4 Steps To Prepare Your Home Against Severe Weather

November 22, 2017
A tornado destroys a house in a field


Thousands of tornadoes and hailstorms hit our nation every year. It is inevitable that our homes will be tested by storms, especially here in the Gulf Coast. Hail that can reach the size of softballs, strong winds, and heavy rain, are just a few of the elements we may have to face. You must also consider debris and other dangers that these storms may bring


Is your home ready to face these dangers? It's best to prepare early and not wait until the threat is imminent. The safety of your home and everyone living in it will depend on this. Here are some tips on how you can prepare your home against severe weather.



1. Create an action plan

Always have an action plan that you have discussed with your family. Identify the strongest spot in your home. This will be the best rendezvous point for your family in case you get separated. Know where all your emergency supplies will be. Assign roles for each member. Designate the responsibilities each should do in case of emergencies. Know the best escape route in case you have to evacuate.



2. Reinforce your home

Always maintain the integrity of your home. Good upkeep of your home will help deal with the harsh forces of storms. This includes the yard and surrounding area of your home. Avoid or replace items which can be blown against and damage your home. Reinforce your roofing to protect against hail. Reinforce windows and doors to help keep severe weather outside. Secure furniture, especially tall and top heavy items. This will help avoid them falling on you or your family.



3. Create an emergency kit

Every home should have an emergency kit and placed in an easily accessible area that everyone knows. The kit should at least include the following items:


  • Non-perishable food and water good for 3-5 days (for each person)
  • Medicines/First-Aid Kit
  • Portable radio and lights
  • Chargers and communication devices
  • Cash
  • Clothing
  • Important documents
  • Basic Tools


4. Watch/Listen to the local news

Early detection gives you more time to prepare and execute your emergency plan. Listen to the latest weather updates and be prepared ahead of time. Take note of the helpful hints they provide and use it to your advantage. Always be alert and aware of what is happening around you.



Conclusion

Severe weather will always be present. No matter where you live, it will always be a threat. Be prepared for any storm by following the steps highlighted above. Act fast and and be safe. You and your family's protection are in your hands.


At the Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., our mission is to ensure that we protect are clients and offer them policies that they can afford. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (409) 945-4746. You can also request for a free quote by CLICKING HERE.

September 15, 2026
If you own a home in Texas City, you already know windstorm insurance isn't optional, and you've probably felt the sting of the premium on your renewal notice. Years of active hurricane seasons along the Gulf have pushed rates higher across the board, but that doesn't mean you're stuck accepting whatever number your ca
A damaged, peeling wall with dark mold growth
September 9, 2026
Mold has a way of showing up in Texas City homes when you least expect it, and Gulf Coast humidity doesn't make it any easier to avoid. Between hurricane-season moisture, everyday humidity, and the occasional leaky pipe or roof, it's one of the more common issues local homeowners run into, and also one of the more misu
September 9, 2026
Owning a home along the Texas Gulf Coast means living with a level of risk most inland homeowners never think twice about. Between hurricane season, hail storms rolling in off the Gulf, and the ever-present threat of flooding after a heavy rain, a homeowners policy here has to work harder than it does almost anywhere e
September 9, 2026
Most Texas City homeowners assume that if their house takes on water, their homeowners policy has them covered. It doesn't, and finding that out mid-claim is one of the most expensive surprises a Gulf Coast homeowner can face. Flood damage is excluded from every standard homeowners and commercial property policy in the
Home, homeowners, and flood policy comparison over a flooded house illustration
September 7, 2026
How Texas coastal homeowners actually get hurricane coverage: TWIA 2026 limits, the declination rule, WPI-8 certificates, named-storm deductibles, and the flood policy that pays for surge. Written by a Gulf Coast agent.
Flooded beach house on stilts with roof damage and insurance claim callouts about a Gulf Coast short-term rental
September 7, 2026
How to insure a Galveston, Crystal Beach, Surfside, or Port Aransas short-term rental: TWIA wind, NFIP flood, Fire & Liability policy, from an experienced local Gulf Coast Insurance agent.
August 25, 2026
Learn why TWIA requires WPI-8 certification, which Texas coastal homes need it, key exceptions, and what to do if your certificate is missing.
A smiling parent sits on a couch and lifts a happy young child
August 19, 2026
Kids explore everything, and that curiosity is part of what makes childhood fun — but it also means everyday spaces in your home can hide risks you might not think twice about as an adult. A few thoughtful changes around the house can prevent the kinds of accidents that send families to the emergency room every year.
A view of two suburban houses
August 17, 2026
It's a question we hear often in Texas City, especially once a tropical system starts showing up in the forecast: can I still get flood insurance now, or is it too late? The honest answer is that it depends on your policy type and timing, and understanding how flood insurance waiting periods work can save you from a co
An American Red Cross emergency kit with supplies like water, a flashlight, goggles, and a poncho for flood survival.
August 10, 2026
Living near the Texas Gulf Coast means flooding isn't a rare or distant threat — it's a real possibility every hurricane season, and sometimes even after a heavy afternoon thunderstorm. Whether you're right along the water or a few miles inland, knowing how to prepare, evacuate, and recover safely can make all the diff
Show More