outside
Flooding is one of the most common and damaging results of a hurricane in Texas. While you can’t control the weather, you can improve your home’s resilience to water damage.
1. Landscape Smart
- Grade your yard to slope away from your foundation.
- Use gravel or rain gardens to absorb runoff water naturally.
2. Install a Sump Pump
- Especially useful for basements or low-lying areas.
- Make sure it has a battery backup in case the power goes out.
3. Backflow Valves
- A must-have for homes with sewer connections. They prevent sewage from backing up into your home during heavy rains.
4. Sandbags and Water Barriers
- Keep a few on hand for quick deployment around entry points.
- There are reusable options on the market that are easy to store and deploy.
What to Do When a Storm Is Coming
When a hurricane watch or warning is issued, time is limited. Here’s how to act quickly and smartly:
1. Charge Your Devices
- Fully charge all phones, backup batteries, and power banks.
2. Freeze Bottles of Water
- These help keep food cold if the power goes out and can double as drinking water.
3. Turn Your Fridge and Freezer to the Coldest Setting
- This buys you more time before food spoils.
4. Move Valuables to Higher Ground
- Store irreplaceable items and electronics on shelves or upper floors
5. Unplug Electronics
- Power surges can cause irreversible damage.
6. Document Your Home
- Take updated photos of your property and contents. These can prove to be invaluable for insurance claims if damage occurs.
After the Storm: What to Do Next
Once the hurricane passes, the real work begins. At Water Rehab & Restoration, we always tell our clients to prioritize safety and avoid rushing back into a potentially dangerous environment.
1. Wait for the All-Clear
- Follow local authorities for updates before returning home.
2. Inspect for Hazards
- Watch out for downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
3. Document the Damage
- Take plenty of photos from multiple angles. Don’t throw away anything until you’ve checked with your insurance.
4. Call a Restoration Expert Immediately
- The faster we can begin drying and cleanup, the better your chances of preventing secondary damage like mold or structural rot.
- Our Water Rehab & Restoration team is available 24/7 during hurricane season. We’re here to help when you need us most.
Why Speed Matters After Flooding
The first 24 to 48 hours after water damage are the most critical. Waiting too long can cause:
- Mold growth (it can begin in as little as 24 hours)
- Warped flooring and walls
- Electrical hazards
- Contaminated water spreading illness
We use advanced drying equipment, moisture detection tools, and antimicrobial treatments to restore your property quickly and safely.
How Water Rehab & Restoration Can Help
As a trusted Texas-based restoration company, we’ve handled hurricane damage from all angles—emergency water removal, structural drying, mold prevention, and complete repairs. When you call us, you’re getting a local team that:
- Knows how to handle Texas storms
- Works directly with your insurance
- Uses cutting-edge restoration equipment
- Treats your home with the same care we’d give our own
We’re more than a cleanup crew. We’re your neighbors, and we’re here for you before, during, and after the storm.
Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute
Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. At Water Rehab & Restoration, we believe that being ready is half the battle. Whether you need help preparing your home, reviewing your flood risk, or responding after the storm, we’re just a phone call away. Reach out to us today to learn more or get help with water damage restoration.
