Preparing Your Property for Severe Weather Season in Dallas and Houston

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Protect Your Property from Storm, Wind and Flood Damage

Living in Texas means being prepared for everything from severe thunderstorms and hail to flash floods and hurricanes—especially in major metro areas like Dallas and Houston. As storm seasons become more intense and unpredictable, taking steps to protect your property now can save you thousands in repairs and keep your family safe.

Preparing Your Property for Severe Weather Season in Dallas and Houston

Inspect and Reinforce Your Roof

Strong winds and hail are common across Texas. Check your roof for missing shingles, weak spots, or leaks. If you live in a high-risk area, consider upgrading to impact-resistant materials. Ensuring your roof is in top shape can prevent major water and structural damage during storms.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters can quickly lead to water overflow, which can damage your foundation or flood your home. Make it a habit to clean out gutters and downspouts regularly—especially before the spring storm season or hurricane threats in the Gulf.

Secure Outdoor Items and Landscaping

Heavy winds can turn patio furniture, grills, and tree limbs into dangerous projectiles. Anchor down or store outdoor items before a storm and trim any overhanging branches to reduce the risk of damage to your home or vehicles.

Check Your Drainage and Sump Pump

Both Dallas and Houston are prone to flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Ensure your yard and foundation have proper drainage and that your sump pump, if you have one, is fully functional. Consider adding a battery backup in case of power outages.

Seal Windows and Doors

Wind-driven rain can sneak in through gaps and cracks. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any leaks around windows and doors. Storm shutters can also provide extra protection during hurricane threats in Houston or severe windstorms in Dallas.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Now’s the time to double-check your homeowner’s policy to make sure it covers storm, wind, and flood damage. Keep digital copies of important documents and create a photo inventory of your belongings for easier claims processing if damage occurs.

FAQs about Severe Storm Preparation in Texas

In Houston and Dallas—two of the nation’s most storm‑impacted metro areas—you’ll want to start by inspecting your roof for loose or missing shingles, trimming back overhanging tree limbs, and clearing gutters and downspouts so water drains away from your foundation. Seal gaps around windows and doors with weather‑rated caulk, and secure or store any loose outdoor furniture or décor. Take dated photos of key areas (roof, siding, windows, interior valuables) for your records. According to NOAA, Texas has suffered over 150 billion‑dollar weather disasters since 1980, so these simple preventive steps can save you thousands in repairs
Most Houston and Dallas homes sit on slab foundations, so traditional sump pumps aren’t standard. Instead, focus on exterior drainage: make sure gutters and downspouts are clear and extend at least 3–4 feet from your foundation, and consider temporary flood barriers or sandbags at low‑entry points. For homes with crawl spaces, verify that vents and lateral drains are functioning to channel water away. Preventing even a few inches of intrusion can save you tens of thousands in mold remediation and structural repairs.
Pack enough to last at least 72 hours per person: one gallon of water per person per day, non‑perishable food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio, a first‑aid kit, essential medications, hygiene supplies, chargers, local maps, cash, and copies of important documents (IDs, insurance policies) in a waterproof folder. Don’t forget pet supplies if you have animals
Standard Texas homeowners policies generally include wind and hail coverage—meaning damage from hailstorms, tornadoes, and inland hurricane winds is covered once you pay your wind/hail deductible, which is typically 1–5% of your home’s insured value . However, if your property sits in one of Texas’s 14 coastal counties or other high‑risk windstorm zones, wind and hail may be excluded from your standard policy; in that case you must purchase a separate windstorm policy through the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) . Flood damage—whether from heavy rain, storm surge, or river overflow—is never covered under a standard homeowners policy and requires a separate flood insurance policy via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer . Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers hail damage to vehicles, but you should always review your declarations page to confirm all coverages and deductible details.
Most insurers allow 30–60 days to report storm damage, but it’s best to file within a few days. Prompt documentation and notification help speed up inspections and approvals. Most policies require you to protect your property from further damage immediately, photographing all damage immediately, securing the property, and contacting both your insurer and a qualified restoration company—like CWF—without delay.
Never enter a structure until local authorities declare it safe. Watch for downed power lines, standing water near outlets, sharp debris, and unstable framing. Wear sturdy boots, gloves, and eye protection. If you detect gas smells or suspect electrical hazards, vacate immediately and call the utility company or emergency services.
Immediately. Texas’s high humidity and warm temperatures mean mold can begin growing in as little as 24–48 hours after water intrusion. Fast mitigation—board‑ups, water extraction, debris removal—limits secondary damage. CWF offers 24/7 emergency response and can be on‑site within hours.
Repair costs vary: roof repairs typically range from $2,500 to $15,000+, while severe interior flooding can exceed $10,000. Luckily, most of these expenses fall under your homeowners or flood policy. CWF provides detailed estimates and helps manage the claims process to minimize your out‑of‑pocket spend.
Look for contractors who are IICRC‑certified, BBB‑accredited, and backed by local referrals. Avoid out‑of‑town “storm chasers” promising rock‑bottom bids without licenses. At CWF, we’re a trusted Texas team—fully licensed, insured, and experienced in both Houston and Dallas—handling everything from emergency cleanup through full reconstruction.

Know Who to Call for Damage Restoration in Dallas and Houston

After a severe weather event, fast action is key to minimizing long-term damage. Certified Water & Fire Restoration (CWF Restoration) offers 24/7 emergency response across Texas. Their certified team specializes in water extraction, fire damage restoration, and structural drying—helping homeowners in Houston, Dallas, and surrounding areas recover quickly and safely.

Call CWF Restoration – Texas Today for a Consultation!
We’re here to help you navigate your storm damage claim with expert care and attention.

As storm damage restoration experts—and members of this community—we understand how devastating severe weather can be. While we’re always ready to step in with professional water damage cleanup after a storm, our mission goes beyond restoration. We want to help families stay safe by encouraging proactive storm preparation. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of minimizing both personal risk and property damage. Simple steps like stocking non-perishable food, creating a clear evacuation plan, investing in a backup power source, and having a communication strategy in case cell service goes down can make a big difference. Storms are unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can protect your home and your loved ones. – Ryan Majewski

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Reviewed by:

Ryan Majewski

Ryan is a seasoned senior operations officer in the property restoration industry, currently leading business development at Certified Water & Fire. He brings over a decade of expertise helping homeowners, property managers, and commercial clients recover from water, fire, storm, and structural damage.

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