At Beacon Restoration, we know that Texas weather doesn’t mess around. One day it’s blue skies and barbecuing, the next it’s storm clouds and sirens. Living and working in places like College Station, Katy, Montgomery, and Spring, we’ve seen firsthand what hurricanes can do. We’re not here to scare you, but we are here to help you get ready.
BWhen a storm hits, it’s not just about the wind and rain, it’s about facing the challenges that come afterwards. As restoration experts, we spend our days helping families and businesses recover from flooding, wind damage, and power outages. And we’ve learned a thing or two along the way about what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to hurricane prep.
So let’s break it down. Here are our top hurricane preparedness tips, based on real experience from real-world scenarios.
1. Assess Your Risk Level
Not all parts of Texas face the same threats, but if you’re in or around the Gulf Coast, you’re in the high-risk zone for hurricanes and tropical storms. In places like Katy and Spring, flash flooding is a real concern, while areas like Montgomery with lots of trees may be more vulnerable to wind damage and falling limbs. The first step is knowing what you’re up against.
Check FEMA flood maps, watch the local forecast closely during storm season, and stay informed on local emergency plans. The more you know, the better you can plan.
2. Make a Plan
This doesn’t have to be complicated, but you do need a solid plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows:
- Where to go in case of evacuation
- How to contact each other if cell service goes out
- Where the emergency kit is stored
Include your pets in the plan. Have crates, food, and leashes ready to go. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure this out. When a hurricane is headed your way, every minute matters.
3. Build a Kit That Works
We’ve seen too many families stuck without the basics because they didn’t prepare early. Your emergency kit should include:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Non-perishable food and bottled water (enough for at least 3 days)
- Cell phone chargers (including a battery-powered option)
- Any critical medications and special needs items
- Important documents sealed in waterproof bags
- Cash (ATMs may not work during outages)
- Pet food and supplies
Throw in a few comfort items like snacks, books, or games—especially if you have kids. If you’re sheltering in place or stuck somewhere, a little morale goes a long way.
4. Prep Your Home Before the Storm
Once a hurricane watch is issued, the clock starts ticking. Here’s what we tell our customers to do before it hits:
- Clean out your gutters and drains so water has somewhere to go
- Bring in patio furniture, lawn decor, and anything else that could go flying
- Board up windows or install storm shutters
- Check your roof and seal any gaps or cracks
- Trim trees and remove dead branches
We can’t stress this enough: securing your home in advance can mean the difference between minor cleanup and major restoration work. People have saved their homes because they took the time to prepare before a storm.
5. Back Up Your Power
After a storm, the power grid can be down for days. Think about what that means: no lights, no fridge, no AC, and maybe no clean water. Consider investing in a generator. Even a small portable one can be a lifesaver and allow you to use or charge the essentials.
Make sure you know how to use it safely. Never run a generator inside or in an enclosed space. Keep it at least 20 feet from doors and windows.
6. Protect Your Important Documents
This is one of the things people forget most often. Birth certificates, insurance papers, home deeds—if these get soaked or lost in a flood, it makes recovery a lot harder.
We recommend scanning important documents and saving them digitally on a cloud-based system. Also keep physical copies in a waterproof, fireproof container that you can grab quickly if needed.
7. Check Your Insurance (Before the Rain Comes)
We can’t say it enough: review your insurance policy before hurricane season. Standard homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover flooding. You might need a separate flood policy, and there’s often a 30-day waiting period.
We’ve helped too many families who thought they were covered only to find out they weren’t. Call your agent, ask questions, and make sure you understand your deductibles and limits.
8. Stay Connected
Download weather and emergency apps, follow local news stations and government agencies on social media, and make sure you have a battery-powered radio. When the internet goes down, these sources can be your lifeline.
Set up group texts or emergency check-ins with friends and neighbors. Staying informed can make a huge difference in how quickly you can respond.
9. Don’t Wait to Call for Help After the Storm
Once the danger has passed and it’s safe to go outside, assess your property carefully. Take photos of any damage before you start cleanup, and if you need help, don’t wait to reach out to a restoration company.
The longer water sits or damage goes untreated, the worse it gets. At Beacon Restoration, we respond quickly to limit further damage and start the recovery process. Whether it’s water extraction, mold prevention, or full structural repairs, we’re here to help our neighbors get back on their feet.
10. Learn from Every Storm
Every hurricane is different. After it’s over, take some time to reflect:
- What worked well?
- What would you do differently next time?
- What supplies did you run out of?
Make updates to your plan and your kit. Hurricane preparedness isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process, and it gets better with practice.
We’re Here When You Need Us
At Beacon Restoration, we’re proud to be part of your community. We live here, work here, and raise our families here. That’s why we take your safety and your home seriously.
If you ever find yourself facing the aftermath of a hurricane, don’t go it alone. Call Beacon Restoration. Whether you’re in College Station, Katy, Montgomery, or Spring, or any of the surrounding areas, we’ll be there with the tools, the experience, and the heart to help you rebuild after a storm.
Call us today or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you weather the storm.
