Hurricane Season 2023: How Houston Homeowners Can Prepare Right Now

August in Houston means one thing: peak hurricane season. The Gulf Coast sits in the direct path of some of the most powerful storms in the country. But the homeowners who fare best aren’t the ones who panic at the last minute — they’re the ones who prepared months ahead.

1. Inspect Your Roof Before Storm Season Peaks

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. Before any major storm, walk around your property and look for:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Loose flashing around chimneys and vents
• Sagging sections or visible daylight from inside the attic
• Clogged or damaged gutters that can overflow and cause water intrusion

If you spot any issues, don’t wait. Scheduling a roof inspection and minor repairs in August — before storm season peaks — is far cheaper than emergency repairs after a hurricane hits.

2. Secure Windows and Doors

Houston homes face brutal wind shear during hurricanes. Make sure all exterior doors have heavy-duty deadbolts and storm-rated door sweeps. For windows, consider:

• Installing storm shutters or plywood boarding for large windows
• Checking window caulking and seals for gaps
• Adding impact-resistant film to existing glass

3. Check Your Drainage and Grading

Houston is notoriously flat, which means poor drainage causes flooding fast. Walk your yard after a heavy rain to identify low spots where water pools. Ensure the ground slopes away from your foundation by at least 6 inches over 10 feet. Clean all gutters and downspout extensions so water flows away from the house.

4. Build Your Emergency Supply Kit

FEMA recommends at least 72 hours of supplies. For Houston’s heat and humidity, we recommend 7 days. Your kit should include:

• 1 gallon of water per person per day (minimum)
• Non-perishable food for 7 days
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit and prescription medications
• Portable phone charger
• Important documents in a waterproof container

5. Know Your Evacuation Route

If a Category 3 or higher storm threatens Houston, be ready to evacuate. Program multiple routes into your phone (I-10 West, US-290 Northwest, I-45 North are the primary contra-flow routes). Know your zone — Harris County uses Zones A through E for evacuation priority.