Updated May 2026 · 9 min read · By the RCS storm response team

Houston has been hit by named storms in 2024 (Beryl), 2019 (Imelda), 2017 (Harvey), 2016 (Tax Day), 2015 (Memorial Day), 2008 (Ike), 2001 (Allison), and many more. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak risk for Houston in August and September. This checklist reflects what 19 years of Houston storm-response experience has taught us about preparation.

PProperty Prep (1-7 Days Out)

  • Clear gutters, downspouts, area drains
  • Trim trees away from roof, windows, power lines
  • Test sump pumps and replace battery backups
  • Install hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood
  • Move outdoor furniture and grills indoors or anchor
  • Document property condition with date-stamped video
  • Photograph contents room-by-room with receipts where available
  • Elevate appliances, water heater, HVAC if in flood-prone areas
  • Sandbag low entry points if available

DDocuments (1-3 Days Out)

  • Insurance policies in waterproof bag (home + flood + auto)
  • Driver's license, passport, social security cards
  • Bank account info, credit cards (write down account numbers)
  • Medical records and prescription list
  • Property deeds, vehicle titles, marriage/birth certificates
  • Photos / inventory of home interior on cloud + USB
  • Carrier 24/7 claims phone numbers written down
  • Local restoration company contact (RCS: 713-482-7161)

SSupplies (Stock 72 Hours)

  • 1 gallon water per person per day, 3-day supply
  • Non-perishable food, manual can opener
  • Battery or hand-crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • First-aid kit and 7-day prescription supply
  • Cash — ATMs and card readers fail in outages
  • Cell phone chargers + battery bank
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape for emergency repairs
  • Whistle, dust masks, work gloves

EEvacuation (24-48h Window)

  • Know your evacuation zone (Harris County GIS map)
  • Two evacuation routes planned (primary + alternate)
  • Fuel both vehicles 48 hours before landfall
  • Hotel reservation inland (Austin, San Antonio, DFW) at 72 hours
  • Pack go-bag per person: 3 days clothing, toiletries, comfort items
  • Pet carrier, food, leash, vaccination records
  • Family communication plan (out-of-state contact)
  • Photograph house exterior immediately before evacuation

The 5-Day, 3-Day, 1-Day Timeline

5 Days Before Landfall

If a named storm is forecast to approach the Texas coast, begin property prep now. Trim trees, clear gutters, test sump pumps. Test hurricane shutters. Move heirloom contents to second floor or interior closet (away from windows). Photograph everything, including serial numbers on electronics and appliances. Upload to cloud storage.

3 Days Before Landfall

Stock 72-hour supplies. Fill propane tanks for generators and grills. Withdraw cash — card readers fail during widespread outages. Fill prescriptions. Charge all devices and battery banks. Pre-fill bathtubs with water for sanitation during outages. Boil large pots of water and freeze for cooler use.

1 Day Before Landfall

Decide: shelter in place or evacuate. If shelter, secure all doors and windows, board up if applicable, move to interior room on lowest floor (or upper floor for storm surge). If evacuate, fuel vehicles, leave during daylight, drive inland away from coast on planned route.

Evacuation Routes for Houston Heading north: I-45 to Dallas. Northwest: I-10 west to San Antonio. North-northwest: US-290 to Austin. Avoid eastbound I-10 (toward Beaumont/Louisiana) if the storm is east of the city. Check TxDOT's HoustonTranStar for real-time traffic.

After-Storm: First 48 Hours

If shelter-in-place was successful, do not re-enter flooded areas until power is confirmed off. Smell for gas. Check water supply (boil-water notices common). Document any damage with date-stamped photos and video. Call your insurance carrier or restoration company before significant cleanup — pre-cleanup documentation protects your claim.

Returning from evacuation: drive carefully (downed trees, traffic signals out), do not drive through standing water (depth is deceiving), confirm gas/water shutoffs before re-energizing.

Houston-Specific Considerations

  • Reservoir releases: Addicks and Barker reservoirs may controlled-release downstream, flooding Buffalo Bayou areas (Memorial, Energy Corridor, Sugar Land) even after rain stops. Monitor Harris County Flood Control District alerts.
  • Bayou flash: Brays, White Oak, Sims, Hunting, and Greens bayous flash-flood rapidly. Houses inside these floodplains can see 4-8 feet of water within 90 minutes.
  • Sewage backup: Houston's combined-sewer overflow during heavy rain commonly forces Cat 3 backups into older homes. Install a backflow preventer if your home has experienced sewage flooding before.
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