Austin, TX - June 1, 2023 – Today kicks off the 2023 hurricane season in Texas, and the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) is urging all Texans to take proactive measures to safeguard their families and property. With the aim of ensuring public safety and minimizing the potential impacts of severe weather events, ICT is offering valuable guidelines to help Texans prepare for the hurricane season.

The state of Texas has a history of experiencing powerful hurricanes, and it is crucial for individuals and communities to be well-prepared and informed. By taking the necessary precautions, Texans can mitigate risks, protect their loved ones, and recover more effectively in the aftermath of a hurricane.

The ICT recommends the following measures to enhance hurricane preparedness:

Review Insurance Coverage: Contact your insurance provider to review your current coverage and ensure it adequately protects your property and possessions. Consider purchasing flood insurance, as standard homeowner's insurance policies typically do not cover flood-related damages.

Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a detailed emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and communication strategies for your family or household. Ensure that everyone is familiar with the plan and knows how to execute it effectively.

Assemble an Emergency Kit: Prepare a well-stocked emergency kit containing essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, prescription medications, cash, important documents, and a battery-powered radio.

Secure Your Property: Conduct a thorough inspection of your property and identify vulnerable areas that require attention. Reinforce doors and windows, trim trees and shrubs, secure outdoor furniture and equipment, and clear debris from gutters to prevent potential damage during a hurricane.

Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and emergency notifications by regularly monitoring local news channels, official websites, and reliable weather apps. Follow the guidance of local authorities and evacuate immediately if instructed to do so.

Create a Home Inventory: Take inventory of your personal belongings by creating a detailed list and capturing photographs or videos of valuable items. This documentation can be crucial when filing insurance claims in the aftermath of a hurricane. Email the information to yourself or save it to cloud storage.

Back Up Important Data: Protect your digital assets by backing up important data, documents, and photographs to cloud storage or an external hard drive. This ensures that valuable information is not lost in the event of severe weather or damage to your electronic devices.

"Hurricanes can cause significant and catastrophic damage, and being prepared is essential for protecting your property and ensuring your family’s safety,” said Rich Johnson, spokesperson for the Insurance Council of Texas. “By following these simple steps, Texans can mitigate potential risks and recover more swiftly after a storm."

For additional hurricane preparedness resources and information, visit the Insurance Council of Texas website at www.insurancecouncil.org/hurricanecentral.

About the Insurance Council of Texas:

The Insurance Council of Texas is a nonprofit trade association that promotes the property and casualty insurance industry by providing relevant information and resources to its members, the public, regulators, and the media. Learn more at www.insurancecouncil.org.