Hurricane preparation checklist for Houston property managers

Last updated November 5, 2026 · Written by the First Response Restoration team

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and Houston properties can face wind, heavy rain and flooding from tropical systems. A written plan, prepared before a storm is in the forecast, makes response faster and recovery easier. Use this checklist as a starting point and adapt it to each property.

Before the season

• Review insurance. Confirm what your policies cover. Flood damage is typically not covered by standard property policies, and a flood policy through the NFIP has a waiting period, so do not wait for a storm to be named.
• Take baseline photos and video of the roof, exterior, interior, mechanical rooms and equipment, with dates.
• Inspect and repair: roof, flashing, gutters, downspouts, drains, windows, doors and sealants.
• Locate and label shut-offs for water, gas and electricity, and train staff to use them.
• Build a contact list: owners, tenants, engineers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, board-up and restoration vendors, and your carrier’s claims line.
• Plan with vendors in advance. Know who you will call and what information they will need, such as addresses, access, shut-off locations and a point of contact.
• Store key documents (policies, leases, floor plans, equipment lists) where you can get them off-site or in the cloud.

When a storm is approaching

• Follow local evacuation and emergency guidance.
• Secure outdoor items, clear drains and gutters, and move valuables and records to higher floors.
• Shut off utilities where the plan or officials direct.
• Notify tenants and staff of the plan and who to contact.
• Take pre-storm photos of the property as a final baseline.

After the storm

• Safety first. Do not enter a building with standing water near electrical equipment, or one with structural concerns, until it has been cleared.
• Document damage with dated photos and video before cleanup, and keep receipts for emergency repairs.
• Report the loss to your carrier promptly and follow its instructions.
• Stop further damage: temporary roof repairs, board-up and water extraction should start as soon as it is safe, because wet materials left in place can develop mold in warm, humid conditions.
• Track everything: who was contacted, what was done, and when.

Why documentation matters

Baseline records and daily logs make it easier to show what changed because of the storm. A restoration partner that provides moisture readings, equipment records and project photographs gives you a record you can share with owners and your carrier. The carrier decides coverage under the policy.

Read more about our storm damage restoration service and our Houston service area page. For commercial properties, call 1-888-373-5996 for current mobilization availability and a project-response plan.