August is here, and with it comes the most active stretch of hurricane season along the Texas coast. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, but storms are most likely to threaten our area from August into September. For Houston-area homeowners, that makes right now the time to make sure your home — and your coverage — are ready.
The single most important thing to understand about flood insurance is timing. A new flood policy typically takes 30 days to take effect. That means if you wait until a storm is spinning in the Gulf, it’s already too late to get covered for that event. And here’s the detail that surprises many homeowners: standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood protection is a separate policy, available through your insurer, an agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov.
You don’t have to live in a designated high-risk flood zone to flood — Houston has seen that reality firsthand. Knowing your specific flood risk is a smart starting point, and local mapping tools can help you understand your address’s exposure.
Beyond insurance, a little preparation goes a long way. Build an emergency kit for at least 72 hours without power: drinking water, shelf-stable food, a battery or hand-crank radio, phone charging options, medications, important documents, and cash in small bills. Check that exterior and garage doors are secure, trim trees away from the house, and clear gutters and drains. Supplies like plywood and sandbags sell out fast once a storm is named, so it’s better to be ready early than scrambling later.
For buyers, flood zone and flood history are part of doing your homework on any Houston-area home. We always encourage clients to understand a property’s risk and insurance picture before closing — it’s part of buying with confidence in our region.
This is educational information, not insurance advice; a licensed professional can help you choose the right coverage for your home. But the takeaway is simple and time-sensitive: don’t wait. The 30-day clock means action today protects you during peak season.
Have questions about a property’s flood risk or how it factors into a purchase? The Audra O’Neal Team is here to help you buy and own smart in Houston.
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The Audra O’Neal Team | ONTX Realty Partners
Call or Text: 281-972-8200
Email: ONealTeamRocks@gmail.com
Web: http://www.ONealTeamRocks.com
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