Though we are still in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic, we must be aware that there is another potential threat coming our way - hurricane season. The official start of the Atlantic hurricane season is on June 1st - only a few weeks away. Here are a few tips to make sure you're prepared:
Check your insurance policy
Contact our office and speak to one of our agents so we can be sure your home, rental property, commercial building, and personal property are insured at their full replacement cost. Hurricanes can cause major damage, and you want to be sure you can have your property fully repaired. Also, keep in mind that all property insurance policies exclude flood coverage - be sure to ask for a flood quote as well, if you don't already have a policy.
Create an emergency supply kit
When a hurricane hits, water and electricity could be out for a week or more. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family for a MINIMUM of one week. Also make sure you have extra cash, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a portable crank or solar powered USB charger to charge your cell phone. Click here for a guide on how to build your own emergency kit.
Create a hurricane evacuation plan
If you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone, you must figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone, and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about. Listen to local officials and adjust your evacuation plans based on updates regarding the hurricane's path.
Buffalo Bayou Park and the Houston skyline during Hurricane Harvey, August 2017. Photo credit: CNN.com
As always, we are here to answer your questions and help in any way we can - please call our office at any time at (713) 906-1961. Stay safe and well!