Houston Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

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Before the season (May)

• Read your declarations page: dwelling limit, hurricane deductible, contents and ALE limits
• Buy or renew flood insurance now — NFIP policies usually have a 30-day waiting period
• Confirm whether you have replacement-cost or actual-cash-value coverage on the roof
• Walk through every room and record a video inventory of your home and belongings
• Save digital copies of your policy, IDs, deed and receipts to cloud storage
• Photograph the roof, exterior, fences and outbuildings in their current condition
• Trim trees and remove dead limbs near the house and power lines
• Know your evacuation zone (check your county or ReadyHarris) and plan your route

When a storm is forecast (72 hours out)

• Watch the National Hurricane Center and our live Houston weather tracker
• Secure or bring in patio furniture, grills, trampolines and yard décor
• Clear gutters and storm drains near your property
• Fill prescriptions and gather water (1 gallon per person per day), food, batteries and cash
• Fuel vehicles and generators; never run a generator indoors or in a garage
• Move valuables and important papers to an upper floor or waterproof container
• Charge phones and power banks; save your insurer’s claim number and our number: (832) 503-5866

After the storm

• Stay safe: avoid downed lines and floodwater, and wait for officials to give the all-clear
• Photograph and video all damage before moving or throwing anything away
• Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage (tarp the roof, board windows, start drying)
• Keep receipts for tarps, fans, hotels, meals and mileage
• Report the claim promptly and write down your claim number and every conversation
• Keep samples of damaged materials until the insurance adjuster has inspected
• Get a free claim review from Houston Public Adjusters before accepting any estimate

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