Free Tip Sheet

Countdown to a Hurricane:
What to Do When Hurricanes Threaten

Hurricane season in Corpus Christi officially starts June 1 and ends November 30. During this stretch of time, you’ll hear numerous reports of hurricane warnings and watches. Here’s a quick overview about what these terms mean … and what you need to do when you hear them.

The National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch when there’s a threat of hurricane conditions (winds of 74+ miles per hour or dangerously high water and rough seas) within 24-36 hours. A warning is issued when these conditions are expected within the next 24 hours.

Hurricane advisories are released every six hours – 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. The bulletins provide the storm’s eye position, intensity, and forecasted movement. The most important detail is where the storm is headed.

Whenever a watch is issued, here’s what you need to do to protect yourself:

• Listen to progress reports on the television or a battery-operated radio.
• Check your emergency supplies, and review your evacuation plan.
• If you own a boat, ensure that is securely moored or stored in a safe place. If on a trailer, secure the boat with rope or chain, and then anchor the trailer to the house or ground using tiedowns.
• Close and board up windows.
• Remove outside antennas.
• Bring in any outdoor objects that could become projectiles – lawn furniture, toys, garden  tools. Secure any objects that can’t be brought indoors.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. Open them only when absolutely necessary, and close them quickly.
• Store drinking water in jugs, bottles, pots, pans, and clean bathtubs. Plan on 3 gallons of water per person.

Before hurricane season arrives, implement “The 7 Secrets of Hurricane Preparedness.” And make sure you have proper insurance coverage for any hurricane damage your home suffers.

Smart Consumer Tip: Print and review this special checklist with your family to ensure you’re fully prepared for the next hurricane season.

This report is provided compliments of
Ed Cantu Insurance Agency, Corpus Christi, Texas, (361) 991-3575

Ensure your home is fully insured for hurricane damage.
Click here for your free Quick Quote on Homeowners Insurance
– or call us at (361) 991-3575.