As last month’s occasional rainy weather reminded us, summer in Houston means keeping an eye on the forecast. While not every storm becomes a major weather event, hurricane season always brings the possibility of heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and power outages. The best time to prepare isn’t when a storm is headed toward the Gulf. It’s before hurricane season reaches its peak, when stores are stocked, supplies are readily available, and you have time to make a plan without feeling rushed.
One of the easiest ways to prepare is by putting together an emergency kit before you need it. Even a relatively minor storm can knock out power or make it difficult to leave your neighborhood for a day or two. Your kit should include:
- Bottled water and nonperishable food
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers and power banks
- A first aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Pet food and supplies
- Copies of important documents stored in a waterproof container
Preparing your home ahead of time is just as important. Houston’s weather can change quickly, and a little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward minimizing storm damage. Before the next round of heavy rain arrives, it’s worth taking an afternoon to walk around your property and check for anything that could become a problem.
A few simple tasks can make a big difference:
- Trim dead or overhanging tree branches.
- Clean gutters and downspouts so water can drain properly.
- Secure patio furniture, umbrellas, and outdoor decor.
- Inspect your roof for loose shingles or damaged flashing.
- Check doors and windows for any areas where water could enter.
Many luxury homes throughout Houston also feature outdoor kitchens, pools, pergolas, and extensive landscaping. While these spaces are perfect for entertaining, they’re also worth securing before severe weather arrives. Bringing in loose furniture and protecting outdoor features now is much easier than dealing with repairs later.
Power outages are another reality of hurricane season, even when a storm never makes landfall nearby. If your home has a whole-home generator, make sure it’s serviced and ready to go before it’s needed. If not, keeping portable chargers, backup batteries, lanterns, flashlights, and coolers on hand can make an unexpected outage much more manageable. It’s also a good habit to fully charge your devices whenever severe weather is in the forecast.
Another step many homeowners overlook is reviewing their insurance coverage before hurricane season intensifies. Understanding what your homeowners insurance covers, whether you have flood insurance, and what your deductible is can help eliminate surprises if you ever need to file a claim. Since insurance policies often can’t be changed once a named storm is approaching, it’s a conversation worth having now rather than later.
Living in Houston means embracing everything the city has to offer, including its unpredictable weather. While none of us can control hurricane season, we can take steps to protect our homes and the people who live in them. A little preparation today can provide peace of mind for the months ahead.
As someone who has helped clients navigate Houston’s real estate market through every season, I know that protecting your home is just as important as finding the right one. Whether you’re preparing your current home, thinking about buying, or considering selling, I’m always happy to be a trusted resource and help you make informed decisions for your home and your future.
Until next time,
Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes