Quick answer: With a tropical storm tracking toward Houston this week, focus on what’s still actionable in the days you have left: securing loose outdoor items, clearing gutters and drains, charging devices, stocking emergency supplies, and documenting your property.
A tropical system is tracking toward the Texas Gulf Coast this week, bringing the potential for heavy rain, gusty winds, and localized flooding to Harris County and the greater Houston area. Some storm prep — roof inspections, tree trimming, insurance reviews — is really a spring and early-summer job. But there’s still plenty you can do right now to protect your home and property before this system arrives.
Already Should Be Done (And Worth Checking Now Anyway)
If you haven’t gotten to these yet this season, do a quick check today — but don’t count on being able to fully address them in the next few days:
- Roof inspection. Missing or lifted shingles and damaged flashing are best caught and repaired in the off-season. If you spot obvious damage now, at minimum photograph it for your records.
- Tree trimming. Dead or overhanging limbs are a leading cause of roof, siding, and vehicle damage. A last-minute trim during storm week is often hard to schedule — tree services book up fast once a storm is in the forecast.
What You Can Still Do This Week
1. Secure or Store Loose Outdoor Items
Patio furniture, potted plants, trampolines, grills, and yard decorations become dangerous projectiles in tropical-storm-force winds (39+ mph). Move loose items indoors or into a garage, and anchor anything too large to relocate.
2. Clear Gutters, Downspouts, and Yard Drains
Standing water is one of the leading causes of storm-related home damage. Clogged gutters and drains cause rain to pool against your foundation or back up onto your roof. Clear debris now, before rain makes the job harder.
3. Prepare for Power Outages
Charge phones, laptops, and battery banks. Keep flashlights and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio accessible. If you use a generator, test it in advance and always operate it outdoors.
4. Build a Storm Supply Kit
- 1 gallon of water per person, per day (3-day minimum)
- Non-perishable food
- Medications and first aid supplies
- Batteries and flashlights
- Cash (card readers and ATMs may be down)
- Waterproof copies of important documents
5. Move Vehicles and Valuables to Higher Ground
If your neighborhood floods easily, relocate cars and valuables from garages or ground-floor storage before the rain starts.
6. Document Your Property With Photos or Video
A dated walkthrough video of your home, garage, and outdoor structures speeds up any future insurance claim and helps ensure nothing gets missed. This is one of the most useful things you can do in the next 24 hours, regardless of how the storm tracks.
