Essential Items You Need For Your Hurricane Survival Kit
June 27, 2022
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For the past two decades, hundreds of hurricanes have made landfall in the US. This calamity has taken thousands of lives and destroyed millions of dollars worth of property. Thus, being prepared for such an event will help your chances of survival. 


With advanced technologies at work, detection is easier; the government can notify the public with warnings immediately. But, what do you have to do after a warning? Prepare essential items for your survival kit. 


This article provides you with the basic goods you must include in your kit.



Food and Water

Packing food and water in your survival kit is your best weapon to fight hunger and dehydration. 


Make sure that you prepare food that will be good for at least 72 hours. Canned fruits, meats, and soup are the best survival kit food. It’s easy and convenient to prepare. You must also include drinking water. If you can, the standard water supply in an emergency is one gallon per person per day for three days.




Personal Items, Emergency and Communication Tools  

A survival kit should also include toiletries such as soap, toothbrushes, and other personal hygiene products. 


Emergency tools like a flashlight, whistle, and swiss knife are essential in calamities. The first two emergency items mentioned are accessories to seek help. 


Cellphones, battery-operated radios, and other lines of communication can help you reach others and stay updated on new developments.


First Aid

The items included in your first aid should treat injured people and amend possible infections. The kit should contain scissors, a band-aid for slight wounds, tape, gauze rolls, cotton swab, and alcohol for sanitizing. If you have maintenance medication, pack for at least three days. 


Important Documents

Since things are uncertain during a hurricane, packing important documents like birth certificates, social security cards, and IDs is also needed. Ensure these papers are sealed in a water-proof case to avoid damage. Also, don’t forget to include cash. 


If you have documents for your windstorm insurance, bring them as well. This special type of insurance will help you rebuild the possible aftermath of the calamity.



Conclusion

Yes, it has been mentioned that preparedness is key to survival tons of times. But, even if it's repetitive, you must always practice and take notes. It is crucial to preserve your life in a crisis like a hurricane. 


At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (409) 945-4746. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE. The coverage discussed in this article is not guaranteed. Please call our agents, we are happy to help you learn more about your plan and make sure you have the coverage you need.

October 8, 2025
If you live near the Texas Gulf Coast, you’re no stranger to high winds, tropical storms, and hurricanes . Homeowners in coastal areas like Texas City, Texas, face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their properties. One of the most common questions people ask is whether windstorm insurance can be combined with other types of coverage—like homeowners, flood, or renters insurance—for better protection and easier management. The short answer? Yes, in many cases you can combine or coordinate windstorm insurance with other policies—but it’s important to understand how each type works and what’s covered. Understanding Windstorm Insurance Windstorm insurance provides protection against damage caused by strong winds, hurricanes, hail, and tornadoes. These events can cause extensive damage to roofs, siding, windows, and other structural elements of a home. In Texas, especially along the coast, many standard homeowners insurance policies exclude windstorm and hail coverage. Instead, property owners often need to purchase separate windstorm insurance through private insurers or through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA). Key Features of Windstorm Insurance Covers structural dam age caused by wind, hail, and flying debris Typically includes roof, windows, walls, and foundation repairs May include detached structures like garages or sheds Does not cover flood damage ca used by storm surge or rising water How Windstorm Insurance Works in Texas In coastal regions of Texas, homeowners often get windstorm coverage through TWIA, which is a state-managed program created to ensure residents can obtain insurance when private companies won’t provide it. To qualify for a TWIA policy, your property usually needs to: Be located in an eligi ble coastal county (such as Galveston County, where Texas City, Texas, is located) Meet specific building code requirements for wind resistance Be certified by the Texas Depart ment of Insurance (TDI) Can You Combine Windstorm Insurance with Other Policies? Yes—but not in the way many people expect. Windstorm insurance can be layered or coordinated with other types of coverage to create a more complete protection plan. Here’s how it typically works: 1. Homeowners Insurance + Windstorm Insurance Your homeowners policy covers general perils like fire, theft, and water leaks—but often excludes wind or hail damage if you live near the coast. Adding a windstorm policy ensures your property is protected from hurricane-force winds and other severe weather. Together, they provide a more comprehensive safety net for your home. 2. Windstorm Insurance + Flood Insurance It’s a common misconception that flood damage is covered under windstorm insurance—it’s not. Flood damage is handled through a separate flood insurance policy, typically backed by FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Example: A hurricane hits Texas City, Texas, and your home suffers both roof damage from high winds and flooding from storm surge. You r windstorm policy would cover the roof and structural wind damage. Your floo d policy would cover water damage caused by rising floodwaters. To be fully protected, many coastal homeowners carry both windstorm and flood insurance in addition to their homeowners policy. 3. Renters and Condo Owners If you rent or own a condo near the coast: Renters: You can purchase a renters insurance policy for your personal belongings and add windstorm coverage if required by your lease or property manager. Condo Owners: Your condo association’s master policy may cover exterior wind damage, but you’ll likely need your own unit owner’s policy for interior damage and personal property. Benefits of Combining Coverage When properly coordinated, these policies offer: Compreh ensive protection: Covers wind, flood, and general property damage. Streamlined claims: Easier coordination between insurers when damage comes from multiple sources. Peace of mind: Confidence knowing you’re protected from Texas’s unpredictable weather. Customizable options: You can tailor deductibles and limits to fit your budget and risk level. Important Considerations Before Combining Policies Review y our exclusions: Make sure you know what each policy covers and excludes. Understand deductibles: Windstorm policies often have percentage-based deductibles, especially in hurricane zones. Keep documentation: Maintain proof of property inspections, certifications, and maintenance for claims. Work with a licensed local agent: An experienced insurance professional in Texas City, Texas, can help you compare coverage options, ensure compliance with TWIA requirements, and bundle policies where possible. Check for discounts: Some i nsurers offer multi-policy discounts when you bundle homeowners, auto, or flood insurance. The Bottom Line For homeowners along the Texas Gulf Coast, windstorm insurance is essential, but it shouldn’t stand alone. Combining it with homeowners and flood insurance creates a stronger shield against the financial fallout of hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds. If you live in or near Texas City, Texas, talk to a local insurance professional about your options. They can help ensure your home and belongings are fully protected—no matter what the next storm season brings. At Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency Inc., we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (409) 945-4746 . Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE . Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified insurance agent or professional for personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances. They can provide expert guidance and help you make informed decisions regarding your insurance needs.
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