Living in the Rio Grande Valley means living with storm season. From June through November, the Gulf of Mexico generates tropical systems that can bring hurricane-force winds, torrential rain, and large hail to Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties. The homeowners who come through storm season with the least damage — and the best insurance outcomes — are the ones who prepare before the storm, not after. Here are 7 things every RGV homeowner should do before storm season hits.
1. Get a Professional Roof Inspection
This is the single most important thing you can do before storm season. A professional roof inspection identifies existing damage, weak points, and areas that are likely to fail in a storm — before they become emergency leaks.
More importantly, a pre-storm inspection establishes the baseline condition of your roof. If a storm damages your roof, your contractor can document exactly what the storm caused versus pre-existing conditions — which is critical for your insurance claim.
Texas Prime Homes provides free certified roof inspections for RGV homeowners. Schedule yours before storm season.
2. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of water damage during storms. When gutters can't drain, water backs up under the shingles, saturates the fascia and soffit, and eventually finds its way into your home.
Before storm season, clean all gutters and downspouts and check that water flows freely away from your foundation. Check for sagging sections, separated joints, and any gutters that have pulled away from the fascia — all of which will fail in a heavy rain event.
3. Trim Trees and Remove Dead Branches
Dead branches are missiles in a high-wind event. A branch that falls on your roof during a storm can cause catastrophic damage — and it's 100% preventable.
Before storm season, walk your property and identify any trees with dead, diseased, or overhanging branches near your home. Have them trimmed or removed by a licensed arborist. Pay special attention to large trees within falling distance of your roof.
4. Review Your Homeowner's Insurance Policy
Most RGV homeowners haven't read their insurance policy since they bought it. Before storm season is the time to review it — specifically:
- Your deductible — many Texas policies have a separate, higher deductible for wind and hail damage (often 1–2% of the home's insured value)
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV) vs. Actual Cash Value (ACV) — RCV pays for a new roof; ACV pays for the depreciated value of your old one. Make sure you have RCV coverage.
- Coverage limits — make sure your dwelling coverage reflects the current replacement cost of your home
- Exclusions — know what's not covered before you need to file a claim
5. Document Your Property's Current Condition
Before storm season, do a thorough photo and video documentation of your entire property — roof, gutters, siding, fencing, AC units, vehicles, and interior. Store these photos in the cloud so they're accessible even if your phone is damaged.
This documentation establishes the pre-storm condition of your property, which is invaluable when filing an insurance claim. Without it, insurance companies can argue that damage was pre-existing.
6. Know Your Emergency Contacts
When a storm hits at 2 AM and your roof is leaking, you don't want to be searching for a contractor. Save these numbers in your phone before storm season:
- Texas Prime Homes 24/7 emergency line: +1 956-250-4094
- Your insurance company's claims hotline (on the back of your insurance card)
- Your local utility company's emergency line
7. Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
The Texas Division of Emergency Management recommends a minimum 72-hour supply kit including:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- Cash (ATMs may be down after a storm)
- Phone chargers and a portable battery pack
After the Storm: What to Do First
When the storm passes, safety first — don't go on your roof. Document any visible damage from the ground with photos and video. Then call Texas Prime Homes at +1 956-250-4094. We'll inspect your property, document all damage professionally, and guide you through the insurance claim process from start to finish.