Hurricane Season Preparation Guide for Houston Homeowners

Houston is one of the most flood-prone cities in the United States. Check your property's flood zone status at FEMA's flood map service center. Even if you're not in a high-risk zone, remember that 30 percent of flood claims come from moderate and low-risk areas.

Neighborhoods along Buffalo Bayou, Brays Bayou, Clear Creek, and Dickinson Bayou face the highest risk. But Houston's flat terrain and clay soil mean flooding can occur almost anywhere during intense rainfall events like those seen during Hurricane Harvey.

Clear gutters and downspouts of debris so water drains away from your foundation. Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from your home. Grade the soil around your foundation so it slopes away from the house at a rate of 1 inch per foot for at least 6 feet.

Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Seal gaps around plumbing vents, skylights, and chimneys. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof -- high winds can turn them into battering rams that compromise your roof's integrity.

Install backflow valves on sewer lines to prevent sewage backup during flooding. Consider a sump pump with battery backup for homes with basements or low-lying areas.

Stock 3 days of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents in waterproof bags. Include phone chargers, cash, and copies of insurance policies.

Know your evacuation route and have a meeting point for your family. Download the Harris County Flood Control District app for real-time flood alerts. Keep your gas tank at least half full during hurricane season.

Standard homeowner insurance does not cover flooding. You need a separate flood insurance policy through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. There is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect, so don't wait until a storm is approaching.

Review your homeowner policy's wind and water damage coverage. Understand your deductible -- many coastal policies have separate, higher wind/hail deductibles. Document your home's contents with photos and video and store the records in the cloud.

After a major storm, every restoration company in the area is overwhelmed. Having an established relationship with a restoration provider gives you priority access. Save their number in your phone now, before you need it.

Know where your main water shutoff, gas shutoff, and electrical panel are located. Label them clearly. If you need to evacuate, shut off utilities before leaving to minimize damage while you're away.