Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?
As hurricane season approaches, it is important to make sure that you and your property are prepared in the event of a major storm. While it is impossible to predict exactly when and where a hurricane will strike, taking proactive steps to prepare can help minimize damage to your home or business. At R&L Restoration, we understand the devastation that can be caused by severe weather, and we want to help you stay safe and protected. We have prepared the following checklist for you to download and print.
Are you a business owner? Learn how we prevent excessive downtime if disaster strikes. Call us at 713-686-8899.
Secure Your Property
Prepare your property for tropical storms and severe weather by taking precautionary steps:
- Secure porch and garage doors
- Bring outdoor furniture and loose objects inside
- Consider boarding up windows with plywood
- Install or close storm shutters
- Close and lock all windows and exterior doors
- If instructed by local authorities, shut off main utilities
- Prune dead or dying tree limbs near structures
- Unplug all major appliances except the refrigerator
- Inspect the roof and repair any existing leaks or damage
- Elevate ground-level furniture and appliances off the floor
Gather Emergency Supplies
Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit that includes the following essential items:
- Bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable canned food and a manual can opener
- Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
- Multi-purpose utility tool
- Whistle to signal for emergency help
- Fully stocked first-aid kit
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Portable power banks and hand-crank weather radios
- Prescription medications and essential medical supplies
- Portable generator and safe fuel storage
- Personal hygiene supplies and sanitation items
- Waterproof container with passports, deeds, and insurance policies
Plan for Evacuation
If you live in a high-risk flood zone or surge area, be prepared to evacuate quickly. Have a complete plan in place including:
- A designated meeting spot for your family or household members
- A contact list with emergency numbers and out-of-area family members
- A map of official evacuation routes and nearby shelter locations
- A pet care plan with food, water, medications, and travel crates
During the Storm (If Evacuating)
If instructed to leave by local officials, do so immediately. Do not wait until the last minute, as roads can quickly become flooded or congested. Take your emergency kit, important documents, medications, and pet supplies. Continuously monitor local news updates and weather alerts for road closures and shelter changes.
During the Storm (If Sheltering in Place)
Stay inside your home or facility throughout the duration of the storm and avoid going outdoors. Stay away from exterior doors and windows, sheltering in a windowless interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level that is safe from rising floodwaters. Keep your emergency kit nearby in case of immediate utility failures or structural damage.
After the Storm Passes
Exercise extreme caution when returning to or inspecting your property after the storm. Check carefully for structural compromise, gas leaks, and standing water before entering. Document your entire property with photos and videos to support your insurance claim. Contact your insurance adjuster right away, then reach out to a professional property damage team like R&L Restoration for an immediate structural assessment. We specialize in comprehensive Houston storm damage restoration.
Facing storm damage right now? Our emergency cleanup team is ready 24/7. Call 713-686-8899 for immediate service.