Living in Texas means enjoying wide-open spaces, vibrant culture, and warm weather—but it also means preparing for hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30, the Atlantic hurricane season brings the potential for powerful storms that can disrupt lives, damage property, and cause prolonged power outages. With forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University predicting an above-average 2025 season, including more major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher), Southeast Texas residents must be ready. A critical part of that preparation is ensuring reliable power, and a Generac home standby generator can be a game-changer. This article explores hurricane preparedness in Texas and how a Generac standby generator fits into a comprehensive storm-ready plan.
The Hurricane Threat in Texas
Texas’ Gulf Coast is no stranger to hurricanes. Storms like Harvey (2017), Ike (2008), and Laura (2020) have left lasting impacts, with widespread flooding, property damage, and power outages lasting days or even weeks. The 2025 season is expected to be particularly active, with NOAA forecasting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes.
Power outages are among the most disruptive consequences of hurricanes. High winds, flooding, and fallen trees can knock out utility lines, leaving homes without electricity for critical systems like air conditioning, refrigeration, medical devices, and security. In the Southeast Texas sweltering summer heat, losing power can quickly escalate from an inconvenience to a safety hazard. A well-thought-out preparedness plan, including a reliable backup power solution, can make all the difference.
Building a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Effective hurricane preparedness in Texas involves multiple steps to protect your family, home, and property. Here’s a breakdown of key actions Southeast Texas residents should take, with a focus on how a Generac home standby generator integrates into the plan:
- Create a Family Emergency Plan
Develop a clear emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, safe areas in your home, and a designated meeting point if family members are separated. Assign responsibilities, such as gathering supplies or securing outdoor items, and review the plan annually before hurricane season. Ensure everyone knows how to contact each other if power or cell service is disrupted. A Generac standby generator supports this plan by keeping communication devices charged and powering essential systems, allowing you to stay connected and informed during a storm.
- Assemble Emergency Supply Kits
Prepare supply kits with enough essentials for at least three days, including nonperishable food, drinking water, medications, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and personal hygiene items. Store kits in an accessible location and ensure all family members know where they are. A Generac generator ensures that your refrigerator and freezer remain operational, preventing food spoilage and reducing the need to rely solely on nonperishable items, saving you money and stress.
- Secure Your Home
Before a hurricane, secure outdoor furniture, equipment, and other loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. Reinforce windows and doors, trim trees to minimize falling branches, and consider storm shutters or plywood for added protection. If evacuation orders are issued, be ready to leave quickly with a packed bag of essentials and important documents. A Generac standby generator, installed permanently outside your home, is built to withstand hurricane-force winds and rain, thanks to its weatherproof metal enclosure, ensuring it’s ready to kick in when the power goes out. Other features, like the RhinoCoat powder-coated finish, resists corrosion in coastal environments.
- Plan for Power Outages
Power outages are almost inevitable during a hurricane. Without electricity, you lose access to lighting, cooling, medical equipment, and security systems, making your home vulnerable and uncomfortable. A Generac home standby generator is a powerful solution to this problem. Unlike portable generators, which require manual setup, fueling, and pose risks like carbon monoxide poisoning, a Generac standby generator is professionally installed, automatically activates within seconds of an outage, and runs on natural gas or propane for continuous power. Models like the Generac Guardian series (available in 10kW to 26kW) can power your entire home, including air conditioning, appliances, and electronics, keeping you safe and comfortable.
- Maintain and Test Your Equipment
Regular maintenance is crucial for all preparedness tools, including generators. For a Generac standby generator, schedule annual maintenance with an authorized dealer to ensure it’s in top condition. Features like Quiet Test mode allow the generator to run diagnostics at a lower RPM, reducing wear and noise while confirming readiness. Testing your generator before hurricane season, as recommended by experts, ensures it will perform when needed most. Generac’s Mobile Link technology even lets you monitor your generator’s status remotely via smartphone, giving you peace of mind wherever you are.
Practical Considerations for Texas Residents
Investing in a Generac standby generator requires planning. Start by scheduling a free in-home assessment with Savant Electric Company, an authorized Generac dealer, to determine the right size for your home’s power needs. Installation typically takes a few weeks due to permitting and local regulations, so don’t wait until a storm is approaching. Explore how financing options through Synchrony can make generator ownership even more accessible. Hurricane preparedness in Texas should consider power needs during and after the storm.
Real-World Impact in Texas
The value of a Generac standby generator is evident in Texas’ storm history. During Hurricane Harvey, many residents went without power for weeks, leading to spoiled food, unsafe living conditions, and financial losses. Those with Generac generators, like a Houston family who powered their home for three days during the 2021 freeze, avoided these hardships. In Fair Oaks Ranch, a family’s Generac unit provided critical power during a rare snowstorm, proving its versatility beyond hurricanes. These stories underscore the generator’s role as an investment in resilience.
Conclusion: Be Ready with Generac
Hurricane preparedness in Texas is about taking proactive steps to protect what matters most—your family, home, and peace of mind. A Generac home standby generator is a cornerstone of that preparation, offering automatic, reliable power to keep your home safe and functional during outages. By combining a generator with a comprehensive emergency plan, supply kits, and home fortifications, you can face the 2025 hurricane season with confidence. Generac is the leading brand in home standby generators, trusted by 8 in 10 homeowners who choose backup power. Don’t wait for the next storm to strike, act now!
