When hurricane season hits Texas, the difference between panic and peace of mind comes down to one thing: preparation. While we can’t control when or where a storm makes landfall, we can control how ready we are for what comes next. This guide walks you through the critical steps to protect your family, your home, and your future—starting well before the wind picks up.

Step 1: Create a Family Emergency Plan

Every member of your household should know the answers to three questions:

• How will we communicate during an emergency?
• Where will we go if we have to evacuate?
• What should each of us do right away if a storm is coming?

The Department of Homeland Security recommends having a written, up-to-date Family Emergency Plan that includes:

Step 2: Build a Communication & Alert Strategy

• Sign up for local alerts (such as those from FEMA, Ready.gov, or your city’s emergency alert system).
• Keep a weather radio on hand with extra batteries.
• Designate a texting-only contact method in case voice networks are down.
• Print contact info in case your phone is lost or battery-dead.

Step 3: Prepare a “Go Bag” for Every Family Member

Your emergency kit should include:

• 3 days of water (1 gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food
• Flashlight, batteries, and first-aid kit
• Prescription medications and essential hygiene items
• Copies of IDs, insurance documents, and recent photos
• Cell phone charger and power bank
• Cash (ATMs may be down)
• Supplies for infants, seniors, or pets as needed

Consider preparing both a stay-at-home kit and a go-bag for fast evacuation.

Step 4: Plan for Pets and Special Needs

Don’t forget the four-legged family members. Include:

• Food, leash, crate or carrier
• Copies of vaccination and medical records
• Comfort items like toys or bedding
• A photo of you with your pet (for identification if separated)

If a loved one has a medical or mobility need, add backup supplies, extra medications, and any required equipment to your plan now.

Step 5: Secure Important Documents

Keep originals or copies of the following in a waterproof, grab-and-go container:

• Homeowners, auto, and flood insurance policies
• Driver’s licenses, passports, Social Security cards
• Deeds, titles, wills, and banking info
• Medical prescriptions and immunization records

Also: Back them up digitally with a secure cloud-based storage solution.

• Out-of-town contacts and phone numbers
• Designated meeting locations (neighborhood, out-of-town)
• Key info for each family member (medical conditions, work/school contacts)
• Evacuation routes and local shelter info
• Important phone numbers (doctor, veterinarian, insurance agent, pharmacy)

You can use FEMA’s printable template [seen in the brochure we reviewed] to make this process easy and comprehensive.