As June 1st marks the start of hurricane season, families across Southeast Texas—especially around Houston—need to begin preparing for hurricane season. Hurricanes bring a powerful mix of high winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and power outages. Hurricane preparedness not only keeps loved ones safe—it also strengthens financial resilience. Here’s your step-by-step guide.

1. Know Your Hurricane Zone & Evacuation Plan

• Hurricanes can bring destructive wind, storm surge, and inland flooding so understand the risks in your specific area.
• Sign up for emergency alerts from your county and the City of Houston; consider a NOAA weather radio or mobile app.
• Plan where to go (friend, family, hotel) if mandatory evacuations are issued. Have an alternate route mapped out and keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half-full.

2. Build Your Emergency Supply Kit

What should you stock up on before a hurricane? Preparing for hurricane season early is key. FEMA provides emergency supply kit tips, which includes essentials like:

• 1 gallon of water per person per day (5–7 days).
• 3–5 days of non-perishable food.
• Battery-powered/solar flashlights and chargers for phones.
• First aid kit, extra prescriptions, and pet supplies.
• Waterproof containers with insurance documents, identification, and medical records
• Keep food cool—seal once-use items and freeze containers ahead of power outages.
• Stock supplies early—before store rushes hit.

3. Protect Your Home

Taking preventative steps to prepare for a hurricane now can save thousands later:

• Trim tree limbs and secure outdoor furniture.
• Install shutters or pre-cut plywood to cover windows.
• Elevate belongings like generators and HVAC systems to reduce flood risk.
• Consider wind- and flood-resilient upgrades to your home. This article from FEMA provides some additional tips.

4. Plan for Power Disruptions

Power outages are almost guaranteed. Prepare for hurricane season by keeping these tips in mind when the power goes out.

• Avoid cooking indoors with grills or generators—this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep flashlights, coolers, and battery or car chargers handy.
• If you rely on medical equipment, especially those requiring power, have a backup plan: know shelters with power or find a hotel early.
• In Houston’s heat, heat risk is a real concern—staying cool and hydrated is critical.

5. Explore Backup Power Options

Generators are a frontline line of defense during outages:

• If you’re thinking about buying a generator, you have a couple of options – portable vs. standby. Portable generators (around $500–$5,000) power the essentials. Standby units are professionally installed, fully automated, and more expensive. Here’s a Consumer Report article that can help you decide which one is right for you.
• Only run generators outdoors with proper ventilation. Consider eco-friendly battery-powered stations.
• Standby setups often require electrician installation and city permits. Portable models generally offer simple plug-and-play use but depending on your preference, it may involve a plumber for a gas line connection or an electrician to connect to your electrical panel.

6. Financial Preparations

• Confirm current insurance covers wind damage, flood, and debris.
• Keep copies of mortgage or loan documents and note that bills and payments continue even during emergencies—staying current protects credit.
• Keep cash on hand—ATMs may be offline post-storm.

7. Execute & Rebuild

• When a hurricane is imminent, monitor the forecast, follow evacuation orders, and secure your home.
• After the storm, inspect damage safely, document losses with photos, call insurance early and check on neighbors—especially the elderly.

Your Credit Union Makes Preparing for Hurricane Season Easy

At Members Trust Federal Credit Union, we care about your safety and financial peace of mind. That’s why we offer Generator Loans, designed to help you access backup power without compromising your budget. You’ll get:

• Flexible loan terms with competitive rates.
• Funds can cover portable or standby generator costs—and even necessary installation.
• Fast application process so you’re ready before the next storm.

Explore our generator loan options today and rest easier knowing your home and family are protected—and you’ll be ready long before the next hurricane season kicks into high gear.

By preparing early, staying informed, and investing in reliable backup power, Houston-area families can weather storms more smoothly. Let us help make your recovery quicker and your peace of mind stronger.