Houston Storm Season Facility Prep: What Every Commercial Property Manager Should Do Before June 1

Houston is the most flood-prone major city in the United States, and one of the most hurricane-vulnerable. Tropical Storm Allison (2001), Hurricane Ike (2008), and Hurricane Harvey (2017) collectively caused over $200 billion in damage to the Greater Houston area. Harvey alone dropped 60 inches of rain on parts of Harris County.

For commercial facility managers, storm preparation isn't optional — it's a fiduciary responsibility to your tenants, your ownership, and your own operational continuity.

MetroKleen | MKMaintX provides pre-storm facility preparation services, post-storm emergency response, and comprehensive storm readiness assessments across Greater Houston.

The Commercial Facility Storm Prep Checklist

Roof & Exterior (Complete by May 15)

• [ ] Roof inspection — identify and repair any existing membrane damage or penetrations
• [ ] Clean all roof drains, scuppers, and downspouts
• [ ] Inspect and re-caulk all exterior penetrations (HVAC curbs, electrical conduits, pipe penetrations)
• [ ] Tighten or replace loose flashings
• [ ] Document pre-storm exterior condition with dated photos (insurance documentation)
• [ ] Secure or remove loose exterior signage, equipment, and landscaping features

HVAC Systems

• [ ] Inspect and secure rooftop unit tie-downs and curb attachments
• [ ] Clean condensate drains — blockages during heavy rain cause interior flooding
• [ ] Test emergency shutoff procedures for mechanical rooms
• [ ] Inspect economizer dampers — stuck-open dampers can flood mechanical rooms
• [ ] Document current system condition for insurance baseline

Electrical

• [ ] Test all emergency lighting and exit signs
• [ ] Verify generator starting and transfer switch operation
• [ ] Check and clear panel room drainage
• [ ] Identify and document main disconnect locations for emergency crews

Grounds & Site

• [ ] Clear storm drains of accumulated debris
• [ ] Trim trees and large shrubs within 10 feet of building
• [ ] Mark and document above-ground utility locations
• [ ] Stage sandbags or flood barriers for known low-spot vulnerabilities

Interior

• [ ] Identify and document locations of water shutoffs
• [ ] Elevate critical equipment in basement or ground-floor mechanical rooms
• [ ] Test sump pumps (if applicable)
• [ ] Stock emergency maintenance supplies: wet-vacs, mops, absorbents

MKMaintX Storm Response Services

When storms hit Greater Houston, MKMaintX teams deploy for:

• Pre-storm securing and boarding (large commercial properties)
• Post-storm debris removal — parking lots, grounds, building exteriors
• Emergency HVAC inspection and restart
• Water intrusion response and extraction coordination
• Documentation support for insurance claims

📍 Office: 14090 Southwest Fwy #300, Sugar Land, TX 77478 📞 24/7 Storm Response: 1-800-669-5808 🌐 mkmaintx.com/houston

Schedule a pre-storm facility assessment before June 1 — don't wait until the forecast is already on the radar.