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Protecting Your South Texas Home From Hurricane Winds
The 2024 hurricane season in South Texas is slated to be one of the most aggressive on record with an 85% chance of above-normal activity according to multiple weather outlets. "These storms can pose a serious threat to communities, and it's crucial that Texans are prepared for whatever may come our way," said DPS Director Steven McCraw. The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texas homeowners to start preparing their homes for a hurricane now.
In this article, we will cover a few tips for Texas coastal residents in areas such as South Padre Island, Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley, San Benito, Los Fresnos, and Port Isabel to prepare for their active hurricane season which runs from June 1st through November 30th, 2024.
5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane
Tip #1: Gather emergency items
Be sure to have an emergency kit ready including items such as water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radio, personal hygiene items, and important documents. Ensure your kit is stored in an easily accessible location, like your vehicle.
Tip #2: Plan evacuation routes
Review hurricane evacuation maps and identify your local evacuation zones. Choose at least two routes in case you need to evacuate. Always follow local evacuation orders from authorities.
Tip #3: Start hurricane-proofing your home
Gather materials to have on-hand to cover and shield your windows and doors. Or, you can invest in hurricane shutters or hurricane impact windows. See more information on our recommended impact window products for hurricane protection from Window World Rio Grande Valley in South Texas.
Tip #4: Organize transportation
Keep your vehicle fueled and ready to go in case evacuation becomes necessary. Consider any special needs for individuals with disabilities or the elderly, including appropriate transportation and support. Ensure they have access to needed medications, medical equipment, and mobility aids. Charge all your devices before hitting the road.
Tip #5: Stay informed
Sign up for emergency alerts to receive real-time information. Advisories from both national and local sources are crucial when it comes to warnings about dangerous storm surge or hurricane winds. Know the difference between a watch and a warning, and the faster you act when you’re sent info about the hazards, the better you can protect your home, and your life.
Why It’s Important to Protect Your Rio Grande Valley Home from a Hurricane
Although Rio Grande Valley homeowners may be used to sunny conditions most of the year, we must not fall into the common trap of "optimism bias" which is defined by psychologists as humans being conditioned to think that negative events are less likely to impact them compared to their peers. Let's face it, the weather can be unpredictable in the Rio Grande Valley, specifically in areas like Port Aransas or South Padre Island.
According to the Official Rio Grande Valley/Deep South Texas Hurricane Guide, Valley homeowners must remember that our South Texas coast is no stranger to hurricane experience. Do you remember Dolly in 2008 and Hanna in 2020? Each of these storms caused "$1 billion or more in property and crop damage, with fortunately no direct fatalities and few direct injuries."
How to Hurricane-Proof Your Home’s Exterior
While no home can be invincible against hurricane damage, mitigating it starts with the exterior. In coastal Texas, protecting your windows and front doors is a crucial step in hurricane-proofing your home against any storm entering the Gulf of Mexico. Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of your home when it comes to hurricane winds and tropical storms.
You can board up your home by installing temporary plywood or metal panels over your windows to create a physical barrier against flying debris and high winds. While this is a common and more affordable option, boarding up windows can be time-consuming and may require professional assistance for proper installation. We recommend a more permanent approach that’s cost-effective over time – upgrading to impact window products.
At Window World Rio Grande Valley, we offer several options such as:
- Impact sliding windows: These are easy to open on days with fairer weather, and are great for places in the home where you might not have the leverage to lift up a sash.
- Impact picture windows: These custom-made impact picture windows are fixed in place and offer some of the widest views of your surroundings.
- Impact double-hung windows: A fan-favorite, these hurricane-resistant double-hung windows open from the top or bottom sash, and can tilt in for easier cleaning.
Each of these products are manufactured with a heavy-duty multi-chamber design using impact-resistant glass. The glass has a special layer that prevents spider-web pattern breaks, which can cause a shatter of the glass entirely. Even if these window products receive a strong impact, the glass generally remains attached to the inner membrane and window frame, maintaining the integrity of the window.
Our impact window products also have year-round benefits of UV protection, sound-absorbing qualities, and overall energy efficiency that can save you on energy costs.
Stay Prepared This Hurricane Season
In addition to these methods, it's essential to inspect your windows regularly for any signs of damage or deterioration. Ensure that all window frames are securely anchored to the wall structure and seal any gaps or cracks that could allow water or wind to penetrate.
By taking proactive measures to hurricane-proof your windows, you can significantly reduce the risk of property damage and increase the safety of your South Texas home during hurricane season.
Texans can visit the Texas Hurricane Center for more information on building an emergency kit, evacuation routes, and other hurricane safety preparedness tips.
If you’re interested in installing new or replacement hurricane impact windows in South Texas, reach out to Window World Rio Grande Valley for a free quote.