TWIA Provides Tips on Staying Prepared During Hurricane Season

The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association declared the beginning of hurricane season to start June 1, 2020 and run through November 30, 2020. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 90% of hurricanes during this season will have average or above average storm activity. Additionally, up to six major hurricanes and thirteen to nineteen named storms will appear this year.

TWIA provides information to coastal areas and policy holders to better be prepared in the event of a storm.

1. It is wise to have both windstorm and flood insurance before a storm hits. Many companies, including TWIA cannot provide coverage after a storm has appeared in the Gulf of Mexico.
2. TWIA suggests taking pictures of personal property to ensure accuracy when submitting a claim if belongings are damaged during a storm.
3. Preparing the home with defenses against weather such as storm shutters, roof straps, reinforcing garage doors, and trimming trees will help to reduce property damage when a hurricane strikes.
4. Create an emergency plan and emergency kit with loved ones to stay one step ahead of the storm. Multiple kits can be made and personalized to better suit surroundings such as taking shelter outside, inside, or in a vehicle. More information on building emergency kits can be found here.
5. Store important documents in a safe area that is easy to remember and locate in the event that evacuation is necessary.

TWIA has also taken precautions by updating and testing their TWIA Catastrophe (CAT) Incident Response Plan. The 2019 plan can be viewed here. Additionally, TWIA’s 2020 catastrophe funding program, which runs through June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021, holds a total of 4.2 billion in funding. This amount is in excess of the statutory minimum funding. More information on TWIA funding may be found on their Funding 101 webpage.