Preparing Your Home for the Next Natural Disaster

Protect Your Loved Ones and Assets Against Wildfires, Flooding, Hurricanes and Other Extreme Weather Events

In Texas we like to do things BIG and that includes natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey in 2017 which damaged an estimated 300,000 structures, 500,000 vehicles, and caused $125 billion in total damage, the second most costly natural disaster in U.S. history.

“Texas is the most disaster-prone state in the country, with 374 federal disaster declarations since 1953. In a single year, we see a wide variety of natural disasters,” says Texas General Land Office (GLO) commissioner Dawn Buckingham.

It’s not just hurricanes that Texans need to prepare for as the state sees everything from Arctic freezes – the Great Texas Freeze in February 2021 lasted nearly nine days and at its peak saw 10 million people without power leading to bursting pipes and boil water adversaries – and the state experienced the second largest fire in U.S. history with the Smokehouse Creek Fire a year ago burning more than 1 million acres.

The GLO, via its “Don’t Ignore Your Risk” public outreach initiative, encourages Texans to know their risks and prepare their families.

At Dean & Draper, we believe that being prepared is the best defense against these unpredictable events. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential steps to protect what matters most when disaster strikes.

General Preparedness Tips: Emergency Plans and Kits

There are some general preparedness strategies that can help keep you and your family safe and secure, regardless of the emergency.

Creating an emergency plan, assembling disaster supply kits in advance, and staying informed are all essential.

Create an Emergency Plan

One of the most crucial steps in disaster preparedness is having a solid emergency plan in place. This plan should include:

• Designated meeting places both near your home and outside your neighborhood.
• Emergency contact information for all family members.
• A communication strategy if phone lines are down (including cellular phone service).
• Roles and responsibilities for each family member during an emergency.
• Know the location of important personal documents and items to secure.

Make sure to review and practice your plan regularly with all household members, including children.

Assemble Disaster Supply Kits

Prepare emergency kits for both your home and vehicles. These kits should include:

• Non-perishable food and water for at least three days, and manual can opener.
• Infant formula and diapers.
• Pet food and supplies.
• First aid supplies, prescription medications, and extra eyeglasses/contact lenses and supplies.
• Medical equipment/assistive technology and backup batteries.
• Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
• Cash, credit cards and important documents in a waterproof container.
• Cell phone and charging equipment.
• Blanket, sleeping bags, pillow, and towels.
• Change of clothes (including extra warm clothes) and sturdy, comfortable shoes.
• Tool kit.
• Matches or lighter in a waterproof container.
• Personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies such as soap/disinfectant/sanitizer, paper towels/moist towelettes, toothbrush/toothpaste, and toilet paper.
• Whistle.

Do not forget priceless items such as photo albums, books, favorite stuffed toys, and other valuables.

Stay Informed

Knowledge is power when it comes to natural disasters. Stay informed about local weather conditions and potential threats by:

• Signing up for local emergency alerts and warnings.
• Following local news and weather reports.
• Familiarizing yourself with evacuation routes and shelter locations.
• Understanding the emergency plans for your workplace and children's schools.
  

Fire Prevention and Wildfire Protection

The risk of wildfires is increasing in many parts of Texas so residents in areas prone to fires should take steps to prevent firs and protect their family, home, and assets:

• Create Defensible Space: Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and the grass, trees, or other vegetation that surrounds it. To create this space:
  o   Clear leaves and debris from gutters, eaves, porches, and decks.
  o   Remove dead vegetation within 10 feet of the house.
  o   Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
  o   Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained.
• Use Fire-Resistant Materials: When building or renovating, consider using fire-resistant materials:
  o   Class A fire-rated roofing materials like composite shingles, metal, or concrete tiles.
  o   Fire-resistant siding such as brick, fiber-cement, or stucco.
  o   Dual-paned windows with tempered glass to reduce the chance of breakage in a fire.
• Install Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers: Ensure your home is equipped with:
  o   Working smoke detectors on every level, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries yearly.
  o   Fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations, especially in the kitchen and garage.
  o   Carbon monoxide detectors if you have fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage.
• Develop a Wildfire Evacuation Plan: Create a plan specific to wildfire evacuation:
  o   Identify multiple escape routes from your home and neighborhood.
  o   Designate a safe meeting place outside the fire or hazard area.
  o   Prepare an emergency supply kit that you can grab quickly.
  o   Have a plan for your pets and large animals if you need to evacuate.
• Home Fire Escape Plans: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reminds Texans that the place people feel safest from fire – at home – is where they are at greatest risk as 74 percent of all U.S. fire deaths occur in homes.
  Be prepared by:
  o   Create a home escape plan that meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
  o   Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
  o   Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
  o   Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

Flood and Hurricane Prep

Anyone who lived through Hurricane Harvey torrential rain or other flooding events will tell you that preparation is key as rising waters can often take residents by surprise:

• Elevate Important Items: In flood-prone areas of your home:
  o   Raise electrical system components at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
  o   Elevate the furnace, water heater, and other appliances on concrete blocks.
  o   Store important documents and valuable items on upper floors or high shelves.
  
• Install Backflow Valves: Prevent sewage from backing up into your home by installing backflow valves or standpipes in sewer and septic tank lines.
  
• Consider Flood Barriers: Investigate options for temporary flood barriers:
  o   Sandbags for entryways and low points around your property.
  o   Inflatable flood barriers that can be quickly deployed.
  o   Permanent flood doors for frequently flooded areas.
• Review Your Flood Insurance Coverage: Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover flood damage. Consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
• Hurricane Prep: Living on the Gulf Coast means being prepared for hurricane season. Here's how to ready your home and family:
  o   Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood to protect windows and doors.
  o   Reinforce garage doors to prevent wind damage.
  o   Secure loose items in your yard that could become projectiles in high winds.
  o   Regularly trim trees and shrubs to make them more wind resistant.
  o   Consider installing a standby generator to keep essential appliances running during power outages. If you use a portable generator, always operate it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Remember that the dangers with hurricanes may start with the high winds, but the real danger is often in flooding events that occur along with the storm.

Protecting Your Assets

Natural disasters can cause significant damage to your property and belongings. Here's how to protect your assets:

• Create a Home Inventory: Maintain an up-to-date home inventory by taking photos or videos of each room, including closets and drawers. Make sure to list valuable items with serial numbers, purchase dates, and estimated values. Store your inventory in a safe place outside your home or in a secure cloud storage service
• Store Important Documents Safely: Keep important documents in a waterproof, portable container:
  o   Insurance policies, property records, and utility bills. 
  o   Identification documents and personal records (passports, birth certificates, driver’s license, marriage certificates, etc.).
  o   Bank account records and credit card information.
  o   Medical information and prescriptions.
• Review and Update Insurance Policies: Regularly review your insurance coverage to ensure it adequately protects your home and belongings. Work with your insurance broke to understand what your policies cover and what they don't. Update your coverage as you acquire new valuable items or make home improvements

After the Disaster

Surviving a natural disaster can be a long ordeal as it may take weeks, or longer, to return to normal. Here are some tips for what to do after the disaster:

• Wait for official word it is safe to return to your home and community.
• Be aware of hazards such as downed power lines, contaminated water, or structural damage.
• Use personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, boots) when clearing debris.
• Make sure to take photos and videos of all the damage before starting clean-up.
• Make a list of damaged or lost items for insurance.
• Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process.
• If necessary, have a qualified professional inspect your home for safety before fully moving back in.
• Always use license contractors for repairs and avoid “storm chasers” and others who may try to scam those in need.

Being proactive in disaster preparedness is not just about protecting your property, it's about safeguarding your family's well-being and peace of mind. By taking the time to prepare now, you can significantly reduce the impact of a natural disaster on your home, assets, and loved ones.

At Dean & Draper, we're committed to helping you stay safe and secure. Our experienced team can help you review your insurance coverage and ensure you're adequately protected against the specific risks you face in your region.

Contact Dean & Draper today for a comprehensive insurance review and personalized advice on protecting what matters most to you.

The recommendation(s), advice, and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential, or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking, or responsibility to you.  The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.