Houston storms can hit hard, and when they do, business property tends to take the first hit. Between strong winds, downpours, and weeks of wet weather, your building and everything inside it can end up at risk. January is a smart time to double-check how ready everything is, especially since many storms pass through this time of year.

One way to stay prepared is having the right support in place. That is where commercial property insurance in Houston, TX can really help. Commercial property insurance through Navigant Insurance can cover your buildings, equipment, inventory, and other physical assets when they are damaged by covered events such as fire, theft, vandalism, or certain natural disasters. But coverage alone will not keep things dry or safe. Some risks need a closer look before the weather rolls in. We have gathered a few simple, smart checks that help keep your commercial property in better shape through the season.

Check Your Building’s Exterior Right After the Holidays

After the holidays, it is easy to overlook leftover damage or loose items. Decorations tucked away, wet leaves around the entrance, or cracked signs can create openings for water or add fuel to wind damage. Taking an early walk around your space makes a difference.

Here is what to look for when checking the outside of your building:

• Look at your roof edges to check for missing shingles or drainage clogs

• Check signs, lights, and hanging features to make sure they are tightly secured

• Sweep away leftover debris from gutters, parking lots, and doorways

• Watch for cracks in pavement or damage to entry ramps that might collect water

Even a small crack or weak point up top can lead to much bigger trouble once the rain picks up. Fixing simple issues before things get worse saves time and stress.

Secure Doors, Windows, and Entry Areas

Wind and water do not need much space to sneak in. Entry points like doors and windows are common trouble spots, especially during heavy storms. Making sure those spots are sealed tight is a smart step early in the year.

Here are a few places where small fixes can prevent water from entering:

• Check weather stripping on doors and swap out any that is worn or loose

• Make sure doors close all the way and latch securely

• Seal gaps or cracks near windows using a trusted material

• Keep sandbags or water barriers nearby if your property has flooded in the past

Places where foot traffic or deliveries happen every day are often where wear shows first. If water gets in, it can damage floors, create slip zones, or hit equipment sitting nearby.

Protect Indoor Equipment and Electric Systems

A bad storm is not just about damage outside. It is what winds up happening inside that often causes longer delays. Water creeping into the building can get to wires, outlets, or business gear that is hard to replace.

Here are a few quick ways to help protect things indoors:

• Move electronics, boxes, and cords off the floor whenever possible

• Pair raised storage shelves with smarter extension cords so water does not hit wires

• Store key equipment in areas that can stay dry, away from windows

• Make sure you have emergency basics in stock, like flashlights and extra chargers

These small moves can save you big cleanups down the line. It is common to lose power in a strong storm, so unplugging unused equipment when the skies turn dark is a good habit, too. Commercial property policies from Navigant Insurance can also include coverage for lost income and extra expenses after a covered loss, which can be especially helpful if a storm forces you to pause operations.

Make a Plan With Your Team

How your business handles a storm usually comes down to how well your team is prepared. Everyone should know what to do if a forecast shifts quickly during the workday. And no one should be guessing during a weather emergency.

Make sure your team feels ready by doing the following:

• Walk through emergency shutoffs like water or electricity

• Identify safe areas and backup exit paths in case of flooding

• Choose a main contact person who keeps everyone posted

• Keep emergency contact numbers somewhere visible and easy to grab

Most people do not think about these steps until they have already lost power or cannot reach part of the building. A short yearly review makes the whole season run smoother. It also helps new hires or part-timers know what to expect if a big storm hits near closing time.

When Insurance Should Be Updated

Just like your space changes, your support plan should too. After the holidays, many businesses reset how they use their space or bring in new tools or storage. Each of those can change what kind of help you would need if a storm caused real damage.

Here are times when reviewing your commercial property insurance in Houston, TX makes sense:

• You have added storage units, workstations, or outdoor equipment

• You now share your space with other businesses or renters

• You moved things around, changed layouts, or built in new hardware

Your setup now may not look like it did last winter. If something is new, it is worth asking if it is fully covered. Storm season does not pause just because January feels quiet. A policy check now can give you more peace of mind all year.

Start the Year With Less Stress

Storm prep is not always about big overhauls. Most of the time, it is a mix of quick checks, small repairs, and clear plans. This kind of prep is what keeps a minor issue from becoming a major loss. And when your space is ready, you get to focus on your workday, not the weather.

Set aside time early in the year to walk your property, double-check what matters most, and talk with your team. It is one of the simplest ways to stay flexible when a strong storm rolls through. It will not stop the rain, but it can make recovery faster and less stressful.

About Ricky Wong

Ricky Wong brings over 20 years of experience helping business owners figure out what their coverage really protects. At Navigant Insurance, he leads a team that understands how Houston’s weather affects local businesses. Ricky works one-on-one to help clients check their commercial property insurance and keep it ready for anything. He has helped many local shops, offices, and service teams stay protected through storm season and beyond. We work with many types of commercial properties in Houston, including office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, industrial facilities, apartments, and more, so different locations can be reviewed under one plan.

Navigant Insurance makes it easy to stay ahead of Houston’s unpredictable weather with support built for your business. Understanding your coverage now helps prevent headaches later, especially when winter storms threaten unexpected damage. To see how we help protect local properties with commercial property insurance in Houston, TX, review our solutions or call us for a coverage review before the next storm.