TEXAS — Beryl made landfall in Texas as a hurricane early Monday morning, hammering parts of the middle coast. While it has since been downgraded to a tropical storm and will move out, the damage has been done. Here are some safety and insurance tips from AAA for residents affected by the storm.

Insurance tips

Those who have been or think they may be affected by Beryl should keep their insurance information on hand at all times. AAA suggests reviewing your home and auto insurance policies to make sure you’re covered in case of flooding or damage from falling debris.

Document your belongings and keep records of large purchases in your home.

Prepare your home by bringing in outdoor furniture, bikes, toys and any other loose items that could be swept up and turned into projectiles in strong winds. Trim trees near your home and ensure you have access to sandbags and wood to board up windows if necessary.

Evacuating safely

AAA suggests that those evacuating their homes identify multiple routes in case of closures, turn off all utilities before leaving, pack important documents and leave early to avoid traffic and long lines at gas stations.

Pack food, water and supplies for all travelers, including pets. Check that tires, lights and windshield wipers are in working condition before evacuating.

When driving, keep in mind road conditions may be more dangerous. Driving slowly, keeping your headlights on in the rain and increasing the distance between you and other cars is recommended to avoid an accident. Don’t use cruise control when driving on wet roads. If a road is flooded, follow the “turn around, don’t drown” rule and find an alternate route.

Stay updated with the latest on Beryl with Spectrum News.