As a fifth-generation Corpus Christian whose family survived the Great Hurricane of 1919, I’ve learned that preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential. Hurricanes don’t care how long you’ve lived here, how much your home is worth, or whether experts predict a quiet season. It only takes one storm to change your life forever.

Whether you’re a longtime Coastal Bend resident or a new homeowner enjoying life in South Texas, the time to prepare is NOW. Don’t wait until a hurricane is approaching the Texas coast and store shelves are empty. Gather your family, create a plan, and take action while you still have time.

Here are seven critical steps every coastal family should take today to protect their safety, property, and financial future before the next storm threatens our community.

1. Develop a Family Emergency Plan

• • What size Storm will cause you to evacuate? Category 1-5?

• • Where will you go if we evacuate? What Route will you take?

• • Who are you taking? (Don’t forget your pets!)

• • Who are you contacting to share your plan?

• • What if your cell phones don’t work?

2. Build a Hurricane Emergency Kit

Recommended Items

• • 3-7 day supply of water

• • Non-perishable food (Canned Meats, Peanut Butter, Protein Bars, Crackers, Dried Fruit, Baby Food, Pet Food)

• • Prescription medications

• • First aid kit

• • Flashlights

• • Batteries

• • Portable chargers

• • Cash (ATM and Credit Cards may not work)

3. Protect Important Documents

• • Insurance policies

• • Driver licenses

• • Passports

• • Birth certificates

• • Social Security cards

• • Property deeds

4. Prepare Your Home Before The Storm

• • Trim trees

• • Clean gutters

• • Secure loose items

• • If you don’t have hurricane shutters, board up your windows and doors

• • Check generators

• • Fuel your vehicles

5. Understand Flood Risk 

Many Hurricane Harvey claims occurred outside traditional high-risk flood zones. It doesn’t have to be a hurricane to flood your home.

6. Review Home’s Insurance Coverage NOW

Homeowners Insurance

• • Replacement cost: Do you have enough coverage to rebuild your home?

• • Inflation: It costs more to build a home than it did 10 years ago. In fact, it costs more than a home built and finished yesterday. Especially with the added demand on labor and materials after the storm when thousands of homes are being rebuilt at the same time.

• • Reconstruction costs is not the same as market value.

Windstorm Coverage

• • Deductibles: Most of us carry high deductibles to save money. Is it worth paying extra premium during hurricane season to reduce your exposure with a lower deductible?  This may or may not be an option mid term.

• • Understand Your Exclusions

Flood Insurance

• • A Separate policy with the National Flood Insurance Program or a Private carrier is needed because Home and Windstorm Insurance Excludes Flooding.

• • Waiting periods (some up to a 30 day wait)

The worst time to discover a coverage gap is after the storm.

7. Create a Home Inventory

We Suggest you Walk through your home with a smartphone and Video:

• • Furniture

• • Appliances

• • Electronics

• • Jewelry

• • Collectibles

“A 10-minute video today could save weeks of frustration and thousands of dollars after a loss.”

Bonus Things to Remember

Generator Safety

Many deaths occur from:

• • Carbon monoxide poisoning

Never operate generators:

• • Inside garages

• • Near windows

Pet Planning

• • Food

• • Carriers

• • Vaccination records

Choose an evacuation place that allows your pets!

---

Elderly Family Members

• • Do they need medications?

• • Oxygen?

• • Transportation?

---

Fuel

Don’t wait.

If a storm is coming, assume that gas stations will have long lines or may be closed.

Whether NOAA predicts an active season or not, it only takes one storm to change your life. “Remember that Hurricanes don’t read forecasts.”

The best time to prepare is now—not after a storm forms in the Gulf “Hope is not a hurricane plan. Preparation is.”

Take Action Today