Tropical Storm Bertha Is Headed Our Way — Three Ways to Get Ready

Tropical Storm Bertha formed in the Gulf over the weekend, the second named storm of the season, and forecasters have Houston in the cone. Right now the center looks like it arrives Friday, and the Houston-Galveston area is under a Level 2 of 4 flood risk for Thursday. The main threat is rain, and there's still real uncertainty about how much of it reaches us — but uncertain is exactly when you get ready, not after. Here are three things worth doing this week that have nothing to do with a generator.

First, know your flood and evacuation zone and sign up for local alerts through ReadyHarris so warnings come straight to your phone. Second, put together a real emergency kit — about a gallon of water per person per day for several days, non-perishable food, any medications you take, flashlights and fresh batteries, and your important documents sealed in a waterproof bag. Third, walk your property: clear the gutters and storm drains, bring in or tie down anything loose in the yard, and take photos or video of your home and what's in it. If you ever have to file an insurance claim, that record makes the whole process far easier.

I've owned homes in Houston long enough to know that a storm that looks minor on Tuesday can still flood a street by Friday. Getting ready costs you one afternoon. Questions about flood zones, insurance, or what any of this means for your home? Call or text me at 281-818-8177 and I'll help you sort it out.