After the Storm: A Houston HOA Board's Hurricane Readiness Checklist
Off-season is the best time to prepare. Here's what Gulf Coast HOA and condo boards should have in place before the next storm.
The quiet months after hurricane season are the best time to get ready for the next one. A short, written plan helps volunteer boards act quickly when the power is out and the phones are busy.
Before the season
- Insurance review. Ask your agent to walk the board through deductibles (including any named-storm or windstorm deductible), flood coverage for common elements, and how claims are filed. Put the claim phone number in your plan.
- Photo inventory. Take dated photos and video of common areas, fences, pool equipment, gates, and clubhouse interiors. Store them online, not just on one board member's phone.
- Vendor list. Line up tree removal, debris hauling, water mitigation, fencing, and electricians. Confirm their certificates of insurance are current.
- Emergency spending authority. Check your bylaws and policies for who can approve emergency repairs between meetings and up to what amount. Write it down.
- Owner contact list. Make sure your email/text list is current and that you have a way to post updates if your website or email provider goes down.
When a storm is forecast
- Secure pool furniture and loose amenities; lower or open gates if they can't run without power.
- Send owners a short message: what the association will and won't do, and where updates will be posted.
After the storm
- Safety first. Report downed lines to the utility, not the board.
- Document damage before cleanup starts.
- Notify the insurer and keep every receipt.
- Hold a properly noticed meeting (an emergency meeting if your governing documents and Texas law allow) to approve major repairs and record decisions in the minutes.
- Communicate with owners regularly, even when the update is "no change yet."
A one-page plan, a current vendor list, and clear spending authority will do more for your community than any app. Download our meeting agenda and minutes templates to keep emergency decisions documented.
Educational only, not legal advice.