Like travelling anywhere in the world, one of the first things you need to know is how to be prepared for anything that could happen, this includes any weather changes.
Texas has an array of extreme weather. Through the winter months, Texas experiences blizzard conditions which often lead to droughts. During the summer months, Texas experiences intense heat, so it is handy to keep the air conditioning on.
Texas has severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. All of which you need to be prepared for if you are planning on being in Texas during the months they occur.
When Is Hurricane Season?
Hurricanes are a major threat to life in Texas. They occur every year and leave a lot of devastation and destruction when they are done.
The Texas Gulf Coast is where the hurricanes hit the hardest. They don’t only have strong winds, they also bring torrential rain, tornadoes, and severe storm surges. Inland, they can lead to floods caused by heavy rainfall.
So, when does all this terrible weather begin? Hurricane season in Texas usually starts in the middle of the summer and ends in late fall.
In terms of when this occurs in months, you should be prepared for hurricanes from June until the end of November.
The most active months for hurricanes seem to be in August and September when we look at the data from previous years.
When Should You Prepare For Hurricane Season?
Well, you’ll want to be prepared in advance for hurricane season, especially since there is no exact date telling you when it will start.
Since we know that hurricanes occur in the summer, mainly starting in June, you’ll want to have completed your preparations before June starts.
How To Prepare For Hurricane Season
The first thing to remember is that hurricanes bring really strong winds that can range from a speed of 90 miles per hour to 100 miles per hour or more. Since these cause a lot of destruction, follow this guide telling you how to prepare.
Evacuation
The first thing you should do to prepare for a hurricane is to know how to safely evacuate. Depending on the area that you are in, there will be different evacuation routes.
If you are going to be in Texas during the hurricane season then you need to have these routes committed to memory. You can access all of the information about hurricane evacuation routes on the Texas Department of Transportation website.
Home Preparation
As we mentioned before, a lot of destruction occurs when hurricanes hit. They can cause a lot of damage to your homes. So, you need to be able to prepare your home as much as possible, especially if you are going to be staying at your home during hurricane season.
Home Elevation
Let’s start with your home elevation. Hurricanes are known to lead to severe flooding, so it is important you know the elevation of your home.
Also, it is important to know what kind of a zone you are in. Is your home in a flood zone? Is it in an evacuation zone? Having the answers to these questions before hurricane season hits will allow you to act safely and quickly.
Home Landscape
There are a few things you can do to your home landscape to try and protect it from being badly damaged during a hurricane.
You could trim trees, hedges, and any dead limbs that are close to your home. This removes the threat of anything close to your home falling on it during a hurricane.
It is also a good idea to replace broken fences or repair them before hurricane season. This way you can reduce the chance of them getting carried away in the wind and damaging your home.
The Roof
Before the hurricane season it is a good idea to make sure your roof is in the best possible condition. Make sure that any roof tiles aren’t loose.
If you can, it would be best to replace old roof shingles with new ones that can withstand hurricane winds. You also want to make sure your rain gutters are free from any debris.
Mobile Homes
If you live in a mobile home or have any on the property, then these need to be thoroughly inspected. The first place to start is with the tie-downs.
Make sure there is no rust present on them and that they aren’t broken. It is important to note that if you live in a mobile home you have to evacuate when told so.
Windows
One of the best ways to protect your windows during a hurricane is to have hurricane shutters installed. Of course, this option is not feasible for everyone though.
So, if you are unable to get shutters installed then you could use greater exterior grade plywood and secure it with 2 and a half-inch screw.
If you already have hurricane shutters then make sure to inspect them for any damage that might have occurred during the previous hurricane season.
Doors
It is important to take care of your doors and make sure they are ready to power through the hurricane season. Make sure that garage doors are reinforced and that their tracks are sturdy. If you can, it is better to get a door that has been tested to last during a hurricane.
Use security deadbolts on existing doors to make them sturdier.
Pets
Pets should always be a part of your hurricane plan. If part of your evacuation plan is to stay at a hotel, make sure your pets have up-to-date vaccinations and double-check that the hotel or shelter allows pets to stay.
Each pet needs to have a pet carrier that is appropriately sized for them. Pack food and water for your pet and make sure that any pets that need medication have it packed.
If the worst scenario occurs, make sure you are prepared by having a recent picture of your pet and making sure they are wearing the correct identification at all times.
Final Thoughts
Now you know when hurricane season occurs in Texas you can safely prepare for it, whether that means avoiding Texas during that time or making your home secure.
If you feel like you are fully prepared for the hurricane season, do another check in case you missed something. When it comes to hurricane season, you can never be too prepared for it.
Remember that hurricane season is over by the end of November so it is important to keep on top of these preparations until then.
Hi, my name is Robert Miller, and I have lived in Texas all my life. I am proud of my state, and decided to set up this site to share its beauty with others. Through Texans United, I will be talking readers through everything they need to know about Texas. From the best places to eat, and sites to visit, to its history and useful information.
