Hurricane Season Basics for New Spring Residents

Spring sits well inland, but Houston-area residents know that tropical storms and hurricanes can still bring heavy rain, wind and power outages. If this is your first year here, here's how to prepare.

Know the season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The busiest stretch is usually late summer into early fall.

Inland storms are mostly about water and wind

For Spring, the main risks are heavy rain, flooding, fallen trees and power outages. Know your home's flood zone and how your street drains.

Insurance comes first

• Flood coverage is separate from homeowners insurance.

• NFIP policies generally have a 30-day wait, so you can't buy useful coverage the week a storm is forecast.

• Review your homeowners deductible for wind and hail.

The best time to sort out coverage is when you buy the home.

Prepare your home

• Trim trees and limbs near the house.

• Clear gutters and drains.

• Know how to shut off utilities.

• Photograph your home and belongings for insurance records.

Prepare your household

Keep water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries and chargers on hand. Plan for pets, and know where you'd go if you needed to leave.

When is hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

Can I buy flood insurance right before a storm? Not effectively. NFIP flood policies generally have a 30-day waiting period, so coverage bought days before a storm usually won't apply to it.