As mentioned in a previous blog post, the Houston hurricane season is underway and active until November 30th. There are many ways to be prepared for extreme weather, however, planning will never be able to prevent everything. Do you know what to do if your house is damaged by a storm? We’ve created a step-by-step breakdown of how to handle disaster repair.
Foremost, safety is a priority and prevents injury and fatigue, allowing more work and additional people to be helped. In order to safely begin home repair, confirm the building is structurally sound enough to have people inside, turn off water and electricity to affected areas, use only a flashlight in darkness, and wear protective items such as sturdy shoes, gloves, masks, and eye protection. Look out for slippery spots, broken items, and sharp edges. Also, remember to use caution and distance when moving debris.
After the storm has passed and official authorities have cleared residents to return to their homes, damage assessment begins. Start by looking for the most common types of storm damage. Keep in mind not all damage will be immediately noticeable. Be sure to document every change to your home with pictures and notes for insurance and repair purposes. Ensure your address is visible from the street for emergency vehicles.
The roof of a building is the most likely place to be battered by a storm. Common signs of roof damage are holes, leaks, dents, missing/broken shingles, and split seams. Windows and doors are a good second area to assess. Check for cracks, holes, broken panes and damaged frames. Next, investigate the appearance of exterior surfaces and appliances, such as air conditioners, for cavities, splits, dings, chips, and discoloration. Inside your home, identify signs of water damage, and any damage from water entering the home. After complete evaluation, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report property damage. File a claim, ask about an advance payment or living expenses if help is needed quickly. If the disaster has been officially declared you may be eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA via their disaster assistance website.
Community is very valuable; having connections with neighbors can mean the difference between life and death for some. Many people are without family nearby or the ability to move around well. Consider providing reasonable senior assistance when possible or contacting city services for them. Assistance to veterans after a storm is also important. Another helpful action is connecting others with storm damage repair contractors.
Temporary solutions are a productive way to minimize further damage, as well as reduce stress. If able, begin key repair steps by doing some actions yourself. Use tarps and plastic sheeting to cover leaky areas, sandbags to divert water, and boards to secure broken windows and doors. Take out wet furniture, carpeting, and other materials, then remove water with wet vacuums and pumps. Next, run fans and dehumidifiers, as drying out the air will help prevent mold.
Save time and money by shopping for DIY materials at Habitat for Humanity’s two Houston ReStore locations: South Loop at 6161 S. Loop East, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am—5 pm, Sunday 10 am—4pm, and ReStore West 34th at 5280 West 34th Street, Monday through Thursday, 9 am—5 pm and Friday through Saturday, 9 am—6 pm. ReStore has new and gently used items needed to secure and improve your home, including power tools, lumber, windows, flooring, and appliances.
To assist with quicker storm damage repair, the City of Houston Permitting Center & the Planning and Development Department has implemented an expedited review process of specific permits, including weatherheads for restoring power, re-roofing and roof overlay, and Minor Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) repairs. Also, the following work can be done without permits:
When making DIY repairs, maintain a list and save receipts (including for temporary living expenses) for your insurance agent. Don’t make permanent repairs before an adjuster sees all the damage. Further, save proof of paid deductibles. Contractors and roofers cannot offer to waive a deductible or promise a rebate for your deductible.
Be sure to take breaks, especially when the tasks or environment seem overwhelming. Walk around, get some fresh air, and focus on the improvements that are already complete. Above all else, ask for help when you need it!
Not every fix can be done in without professional help. This is when licensed and insured professionals are best. Houston Habitat provides storm damage restoration through our Disaster Home Repair program. Low-income homeowners can receive help with what is needed to make homes safe, sanitary and secure, including mold testing and remediation. Click here to find out more: Disaster Home Repair program.
Contractor Tips:
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure,” said Colin Powell. True words, especially when applied to advanced preparation for storm damage. Before the next weather event, do these actions:
The Houston hurricane season officially runs June 1st through November 30th. Keep in mind tropical storms and depressions are also dangerous. Some may be surprised to learn that the primary hazards of this season are flooding, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents, in addition to destructive winds. It is also important to remember floodwaters can also contain threatening animals, harmful bacteria & chemicals, plus other dangerous objects.
Knowing the differences between alerts can save your family. Generally, a Watch means impacts are possible (Be Prepared) and a Warning means impacts are expected within 36 hours or happening now (Take Action). Make sure to have Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on your phone to receive notifications as announcements can happen for hurricanes, tropical storms, storm surges, extreme wind, flash floods, and tornados.
Sign up for emergency information with AlertHouston, which delivers critical information to Houston residents regarding current conditions, expected impacts, and protective actions to keep themselves and others safe. Another precaution is the STEAR program, a free registry which provides local emergency responders and planners with additional information on Houstonians with access and functional needs. Registering will allow for additional assistance during an emergency event. STEAR is intended for those with limited mobility and sensory disabilities, as well as people who require personal care, transportation, or additional medical assistance during an emergency event.
Always follow evacuation orders from local authorities — don’t wait to see if the weather will improve. Even without a direct hit, other severe events may occur. Maintain a safe distance from flooded and damaged areas, and pay close attention to barriers and signs. If sheltering in-place, and the house becomes flooded, move to a higher level to escape flood waters. If the highest floor becomes dangerous, get on the roof and call 9-1-1. For wind protection, put as many walls as possible between yourself and the outside. An interior room without windows is the safest place to seek shelter in your home.
Best Home Prep
To help your home withstand storm impacts, trim greenery and seal wall cracks. Install storm/accordion shutters and/or impact glass. Stabilize the garage door. Next, have plywood, steel or aluminum panels on hand to board up windows and doors. Houston Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is the perfect and a very affordable place to get ready for hurricane season! At the ReStore you can find materials to protect your home from weather damage.
When a Watch is issued, board up glass & doors and secure loose outdoor items. If ordered to evacuate, leave a note detailing plans, then unplug electrical equipment such as televisions and small appliances. Unplug refrigerators and freezers if there is a risk of flooding. If instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving.
Tips & Checklist
Call for an insurance check-up to make sure you have coverage to repair or replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters’ insurance doesn’t cover flooding; a separate policy is needed. Act now before it is too late, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. During this process, document all possessions and serial numbers.
Develop an evacuation plan for your family and pets, then share it with close family and friends. Include emergency contacts, designated meeting places, and critical needs as well as out-of-town evacuation locations. A written version may be helpful as internet may not be accessible due to the storm. Make sure everyone in your household understands the plan and knows what to do. Formulate a business continuity plan for when disaster strikes and inform employees.
Check available storm shelter spaces designated by your city officials. Most public shelters only allow service animals, although Harris County does have shelters which allow pets, so have a Plan B for pets but do not leave them behind! It is ideal to pinpoint several sheltering options, including distant ones such as a friend’s home outside the impact area.
If using a vehicle to evacuate, ensure it has as much fuel as possible during the season. If not evacuating with a vehicle, move it to higher ground if time allows. If you don’t have a vehicle, check the news for details or call 3-1-1 to see available transportation options. Often, the City of Houston has state-sponsored buses to carry people out of potentially dangerous areas.
Whether evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re need supplies to get through the storm and for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Our Houston Habitat ReStores are a great place to visit to get disaster supplies while shelves are still stocked (enough to last each person in your family a minimum of 3 days), then keep them in a safe, accessible place in your home:
Be a Team Player
Help neighbors, especially the elderly and other vulnerable people. This can be done ahead of time by sharing tools and tasks, and by offering to assist in evacuating to a safe place. Communicating the latest forecast information with your community is also invaluable. To save money, make bulk purchases of necessary items with neighbors, friends or coworkers.
After the Storm
Did you know nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm according to NOAA? When weather returns to normal, it can seem safe to return home, however, ONLY return home when officials say it is safe. Be aware of loose power lines, gas leaks, structural damage, and dangerous debris. If inside your home you hear shifting or unusual noises, or you smell gas, go outside and call 9-1-1. Do not enter floodwaters or drive on flooded roads – only 12 inches of water can float a car. Bridges and roads could be damaged too, putting you at risk during your commute home.
When cleaning up after the storm, take breaks, stay hydrated and check on neighbors. Never use a generator inside, even with open doors and windows due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Throw away food that got wet or warm; remember when in doubt, throw it out! The health department will provide information about drinking water safety. Also, disinfect everything.
Finally, bad feelings, stress, and anxiety are all normal after a disaster. Healthy eating and enough sleep help deal with stress. Call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for free to talk to someone if you are experiencing mental distress.
Before Next Hurricane Season
In December, mark calendars for the 2025 Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday, which occurs before Texas hurricane season begins. During this weekend, purchases of certain emergency preparation supplies are tax free. There is no limit on purchase, and no exemption certificate is needed. Exempt item examples are emergency ladders and hurricane shutters at less than $300 and radios, first-aid kits, and carbon monoxide detectors at less than $75. This is also the perfect time to gift preparedness like electronics chargers, solar lamps and other emergency kit items to friends and family. Ultimately, the most important preparation is to “evaluate your specific needs and consider how to best prepare for them.”
If you’ve cooked a meal, fixed a car, or hosted a party, you know planning makes for a better outcome. The same is true for building houses. Habitat for Humanity has made it a priority to make homes sustainable and resilient for families.
Two strategies are especially applicable to Houston: creating energy efficient homes and resilient construction. Houston Habitat for Humanity builds with these goals in mind to ensure homes keep heating and cooling bills low, while also withstanding Houston’s extreme weather eventss. Planning with efficiency and resiliency in mind is beneficial to communities, as it maximizes affordability and allows for easier repair and rebuilding.
Through careful consideration of materials and calculated building methods, Houston Habitat builds energy efficient homes which are also environmentally friendly, safe, and low cost-to-own and maintain for Houston homeowners.
Houston Habitat for Humanity is proud to offer homes with the ENERGY STAR® certification. The ENERGY STAR certification shows your new home has been designed and built to standards well above other homes in the market today. Houston Habitat homes feature better quality, comfort, durability. The ENERGY STAR certification also means your new home is of higher value, and is an increased investment for tomorrow, as this label indicates an improved process of inspections, testing, and verification to meet the strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. In fact, Houston Habitat for Humanity is so committed to sustainability, we have earned numerous awards for sustainable building practices, including Energy Star Partner of the Year/ Sustained Excellence awards, since 1996.
According to ENERGY STAR, the typical US household spends over $2,000 annually on utility bills. In Houston, the average annual electricity bill is $2,705.04. Homes with ENERGY STAR certification often see 30% energy efficiency savings compared to a standard home – in Houston, Habitat homeowners could save up to $800 a year!
ENERGY STAR certification is better for the environment too. Most electricity comes from nearby power plants, which burn natural gas and coal. A byproduct of this process is the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change. The emissions from these power plants also contribute harmful pollutants to the air such as sulfur dioxide, particulate matter, and nitrogen oxides. Reducing the necessary electricity in your home decreases power plant production which lessens damaging emissions.
Wondering how our builders make a home energy efficient? It is a multi-step process. Because Houston experiences heavy rains and persistent humidity, which can damage foundations and structures, gutters are important to redirecting water away. DuPont Tyvek Home Wrap is also used to protect against mold and condensation. Radiant barrier roof decking reflects radiant heat away from the attic, reducing the hours of run time for the air conditioning system. Insulation is rated by an “R” rating; Houston Habitat installs high “R” factor insulation, which also lowers energy consumption and energy bills. Double pane windows are mounted to prevent heat loss, and use of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint is a very important aspects of energy efficient Habitat construction.
Habitat for Humanity’s home resiliency connects closely with energy efficient building practices, as its aim is to keep homes affordable. Hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters are unavoidable, but we can utilize materials to protect our homes.
Houston Habitat utilizes Fortified standards as one of the ways to keep home maintenance affordable long term. The Fortified program is a listing of construction recommendations from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety which can dramatically reduce the damage a home suffers in a storm. Some examples are anchor bolts and oriented strand boards to protect against strong straight-line winds, which arrive during thunderstorms. Also used are hurricane straps, which secure the frame of the roof to the rest of the house and reduce the chances of the roof being removed by high winds. In an interview with Allison Hay, Chief Executive Officer at Houston Habitat for Humanity, she specifically noted that Robins Landing “homes will be elevated, our homes will have hurricane straps that will keep them from hurricane winds. We want to ensure that Robins Landing is resilient.” Habitat also offers homeowner resources, technical assistance and training to improve the resilience and durability of their homes.
As an international organization, Habitat for Humanity is committed to prioritizing climate resilient housing throughout the world. As a local organization, Houston Habitat for Humanity works to build a Houston where everyone has a place to call home; we also strive for sustainability and resilience for our homebuyers and our planet through build and repair methods to our work recycling, upcycling and reusing with the community through Habitat ReStores. We carefully consider FEMA Flood mapping (seen here) and the ever-evolving Houston Flood map (seen here) when selecting where to build in Houston.
Resilient and energy efficient communities boast many features outside of residential buildings which work towards the mission. One very important aspect, especially for Houston, is the use of retention ponds. These ponds are not for swimming or fishing, rather they serve as a holding place for stormwater when it falls quickly and heavily. These detention basins store this water instead of allowing it to flow as it falls, turning into damaging floodwaters. This temporary pond holds water until the channels can safely carry it away. Because Harris County is quite flat, most stormwater storage has to be created. New developments, such as Robins Landing, often use retention ponds to keep residents and their homes safe from harm.
Here are five ways you can reduce energy consumption at home right now.
The mission of Habitat for Humanity is to build and improve the places people call home.
By committing to careful planning, Houston Habitat creates energy efficient and resilient houses which are affordable through reasonable mortgages and lowered maintenance costs in Houston, Texas. Learn more about Houston Habitat’s homeownership program today!
Being hurricane ready is necessary as a Gulf Coast resident. While it’s essential to be prepared year-round for floods and extreme weather, it’s especially important now as hurricane season starts.
