The 2023 hurricane season is here, and TDECU, Houston’s largest credit union, is committed to the well-being of its Members and the local community.

“Floods have the potential to occur anywhere, and just one inch of floodwater has the capacity to cause thousands of dollars of damage,” said Brooke Brown, Vice President of TDECU Insurance, LLC. “The majority of homeowners’ insurance policies do not include coverage for rising water or flood-related damages. Therefore, it is crucial to obtain flood insurance as a separate policy to safeguard your primary financial assets, such as your home, business, and personal belongings.”

In addition to flood insurance, here are some other crucial tips for Members to safeguard themselves and their property:

Write down emergency phone numbers other than 911:

Keep a list of emergency contact numbers for your local police, hospitals, and utility companies

Program the numbers into your cell phone for quick reference

Locate the nearest shelters:

Note the different routes you can take to get there. If shelter locations in your area have not been identified, contact FEMA or text SHELTER and your ZIP Code to 43362

If you have pets:

Identify shelters, a pet-friendly hotel, or an out-of-town friend or relative where you can take your pets in the event of an evacuation.

Get your vehicle ready:

Fill your vehicle’s gas tank. Move it into your garage or under cover. Keep an emergency kit in your car that has jumper cables, a flashlight, flares or reflective triangles, a car cell phone charger, a blanket, and a first aid kit.

Get your home ready:

Clear your yard, cover up windows and doors, know how to turn your water and power off, and check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.

It is imperative to note that in the state of Texas, flood insurance policies obtained after the closing of a home have a 30-day waiting period before becoming effective, so the sooner flood insurance is purchased, the better.

TDECU remains committed to continuous service to the community and ensuring the safety and well-being of its Members. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to effectively prepare for hurricanes and floods, TDECU hopes to create a more resilient Texas. For more on TDECU’s Hurricane and Flood Preparedness tips, click here, or contact a representative today by calling 888.833.7358.