It's a big state we live in. There is also a big state of mind we should keep in order to live in it well.
People from all over the United States and the world are relocating to the Bluebonnet State. For some who haven't lived in Texas for more than a year, the sudden influx of people might seem like they are bringing the diversity of the weather with them.
For many, the weather turned faster than you can say "no state income tax" and "rising property values".
In the last 24 hours, North Texans have witnessed the spring-like conditions that threatened tornados evolve into winter conditions offering a nice smattering of snow.
Like dessert before dinner, sometimes our seasons get out of order.
It's just the little bit of crazy those who have lived here for awhile have come to know.
If you now call the Texas panhandle, big bend, hill country, south plains, gulf coast, piney woods or prairie land area home, get used to the unusual.
Given the proper motivation, you could start your day in a parka in Amarillo and end the day in your bathing suit jumping into the Galveston waves without leaving the state.
State of Risk
The location of Texas on the map in relation to Mexico, the Rockies, the Gulf of Mexico and the freeway of front activity pacing across the state certainly makes things interesting.
Windstorms come in all shapes and sizes. The unpredictable atmosphere can cause hail the size of a grapefruit.
Extreme drought can lead to wildfires. Hurricanes can lead to flooding.
Texas has often led the nation in catastrophic losses. Exposure to the possibility of nine different natural hazards leads to a higher degree of insurance risk.
Drought, earthquakes, extreme heat, flooding, hurricanes, thunderstorms, wildfires and winter storms, oh my. Welcome to Texas, ya'll!
Earthquakes you say? Didn't I leave California because of earthquakes? In addition to natural seismic activity, University of Texas at Austin scientists have concluded some earthquakes are due to activity stemming from oil and gas production activity.
Oil, that Texas gold which helped to pin the state high up on the world's financial map, can also be a hazard.
Insurance is Gold
There's no doubt, these are some boom years our state is experiencing. Jobs, real estate, technology, entertainment, it appears every industry has found a home and hospitable environment in the 28th state.
It currently sits as a magnet for prosperity or at least a fighting chance to reach it. Comfortable homes are available. Owning your own vehicle here is quite necessary due to the sprawl of the state and lack of connecting infrastructure from major city to city. With more people on the road and in homes, risk rises with the numbers.
Whether you are new here or have held the line against the Texas weather patterns for years, there are things you may or may not know about your exposure to risk regarding your home and auto. You want proper homeowners and auto insurance, not the worst homeowners insurance policy ever.
At Insurance For Texans, we help bring peace of mind by finding insurance solutions which match your needs. As an independent insurance agency, we bring great options to the table.
Give us a shout and we'll help you out.
Enjoy the snow . . . or the sunshine, or whatever else Texas thinks up next.