Are you ready for hurricane season?

It is upon us once again.

One of the most unpredictable seasons for the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Season starts June 1st and goes through November. My experience living most of my life on the Gulf Coast is that hurricane season is no joke. From underestimating small hurricanes to preparing for the worst of the worst, you never know exactly what it is going to be like until it arrives.

Hurricane Harvey was the most recent one that really surprised us. The rising waters and sporadic tornado warnings were scary. Luckily, we came out with no damage but as most Houstonians found out, it is best to be prepared for the worst.

And even when you are not in a “flood zone” or you are in the “100-year flood plain” you could still flood.

The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) said in 2021 there could be anywhere from 13 to 20 named storms. So, are you prepared if one hits in the next week?

If you are new to the area here are some tips:

  • If they recommend evacuating, I will take those recommendations seriously and map out your evacuation route and hit the road ASAP!
  • If you decide to ride it out at home: Hit the grocery store ASAP. Here are some things you will need:
  1. Food & Water
  2. Canned/ pouched food
  3. A manual can opener
  4. A gallon of water per person per day. 
  5. Battery powered radios & lots of extra batteries
  6. Extra cell phone battery
  7. Flashlights
  8. First aid kit
  9. Paper goods: (Toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates)
  10. If you require Medications- make sure to keep those stocked.
  • Have important documents (insurance documents as well) either stored in waterproof bag/safe, saved on a flash drive, or saved on your phone in picture form.
  • Fill up your gas in your car. Fill up your bathtub with water (this could be used for drinking or to flush toilets in case of outage)
  • Trim your trees– reduces debris chances and this will keep them from falling over when a storm hits.
  • Consider a generator– in case you lose power.

So, what happens during the storm?

Take Shelter! Prepare an interior room in your home that has no windows or a hallway. Do not go driving around especially when the waters start rising. You’ll see signs all around Houston to “Turn Around -Don’t Drown”.

What happens after the storm?

Hopefully, you do not endure too much damage. If you do though, make sure to take pictures of everything (for insurance purposes). Wear protecting clothing during cleanup in case of debris and sharp edges.  Contact your insurance agent.

Do I need special hurricane insurance?

If you have complete homeowner policy (HO-3) you should have hurricane insurance included in your policy unless you are in a county closest to the Gulf.  Make sure to check your declarations page or call your agent to verify. It is normally covered under tropical cyclone so check those deductibles. Beware the tropical cyclone deductible is generally higher than your other deductibles. Also check your wind/hail deductibles and make sure you have flood insurance! Flood insurance is never automatically included in your homeowners.

How do I get flood insurance?

You can call us to get a quote! We write the FEMA flood insurance policies. They are annual policies and once you sign up for it, the coverage starts 30 days after.

So, if you have not yet secured your flood insurance, call us now! Our number is 281-492-2062 or you can email us to get the quote going!

If you like to receive this type of insurance service and you would like to get it from your insurance agent, we have good news for you! We’re here to help. Join our agency and all our satisfied clients!

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Find out how we can help you be better protected and properly insured. Email us with any questions or requests for insurances quotes!

Katleen Huybrechts Muñiz  

Insurance Agent

Maximum Insurance Solutions Group

Katy, Texas

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