March 26, 2025
Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through November 30 for the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast regions. As Houstonians, many of us are all too familiar with the powerful impact hurricanes can have, from destructive winds and storm surge to flooding and tornadoes. With the last storms still fresh in our memories, now is the perfect time to prepare your home, family, and community for the challenges ahead.
Know Your Hurricane Risk
Houston’s unique location means hurricanes often make a direct or indirect impact here. Even if you live inland in Texas, don’t underestimate the potential for heavy rains, damaging winds, and tornadoes that come with tropical storms. Understanding your specific risk is the first step toward effective preparation.
Make an Emergency Plan That Works
When the storm hits, will your family know what to do? Now is the time to sit down and make a detailed emergency plan. Be sure to include daycares, schools, caregivers, and anyone else you interact with regularly. Also, talk through your emergency and continuity plan—what will your family do if the power goes out, or if cell service is lost?
Know Your Evacuation Zone and Practice Your Plan
Evacuation can be stressful, especially if you’re caught off guard. Identify your evacuation zone ahead of time and decide on safe places to stay. Run practice drills with your family to ensure everyone is comfortable with the steps they need to take.
Stay informed by following updates and evacuation orders from local emergency managers. Having multiple ways to receive alerts ensures you won’t miss critical warnings.
Pay Special Attention to Vulnerable Neighbors
Storms can be especially hard on people with disabilities or seniors who may need extra help. Reach out early to check on neighbors who might need assistance preparing or evacuating. Building a supportive community can make all the difference when disaster strikes.
Review Important Documents and Insurance
Before the storm, make sure your insurance policies and personal documents are current and safely stored. Having copies of essential paperwork in a waterproof container or digitally backed up will speed up recovery if damage occurs.
Ready Your Home for Hurricane Season
Protect your home by bringing in outdoor furniture, clearing gutters and drains, and securing any loose debris. Keep cell phones charged and consider portable chargers for use during outages.
Build a Hurricane Supply Kit
Prepare a go-bag with supplies to last several days, including:
Store your emergency kit in an easily accessible location, or your vehicle trunk.
Help Your Community Prepare
A hurricane’s impact extends beyond your front door. Reach out to neighbors and friends to help them get hurricane-ready. A simple check-in or sharing resources can strengthen your entire neighborhood’s resilience.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared — Houston Habitat is Here with You
The 2025 hurricane season will undoubtedly test our community’s strength, but with careful planning and preparation, we can face the storm together. Visit Disaster Home Repair for more tips on home safety and disaster preparedness.
