Residents in Texas are used to dealing with common weather events in their region. For those close to the Gulf Coast, hurricanes and flooding are big concerns, while in north Texas, snow and tornadoes are a greater concern. However, in recent years Texans have begun to experience a wider variety and intensity of severe weather storms and disasters, making the entire state more vulnerable to damages and losses. For this reason, it's imperative that homeowners and renters be as prepared as possible throughout the year. In today's Aegis blog post, we look at some practical ways homeowners and renters can be ready for any sudden weather disasters or emergencies to minimize losses and protect their loved ones.

Having Fully Stocked Emergency Kits Year-round

One of the biggest takeaways from the recent Winter Storm Uri is that many individuals and families across Texas were woefully underprepared for the extreme winter weather, whether they were in major urban cities, smaller rural towns, houses, or apartments. To avoid a repeat of this situation, homeowners and renters should create fully stocked emergency kits to keep throughout the year. Emergency kits can be beneficial and life-saving when power and water are lost due to hurricanes, winter storms, summer power blackouts, wildfires, tornadoes, flooding, or other weather catastrophes.

Emergency kits should include ample amounts of bottled water, flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kits and other important medicine, backup power banks for charging phones and devices, copies of important documents, and non-perishable foods. In addition, homeowners and renters should also make plans for how to cook food or heat their home if power is lost, and also create evacuation plans if necessary. These preparations can help make a difference whether our region is impacted by a hurricane or a major winter storm.

Regularly Inspect Home Interior and Exterior

Another important step in protecting your home or rental home from weather disasters is to make sure the property is regularly inspected both inside and out. Before hot weather arrives, air conditioning units should be serviced to ensure they are in proper working order and that the condensate drain is clear from mildew or debris. During winter months, pipes should be inspected for any possible rust or cracks that might need repair, and any exposed pipes should be insulated to prevent cracks during hard freezes. Before a hard freeze, sprinkler systems should be winterized to prevent costly damages and leaks. Finally, trees should be pruned to ensure overgrown and heavy branches do not break off and cause damage to the home, patio, garage, vehicles, or other nearby property.

Annually Review Homeowners or Renters Insurance Policies

Lastly, homeowners and renters should review their homeowners or renters insurance coverage on an annual basis to ensure they understand all included and excluded events, their deductibles, coverage amounts and terms, and any other relevant information. They should also keep copies of their insurance information in a safe location, and make sure any new purchases or major life changes are reflected in their current insurance coverage.

Getting prepared in advance for major weather events might be a time-consuming process, but the time and money spent in preparation can be life-saving and valuable when you consider the safety and comfort of yourself and your loved ones when weather disasters strike. Aegis Insurance & Financial Services is committed to helping our personal insurance clients have the peace of mind and financial protection needed when faced with catastrophic events or major weather disasters. Contact our Aegis team for more information about your insurance needs at 713-850-7622, or fill out our online form to request additional information.