HOA Workshop April 30, 2026

HOA Connect Houston’s April 30, 2026 Board Workshop brought together HOA leaders, industry professionals, and public officials for an engaging and informative evening focused on disaster preparedness and response. Hosted at the Fort Bend County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the workshop emphasized proactive planning, coordinated response, and effective recovery strategies to help communities better withstand and respond to natural disasters.

The workshop opened with insights from Clayton Townsend of  E.N.G. Roofing, who addressed the unique risks HOAs face due to shared structures and community-wide exposure to storm damage. Their presentation highlighted how even minor issues can quickly escalate into costly repairs when response is delayed, reinforcing the importance of routine inspections, maintenance planning, and establishing trusted vendor relationships before disaster strikes. Attendees also gained a clear understanding of common storm-related damage—including roof failures, water intrusion, and structural impacts—and the critical role early detection plays in minimizing long-term costs.

Building on these themes, Clay Morris of Yellowstone Landscape presented a comprehensive approach to disaster planning, outlining actionable steps HOAs can take both before and after major weather events. His guidance emphasized proactive risk assessment, landscape preparation, irrigation management, and clear communication with residents. Post-disaster strategies focused on phased recovery efforts, including debris removal, damage assessment, targeted repairs, and long-term monitoring to restore and improve community assets.

Greg Babst with Fort Bend County Homeland Security & Emergency Management provided a broader regional perspective, covering hurricane preparedness, local risks, and emergency response protocols. Attendees learned about the importance of understanding evacuation routes, the difference between watches and warnings, and how Fort Bend County supports regional evacuation efforts as a “pass-through” county. He also provided a deep dive into creating an emergency plan and practicing the plan before a natural disaster strikes. The presentation also highlighted available tools such as the FBC Alert system and mobile app, which provide real-time updates and critical emergency information to residents. 

Additional insights were shared by Andrew Davis from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), who offered a detailed overview of disaster response from an insurance and regulatory standpoint. Topics included how claims are processed, the role of state agencies during disaster recovery, and practical guidance for avoiding common pitfalls when filing claims or working with contractors. Attendees were also educated on key concepts such as replacement cost versus actual cash value, as well as best practices for documenting property and preparing for insurance-related recovery efforts.

The evening also featured Mayor Don McCoy of Fulshear, who reinforced the importance of collaboration between HOAs, municipalities, and emergency management agencies in protecting communities and improving resilience.

Attendees left the workshop with a stronger understanding of disaster risks, practical tools for preparation and response, and valuable connections with industry experts and public officials. The event highlighted the critical role of proactive planning, clear communication, and coordinated action in safeguarding HOA communities before, during, and after natural disasters.