Although the official hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th in Texas it is always a good idea to be prepared and know what steps to take.
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association has a great 5 step Hurricane Preparedness checklist as follows:
1. Update your insurance coverage – make sure you have both windstorm and flood policies
Get windstorm and flood insurance well in advance of any storm. Most insurance companies, including TWIA, cannot offer a windstorm policy once a storm appears in the Gulf of Mexico (learn more). Flood coverage (which TWIA cannot provide) is offered through the National Flood Insurance Program and requires a 30-day waiting period after you purchase it before it becomes effective.
Understand what is included in your policy to avoid any surprises, and insure your property for what it would cost to rebuild, not current market value. Now is the time to meet with your insurance agent to update your policy. Visit our Inside a Policy page to learn more about TWIA policies, and our Policy Forms and Endorsements page to see examples of specific documents.
2. Take pictures of your home and personal property
Document your home and belongings with photos or video. Keep all important records like these in a safe location. If you need to file a claim, having an inventory will help expedite that process and help ensure an accurate claim payment for your covered belongings.
3. Prepare your property
A little preparation now can go a long way in reducing property damage during a storm. Install storm shutters (alternatively, cut plywood so it’s ready to install over windows in the build-up to a storm), trim trees, install roof straps, reinforce garage doors, and clear rain gutters and downspouts. Find additional tips at www.twia.org/hurricane-preparedness/.
4. Write down your emergency plan and build an emergency kit
Make a plan for you and your family and practice it. Know your area’s evacuation routes and where you can stay if you are ordered to evacuate. Create a list of important contacts and sign up for local emergency alerts.
Assemble an emergency kit that includes important basics (ex: water, nonperishable food, flashlight, batteries, etc.) and covers the unique needs of your family and pets. Because disasters can strike anywhere, make multiple kits: one for your home, one for your work, and one for your car. Ready.gov has additional tips to consider when building your kit.
5. Know where your important documents are located
Know where your important documents (ex. insurance policies, birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, mortgage papers, social security cards, etc.) are located. Don’t leave these items behind when you evacuate.
This year’s season forecasts can be found at
https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-near-normal-2019-atlantic-hurricane-season
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