May 01, 2023

Learn More About Preparedness

Flood Smart: floodsmart.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: noaa.gov/hurricane-prep

National Weather Service: weather.gov/safety/hurricane

Ready: ready.gov/hurricanes

Michica “Mish” Guillory is the 2023 Texas REALTORS® Commercial Committee chairman. She owns The Guillory Group School of Real Estate and is the broker of boutique brokerage The Guillory Group.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. You can expect, on average, six hurricanes to form from 12 tropical storms, according to the National Weather Service.

Whether you and your clients live on the Texas coast or far inland, the time to prepare for hurricanes is now. Houston REALTOR® Michica “Mish” Guillory offers this advice, supplemented with additional information from NWS and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Hurricane Warning

• Check Your Insurance Do you have enough coverage to replace anything the storm damages or destroys?
• Does your policy cover wind damage?
• Do you have hurricane and flood insurance? It has a 30-day waiting period.
• Do you have coverage if you have a swimming pool?

Prepare Your Home

• Is your home up to code?
• Cover windows and secure doors, especially the garage door
• Bring patio furniture inside

Turn Off the Gas to Outdoor Fixtures

Trim Dead or Damaged Tree Branches

Find a Safe Place to Protect Your Car From Flooding

Gather Supplies

Keep Cash on Hand To Buy Needed Items if the Power’s Out

• Have three days’ worth of non-perishable food and medicine for each family member
• Have more than three days’ worth of water
• Make an emergency kit
• Keep flashlights, radios, and solar-powered USB chargers handy
• Fill up your car’s gas tank before the storm

Buy Life Vests In Case of Extreme Flooding

• During flooding events, water levels may rise to the point where you may need to be evacuated by boat. Water levels during past storms have reached the roofs of houses.

Store Important Documents, Electronics, and Keepsakes in Watertight Containers

Have an Evacuation Plan

• Learn if you are in a hurricane evacuation zone
• Pack a bag of supplies, essential documents, and possessions you can access on short notice
• Know where you would go if you had to evacuate
• Plan routes and backup routes to get to safety

Research Where You Can Take Your Pets

Help Clear Storm Drains In Your Neighborhood

Check In With Your Neighbors

• Help them prepare
• Help them evacuate if needed
• Follow up after the storm