Texas is beautiful, growing, and famously unpredictable when it comes to weather. Hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, hail across North Texas and the Hill Country, flash flooding in almost every region, and the occasional hard freeze can all show up in a single year. If you just bought a home, the smartest thing you can do in your first few weeks is build a simple storm plan.
This guide walks through what new homeowners across Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth, El Paso, and everywhere in between can do now, before the next storm is on the radar. It is educational only, so check local rules and your own policy documents for specifics.
Know your local risks first
Storm risk varies a lot across the state. Take a few minutes to learn what applies to your address:
- Hurricanes and tropical storms: Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Coastal counties and the Houston area face the greatest risk, but heavy rain and wind can reach far inland.
- Hail and high wind: Common in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Central Texas, and San Antonio, especially in spring.
- Flooding: Possible almost anywhere, including areas that do not look flood-prone. Check your address on FEMA’s flood map service and ask your county or city about local drainage.
- Winter storms: Rare but serious. See our Texas freeze checklist.
- Extreme heat and wildfire: More common in West Texas and parts of the Hill Country.
Understand your insurance before you need it
Many first-time buyers assume a homeowners policy covers every kind of storm damage. It often does not. Read your policy, or ask your insurance agent, about these points:
- Flood is usually excluded. Standard homeowners policies typically do not cover flood damage. Flood coverage is a separate policy, and it commonly has a waiting period (often around 30 days) before it takes effect, so you cannot wait until a storm is in the forecast.
- Wind and hail deductibles. Many Texas policies use a separate deductible for wind and hail, often a percentage of your home’s insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. Know what yours would be in real dollars.
- Coastal wind coverage. Homes in certain coastal counties may have different rules for wind coverage. Ask your agent how it applies to you.
- What a warranty does not do. A home warranty covers systems and appliances that wear out, not storm damage. Our guide to home warranty vs. homeowners insurance explains the difference.
For questions about your specific coverage, talk with a licensed insurance professional. The Texas Department of Insurance also publishes free consumer guides on storm claims and coverage.
Prepare the house itself
Outside
- Clean gutters and downspouts so water moves away from the foundation.
- Trim dead branches and limbs that hang over the roof.
- Secure or store patio furniture, grills, and trash bins before high winds.
- Check the roof for loose or damaged shingles, and have a professional look at anything that seems off.
- Confirm the ground slopes away from your foundation.
Inside
- Locate your main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff, and make sure everyone in the household knows where they are.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
- Consider a surge protector for sensitive electronics and appliances.
- Photograph or video every room and major item now. A dated home inventory makes an insurance claim much easier.
Build a simple emergency kit
Emergency-management agencies generally recommend planning for at least several days without power or running water. A basic kit includes:
- Drinking water (about one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food
- Flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery or hand-crank radio
- Phone chargers and a portable power bank
- First-aid supplies and any needed prescriptions
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag or saved securely online
- Cash in small bills, since card readers may be down
- Pet supplies, if you have animals
Make a household plan
- Know your evacuation zone if you live in a hurricane-prone area, and map two routes out.
- Sign up for local alerts through your city or county emergency notification system.
- Choose an out-of-area contact everyone can check in with.
- Plan for power loss. Since Texas has a deregulated electricity market, your provider sells you power, but your local delivery utility handles outages. Keep both numbers handy. Our guide to setting up utilities in Texas covers how this works.
- Add layers of security. Storm recovery periods can attract opportunists, so keep doors secure and lights working. See our home security resources for ideas.
After a storm
- Stay away from downed power lines and standing water.
- Photograph damage before you clean up or make temporary repairs.
- Contact your insurance company promptly and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
- Be cautious of door-to-door contractors who pressure you to sign immediately. Verify licenses, get written estimates, and do not pay the full amount upfront.
Frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding in Texas?
Typically no. Flood damage is usually covered under a separate flood insurance policy, and those policies often have a waiting period before coverage starts. Ask a licensed insurance professional about your address.
When should I start preparing for hurricane season?
Before it begins. Hurricane season starts June 1, but it is never too late to prepare, and season runs through the end of November.
How much should I keep in an emergency kit?
Planning for several days of supplies for each person and pet is a common recommendation from emergency-management agencies. Adjust for your household’s needs.
Should I make a home inventory even if I just moved in?
Yes. Recording your belongings right after you move in creates a baseline that can speed up any future claim.
Get move-in ready
Storm prep is one piece of settling into your new Texas home. Grab our free move-in checklist to stay organized from closing day through your first year: get the free checklist.