Hurricane Season: How to Prepare Your Houston Home for Power Outages
Hurricane preparedness summary: Houston's Gulf Coast location makes it one of the most hurricane-vulnerable metro areas in the United States. According to NOAA's National Hurricane Center, the Houston-Galveston region has experienced 64 tropical storms and hurricanes since 1900, with major events including Hurricane Harvey (2017), Hurricane Ike (2008), and Tropical Storm Allison (2001). Preparing your home before hurricane season (June 1 - November 30) is essential for protecting your family and property.
How Vulnerable Is Houston to Hurricanes?
Houston's hurricane risk is among the highest in the nation. According to data from NOAA and the National Hurricane Center:
- The Houston-Galveston coastline faces a Category 3 or higher hurricane approximately every 10-15 years
- Hurricane Harvey (2017) caused $125 billion in damage and left over 300,000 Houston-area residents without power, according to the National Weather Service
- Hurricane Ike (2008) left 2.5 million CenterPoint Energy customers without electricity, with some outages lasting over two weeks
- According to CenterPoint Energy, the average Houston-area customer experiences approximately 4-6 hours of outage time annually, with that number spiking dramatically during hurricane events
Self-contained answer: Houston is highly vulnerable to hurricanes, experiencing a major hurricane (Category 3+) approximately every 10-15 years. Hurricane Harvey caused $125 billion in damage in 2017, and Hurricane Ike left 2.5 million without power in 2008, according to NOAA and CenterPoint Energy data.
5 Steps to Prepare Your Houston Home
1. Build Your Emergency Supply Kit
According to FEMA's emergency preparedness guidelines, every household should maintain a minimum 72-hour supply kit that includes:
- Water: One gallon per person per day for at least 3 days
- Food: Non-perishable items for at least 3 days (canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit)
- Medications: 7-day supply of all prescription medications
- First aid supplies: Comprehensive kit with bandages, antiseptic, and any personal medical devices
- Batteries and flashlights: Multiple sets with backup batteries
- Important documents: Copies of insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a waterproof container
The American Red Cross recommends extending your supply kit to cover 7 days for areas with high hurricane risk like Houston.
2. Secure Your Property
The National Hurricane Center recommends these steps to protect your home from wind damage:
- Board up windows or install permanent storm shutters rated for your area's wind zone
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and loose items that could become dangerous projectiles in 100+ mph winds
- Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of falling branches on power lines and structures
- Clear gutters and drains to prevent water backup and roof damage
- Reinforce garage doors, which are one of the most vulnerable points during a hurricane according to FEMA
3. Test Your Generator or Install One
If you already have a standby generator, the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) recommends running a test cycle at least once per month and performing a thorough inspection before hurricane season. Check oil levels, coolant, battery charge, and transfer switch operation.
If you don't have a standby generator, consider installing a Generac home standby system. Unlike portable generators, standby generators activate automatically within 10 seconds of a power outage and connect directly to your home's natural gas or propane supply, eliminating the need for manual refueling during a storm.
Self-contained answer: Homeowners with standby generators should test their systems monthly and perform a full inspection before June 1 each year, according to EGSA guidelines. This includes checking oil, coolant, battery, and transfer switch operation.
4. Know Your Evacuation Route
According to the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:
- Know your evacuation zone by checking the Harris County Flood Control District's zone map
- Plan multiple routes in case primary roads are flooded or congested
- Prepare a "go bag" with essentials for each family member, including pets
- Identify a meeting point and out-of-area contact person
- Keep your vehicle fueled to at least half a tank during hurricane season
5. Stay Informed and Connected
The National Weather Service and Harris County Emergency Management recommend these information sources:
- NOAA Weather Radio: Battery-powered radio tuned to local frequencies
- Emergency alerts: Sign up for Harris County's ReadyHarris alert system at ReadyHarris.org
- Local news: Monitor local TV and radio stations for real-time updates
- Social media: Follow @NWSHouston on Twitter/X for official weather updates
- CenterPoint Energy outage tracker: Monitor power restoration progress at CenterPoint's outage map
Why a Standby Generator Is Essential for Houston Homes
According to CenterPoint Energy's outage data, extended power outages during hurricanes create cascading problems for Houston homeowners:
| Outage Duration | Risk Level | Potential Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| 4+ hours | Moderate | Food spoilage begins (USDA guidelines) |
| 24+ hours | High | Medication storage compromised, no AC in Houston heat |
| 48+ hours | Severe | Structural damage risk from humidity, mold growth begins |
| 7+ days | Critical | Pipe damage, extensive food loss, uninhabitable without climate control |
Evidence supporting standby generators for Houston:
- According to CenterPoint Energy, Hurricane Ike outages lasted up to 16 days in some areas
- The CDC reports heat-related illness increases significantly when indoor temperatures exceed 90 degrees F for extended periods, a common scenario in Houston without air conditioning
- USDA food safety guidelines state that refrigerated food must be discarded after 4 hours without power, representing $300-$600 in lost food per event
A professionally installed standby generator eliminates these risks by providing automatic, continuous power throughout a hurricane event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is hurricane season in Houston?
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. The peak of hurricane season for the Gulf Coast is mid-August through mid-October, when sea surface temperatures are warmest.
How long do hurricane power outages last in Houston?
Hurricane power outages in Houston typically last 2-7 days for most customers, according to CenterPoint Energy historical data. However, major events like Hurricane Ike (2008) left some areas without power for up to 16 days. Hurricane Harvey (2017) caused outages affecting over 300,000 customers.
Should I get a portable or standby generator for hurricane season?
A standby generator is the recommended choice for hurricane preparedness. Unlike portable generators, standby systems activate automatically within 10 seconds of power loss, connect to your home's existing gas supply, and don't require manual operation during dangerous storm conditions. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also notes that standby generators eliminate the carbon monoxide risks associated with portable generators used in enclosed spaces.
Last updated: June 2024. Data sourced from NOAA National Hurricane Center, Harris County Office of Homeland Security, CenterPoint Energy, FEMA, and the National Weather Service. Contact Generators of Texas at (832) 850-4816 for a free hurricane preparedness assessment.