Texas is known for big things and Texans have a big sense of pride in their state. Unfortunately, the exposure of the state to catastrophic storm damage is large, as well.

In 2005, it was Hurricane Rita. In 2001, tropical storm Allison struck the Texas coast. Even without reaching hurricane strength Allison caused more than $5 billion in damages. The Hurricane of 1900 leveled the city of Galveston and shifted the demographic distribution and business centers of this state forever. Lubbock and Wichita Falls were ravaged by massive tornados. In 2000, a tornado ripped through downtown Fort Worth. In 1995, much of north Texas was devastated by a hail storm. These natural disasters caused billions of dollars worth of damage. And, not only is the size of the storms that nature has visited upon Texas concerning, but an increasing frequency has made insuring the property in this state so laden with risks and the cost of re-insurance so high that few private-market options are left to property owners seeking coverage.

This lack of private market participation has created a secondary problem by "chasing" property owners into the state’s insurance pool of last resort – exposing the state to a risk portfolio it was never anticipating.

Texans can and must do a better job of preparing and protecting their citizens from natural disasters.

It is time for Texans to begin to take the necessary steps to prepare their home or business for catastrophe. Be it a tornado in North Texas, flooding in East Texas, a hail storm in West Texas or a hurricane on the Gulf Coast, Texans must be proactive, rather than waiting for the next catastrophe to strike.

As the second most populous state in the Union, development in Texas has exploded to make room for all of its residents. With the very real risk of natural disasters looming, its time for Texas to begin to educate, plan and prepare its citizens. Such measures will save lives, reduce property losses and protect neighborhoods from the damage of future catastrophe.

Instead of waiting for another mega-catastrophe to hit this state, ProtectingTexas.org believes that Texas lawmakers should make it a top priority to create a comprehensive, catastrophe management solution now. This solution, which includes a state catastrophe fund financed by private insurance premium dollars, will help protect residents and ensure that basic, competitive coverage will exist for citizens and businesses.

The fund will grow tax free, and its monies can only be used to help pay claims for a catastrophe with damages of $ 2 billion or more. Interest earnings of the fund will be used to improve consumer protection and education programs to make sure Texans are better prepared for natural disasters. These funds could also be used to strengthen first responders – which will save lives and better protect property.