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Hurricane season in Houston brings more than just storm warnings; it brings real threats to your business. If you’re a small business owner, protecting your inventory, equipment, and important documents should be a core part of your disaster preparedness plan. With the right storage strategy, you can minimize downtime, safeguard assets, and get back to business quickly after the storm passes.
Why Hurricane Prep Matters for Small Businesses?
Houston’s hurricane season runs from June through November, but August to early October is when storm activity typically spikes. This is the time when warm Gulf waters fuel stronger tropical storms and hurricanes, putting local businesses at greater risk of flood damage, power outages, and inventory loss. Taking preventive storage action now, rather than reacting after a storm, gives small business owners a strategic advantage and peace of mind.
What to Store Before a Hurricane or Major Storm?
When a hurricane threatens Houston, safeguarding your business assets becomes a top priority. One of the most effective ways to protect your operations is to store critical items off-site in a secure, climate-controlled facility before the storm hits. Here’s what to prioritize:
1. High-Value Electronics
From desktop computers and printers to credit card terminals and point-of-sale (POS) systems, your electronic equipment is both essential and vulnerable. Floodwaters and power surges can quickly destroy delicate circuits and data. Storing them in a stable, climate-controlled unit minimizes this risk.
2. Inventory and Merchandise
Whether you sell packaged goods, apparel, tools, or office supplies, your inventory represents a significant capital investment. Storing stock in elevated, dry, and secure storage keeps it safe from flooding, mold, and storm debris. This is especially crucial for businesses that rely on consistent inventory flow.
3. Vital Business Records
Important documents such as financial records, employee files, tax returns, contracts, licenses, and insurance papers should be protected from water damage or loss. While some may be digitized, physical backups stored in waterproof bins inside a secure storage unit offer an added layer of protection.
4. Tools and Operational Equipment
For contractors, landscapers, mobile service providers, and tradespeople, tools are the lifeblood of your business. Storing machinery, power tools, and specialty gear off-site during a hurricane can prevent theft or loss and enable you to recover more quickly after the storm.
5. Displays, Fixtures & Furniture
Seasonal décor, retail shelving, and waiting area furniture are costly to replace and easily damaged by water or high winds. Storing them off-site ensures they’re ready to use again once the storm passes, especially for pop-up shops or businesses with limited storage on-site.
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Smart Hurricane Prep Tips for Small Businesses
Protecting your business assets before a storm isn’t just about damage control—it’s about setting your operation up for a smoother recovery. Follow these expert-recommended steps:
- Back Up Critical Files
Store digital records, such as financial data, customer files, and operational documents, in secure cloud platforms or on external hard drives stored off-site. - Create a Detailed Inventory List
Document all stored equipment, inventory, and furnishings with item descriptions, serial numbers, and estimated values. Include photos to support any future insurance claims. - Use Waterproof and Labeled Containers
Pack smaller items in weather-resistant bins and clearly label each container by category or department. This helps with faster unpacking and minimizes damage from moisture. - Elevate Items Off the Floor
Use plastic pallets, shelving, or stackable bins to lift equipment and boxes off the ground, especially in the event of minor flooding or leaks. - Prepare a Business Continuity Plan
Designate a point person for post-storm recovery, identify the process for accessing your off-site storage, and outline a clear procedure for resuming operations quickly and safely.
Why Choose Big Tex Storage for Hurricane Preparedness?
When every second counts during hurricane season, Big Tex Storage offers the features small business owners in Houston need for fast, secure, and flexible protection of inventory and equipment:
- Climate-Controlled Units
Keep electronics, documents, inventory, and sensitive materials safe from Houston’s intense heat. Temperature remains stable to prevent mold, warping, corrosion, and material degradation. - Multi-Story, Elevated Facilities
Big Tex locations are built above ground level or offer upper-floor units, which reduces the risk of flood-related damage —a key concern during hurricane season. - Free Move-In Truck
When time is tight, Big Tex provides a complimentary moving truck on move-in day to help you relocate essential business equipment and inventory without the added logistics of third-party rentals. - Delivery-to-Unit Service
Ship emergency supplies or restock inventory straight to your storage unit. Big Tex staff can receive packages on your behalf, keeping operations running even if your storefront is closed. - 24/7 Video Surveillance & Digital Control Access
Protect your assets around the clock with digital entry, individual unit alarms, and continuous monitoring at every facility. - Flexible Month-to-Month Leasing
Only need storage for the peak hurricane window? No problem. Big Tex offers short-term, commitment-free rental options so you only pay for the time you need. - Clean, Professionally Managed Facilities
Houston business owners trust Big Tex for its meticulous upkeep, responsive staff, and pest-free environment, which is ideal for storing valuable business property. - Convenient Locations in Central Houston
With facilities across Montrose, Garden Oaks, Museum District, River Oaks, Heights, and Uptown, you’ll find a nearby unit that’s easy to access in an emergency.
FAQs
How early should I move my inventory into storage before a hurricane?
Ideally, start preparations at the beginning of hurricane season (June–November). Move items 48–72 hours before a storm hits.
Are climate-controlled units really necessary?
Yes. Houston’s heat, even without a hurricane, can damage electronics, paper, fabrics, and more.
Can I store perishable items or hazardous materials?
No. Perishable food and hazardous materials (flammables, chemicals, etc.) are not permitted in storage units.
What size unit should I consider for hurricane prep?
It depends on your business. A 5×10 or 10×10 is ideal for small offices, while retailers or contractors may need a 10×20 or 10×30.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait until the forecast turns grim. Preparing ahead of time with a secure, climate controlled storage unit from Big Tex Storage gives you peace of mind and helps your small business bounce back faster.
Reserve your unit today and take one more step toward hurricane resilience.
