Don’t Get Caught Off Guard—Your Storm Safety Checklist

Living in Houston means being familiar with hurricane season and understanding that preparation is important. Taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference in protecting your safety and belongings during a storm. The best way to stay safe during hurricane season is to be prepared.

Here are essential tips to help you prepare and stay safe:

1. Stay Informed

• Monitor weather alerts via trusted sources like the National Weather Service or local news.
• Enable emergency notifications on your phone.

2. Review Your Renter’s Insurance

• Ensure your policy is active and up to date. Update Renter's Insurance here
• Verify it covers water and storm damage, including personal belongings. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider obtaining flood insurance. 

3. Emergency Kit Essentials

• Pack a "go-bag" with essentials for each person, including water (1 gallon per person per day for at least seven days), non-perishable food, first-aid kit, medications, important documents, flashlights, batteries, and a radio.

The American Red Cross recommends keeping these essential items on hand—click here to review the full list.

4. Know Your Evacuation Zone

•  Understand your evacuation zone and have a clear plan for leaving, including an escape route and alternative locations. 
• Keep your vehicle fueled and ready in case of evacuation.

5. Protect Your Space

• Secure outdoor items like patio furniture or grills.
• Close blinds and curtains to reduce risk from shattered glass.
• Clear away any debris from drains and gutters to prevent flooding. 
• Check and trim any overhanging tree branches near your property. 

6. Prepare for Power Outages:

• Have a backup power source if needed, and remember to use it safely. Here are some examples:
• Generators: Typically larger in size and capacity for what can be powered, they can typically charge anywhere from a few devices/appliances on up to an entire house (depending on the specific generator and setup). When using a generator it's important to stay safe, so be sure to follow the proper handling instructions - including where to put it when running - that are provided by the manufacturer. It's recommended to review the instructions in advance, so you're prepared if you need to use the generator.
• Solar Powered Charging Bank: These are smaller in size, typically closer in size to a cell phone. They can typically be charged up in two ways - either connected to a power source (e.g. outlet, car adapter) or via sunlight. In the event of a lengthy power outage, the solar feature on these can help ensure your devices can be charged and keep you connected to the news and loved ones.

7. Plan for Pets

• Make arrangements for pet care, including food, medications, and carriers.
• Check which shelters or hotels are pet-friendly.

The National Weather Service Houston/Galveston (NWS) office has published the 2025 Southeast Texas Hurricane & Severe Weather Guide—be sure to check it out for essential preparedness tips and local emergency information.

Visit the Texas Hurricane Center for information on proactive steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane , visit TexasReady.gov for additional hurricane safety tips and tdem.texas.gov/prepare for preparedness information. 

Take this quick assessment   to see how prepared you are!

Preparing ahead of time ensures you’re not caught off guard when the storm hits. Stay Safe!