Living in South Texas means enjoying warm weather, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community. But it also means being prepared when hurricane season rolls around. For homeowners in the Rio Grande Valley, getting ready before a storm arrives isn’t just smart, it’s essential. 

While hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, peak activity typically happens between August and October. The Rio Grande Valley’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means storms can intensify quickly and make landfall with little warning. The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what you need to know.

Start Outside: Protect Your Home’s Exterior

Your home’s exterior is your first line of defense. Here’s where to begin:

• Inspect your roof. Check for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, or any areas where water could infiltrate. Address repairs before the season starts, not after the first storm warning is issued.
• Clear your yard. Patio furniture, potted plants, decorations, and outdoor equipment can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Have a plan to move or secure everything quickly.
• Trim trees and shrubs. Overhanging branches near your home or fence can cause serious damage. Trim back anything that could snap and strike your house during a storm.
• Check your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they’re clear of debris so water can drain properly and won’t back up toward your foundation.

Secure Doors, Windows, and Garage Doors

Windows and doors are common points of failure during a hurricane. Consider:

• Installing storm shutters or having plywood pre-cut and ready to board up windows quickly.
• Inspecting all door seals and weatherstripping to keep wind-driven rain out.
• Reinforcing your garage door, which is one of the most vulnerable parts of a home in high winds. Bracing kits are available at most hardware stores.

Prepare the Inside of Your Home

Once the exterior is secure, turn your attention inside:

• Stock an emergency kit. Include at least three days’ worth of water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and copies of important documents.
• Know where your shut-offs are. Be familiar with how to turn off your water, gas, and electricity in case of emergency.
• Back up important documents. Store digital copies of insurance policies, IDs, and financial records in a secure cloud location.
• Charge everything. Keep phones, backup battery packs, and any medical devices fully charged when a storm is approaching.

Have an Evacuation Plan

Even well-built homes can’t always protect against a direct hit from a major storm. Know your evacuation routes, identify a safe destination: a family member’s home, a hotel, or a public shelter, and keep a full tank of gas during peak hurricane season. Follow guidance from Hidalgo County Emergency Services and the National Hurricane Center for the most up-to-date information during a storm event.

New Homes Are Built for Today’s Standards

One advantage of living in a newly built home (like the ones we build at Hakes Brothers) is that new construction is held to the latest building codes, which include standards designed with severe weather in mind. From engineered roof systems to modern framing techniques, new homes offer a strong structural foundation to build your preparedness plan on. That said, no home is fully hurricane-proof without proper preparation. The steps above apply to every home, new or not.

Enjoy This Summer In A New Hakes Brothers Home

At Hakes Brothers, we’re proud to build new homes throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including many that are ready now or very soon. Explore our current communities online now or contact us today to schedule a personal tour.