FREE Severe Weather Preparedness & Recovery Checklist

Check local hurricane, tornado, wind and flood risks; learn whether your property is in an evacuation zone.

Choose meeting places, an out-of-area contact and a way to reconnect if service fails.

Store drinking water, nonperishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries and necessary medications.

Know your evacuation route and a safe place to stay; identify the most sheltered interior area for tornadoes.

Keep ID, insurance details, medical contacts and important records in waterproof storage with a secure backup.

Secure loose outdoor items, clear drains and review roof, opening and tree concerns before storms approach.

Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms; review generator instructions and fuel plans.

Use multiple ways to receive alerts, including a NOAA Weather Radio and emergency alerts on a charged phone.

If told to evacuate, leave as directed and use approved routes.

For tornado threats, move to a basement or a small windowless interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.

Never drive or walk into floodwater, and stay away from flooded roads and drainage channels.

Stay away from downed lines and do not operate generators, grills or fuel-burning equipment indoors.

Send short check-ins to your emergency contact and conserve device battery.

Follow local return instructions and stay clear of damaged buildings, unstable trees and downed power lines.

Look for injuries, structural instability, gas odor, flooding and electrical hazards before entering or cleaning.

When safe, photograph overall conditions and close-up damage; record dates, receipts and temporary measures.

Use only safe temporary protective measures and preserve receipts for materials and professional help.

Review policy instructions, report damage promptly when appropriate and keep a claims log.

Request written scopes, check relevant insurance and qualifications, and clarify who handles permits and inspections.

For Texas coastal work, ask whether permits, engineering documents or windstorm inspections are needed before repairs are concealed.