Houston Hurricane and Flood Prep Checklist

By Muhammad Ishaq Hassan. Updated October 3, 2026. 3 min read.

Short answer: Before hurricane season, Houston homeowners should check flood insurance (new policies usually wait 30 days), know their flood risk and evacuation zone, clear gutters and storm drains, secure outdoor items, and gather documents, water, medicine and a charged phone. After a storm, stay out of floodwater, photograph damage and start drying within a day or two to limit mold.

Houston knows storms. Hurricane Harvey in 2017 brought record rainfall and flooding across the region, and Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 left more than two million customers without power. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and many Houston floods come from heavy rain, not only hurricanes. This Houston hurricane checklist covers what to do before, during and after a storm.

Before hurricane season

Check whether you have flood insurance. Standard homeowners policies usually do not cover flooding, and new National Flood Insurance Program policies usually have a 30 day waiting period
Look up your flood risk on the Harris County Flood Control District flood maps, even if you are outside a mapped floodplain
Know your evacuation zone and route
Clean gutters and downspouts, and keep storm drains near your home clear
Trim dead branches and trees near the house
Photograph every room and your belongings for insurance records
Have your roof checked for loose or damaged shingles

Illustration of a flooded basement with water covering the stairs and boxes floating — Basement flooding often follows heavy rain or a failed sump pump.

When a storm is coming

Bring in or tie down patio furniture, grills and trash cans
Move valuables and important papers up high, or into waterproof bags
Fill prescriptions and gather water, food, batteries and chargers for several days
Fuel cars and park them on higher ground if flooding is possible
Plan for power outages, and never run a generator indoors or in a garage
Turn off the power at the main breaker if flooding is expected and you can do it safely

Turn around, do not drown. Never drive or walk through flooded roads or bayou crossings. A few inches of moving water can sweep people and cars away.

Need help with water damage restoration?Free to call. You will be connected with an available local provider where one serves your area.

Call Tap to call

After the storm

Return only when officials say it is safe.
Watch for downed power lines and gas leaks.
Photograph and video damage before cleaning.
Call your insurer, and your flood insurer if outside water got in.
Remove standing water and wet materials, and start drying within 24 to 48 hours.
Tarp roof damage to stop more water getting in.
Be cautious of door to door contractors after storms, and check licenses and references.

Illustration of a brown water stain spreading across a ceiling with water dripping below — A ceiling stain usually means water is trapped above. Drips are a sign it is getting worse.

Illustration of wood floor planks cupping and warping around a pool of water — Wood floors cup and buckle as they soak up water from below.

Houston specific risks

Flat terrain and clay soils that drain slowly
Bayous and streets that flood quickly in heavy rain
Long power outages in summer heat, which make fast drying harder
High humidity, which lets mold grow quickly after any flooding

Read our guides on what to do after a flood and how fast mold grows after water damage.

Local help in Houston

Illustration of a burst pipe spraying water into a living room with a flooded floor — Water damage from a burst pipe spreads fast across floors and into walls.

Quick answers: houston hurricane checklist

When is hurricane season in Houston?

June 1 to November 30, with the most activity usually from August to October.

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding in Houston?

Usually not. Flooding needs separate flood insurance, and new policies often wait 30 days.

How do I check my flood risk in Houston?

Use the Harris County Flood Control District flood maps and FEMA flood maps, and remember many floods happen outside mapped floodplains.

What should I do first after a Houston flood?

Stay safe, photograph damage, call your insurers and start drying within a day or two.

Who can help with storm damage in Houston?

Sifixit can connect you with local water damage, roofing and plumbing providers in Houston.

This guide covered houston hurricane checklist. For more background, see FEMA’s flood insurance pages, and if you need help, Sifixit can connect you with a local provider.

This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional, insurance or safety advice for your situation.

More helpful guides

Water leaking from the unit above youWhat to do when water leaks into your apartment or condo from the unit above, and who usually...
Washing machine flooded the laundry roomWhat to do when a washing machine floods the laundry room, from stopping the water to drying the...
Water damaged hardwood floors: can they be saved?Often, yes, if the water was clean and drying starts within a day or two.
What to do after a flood in your homeReturn only when officials say it is safe, keep the power off until an electrician checks it, and...
Washing machine and appliance leaks: how to prevent and handle themWashing machines, water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerator ice makers and toilets cause many household water damage claims, usually from...
Can you stay in your house during water damage restorationOften yes, if the damage is limited to a few rooms of clean water, the power is safe...