A Texas state agency is making sure Texans are prepared to face hurricanes as June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season.
This year, forecasters say Texas is in the low-risk zone for 2026, but warm Gulf waters, the risk of rapid intensification, and the memory of past hurricanes like Allison and Beryl mean Texans shouldn’t let their guard down.
For now, forecasters say the biggest early-season threat is east of Texas, but the warm Gulf means any storm reaching the western part of the basin could rapidly strengthen before landfall.
That’s why the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is making sure Texans are prepared in case a hurricane hits, from evacuation routes to insurance coverage.
Texas Insurance Tips for Hurricane Season
According to TDI, Texans should double-check their wind, flood and auto insurance before the storm hits.
Although some home insurance policies don’t cover damage caused by wind and hail, TDI said it’s worth considering flood insurance if you live along the Gulf Coast.
But don’t delay – TDI said flood policies typically go into effect 30 days after purchase.
The Department also made the following suggestions:
- Know your deductibles, as they usually vary for wind and hail damage.
- Keep the phone numbers of your agent and insurance company in your phone.
- Make copies of your policy declaration page and auto and health ID cards. Email them to yourself so you can access them when you leave your house.
- Check your roof and windows. Repairs and reinforcements can save you money later.
- List the house. Take photos or videos of every room, closet, and drawer in your home and garage. This can help if you need to file an insurance claim.
- Make an evacuation plan and create an emergency go-kit that includes water, food, medicine, clothing, pet food and other vital supplies.
Do you have any insurance questions? Call TDI’s help line at 800-252-3439. It is open weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm Central Time.
How to Inventory Your Home for Insurance Purposes
TDI says not having a home inventory can delay your claims payment, and Texans should ask their insurance agent what documentation is needed to file a claim.
You can create a home inventory in two ways:
- See if your insurance company has an app or online form to fill out. If not, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free home inventory app.
- Take video of everything. Use your smartphone to take photos or video of every room in your home – open cabinets and drawers, and record the serial numbers of items like appliances and electronics.
The most important thing is to keep your home inventory up to date and store it away from your home or online via cloud storage or email.
When does hurricane season start and end?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
As of May 21, NOAA is predicting a below normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY.