Last hurricane hit 32 years ago

Residents should plan their getaways before items start blowing away

By Lee Goddard, Caller-Times

Hurricane supplies Emergency numbers Police/Fire/Ambulance, 911 City Water Department, 826-2489 (CITY ) Wastewater Management, 826-2489 (CITY ) American Electric Power/Central Power and Light, (877) 373-4858 Gas service, 854-4396 Red Cross, 887-9991 Radio KRIS-TV simulcasts on 87.7 FM

It's been a little more than 32 years since a major hurricane directly hit the city of Corpus Christi.
   Living on the Gulf of Mexico makes the area susceptible to the strong storms. Now is the time to get the items on your hurricane supplies list - waiting for a hurricane watch will mean a more anxious drive through heavy traffic and more of a chance that grocery shelves will be swept bare by the time you arrive.
   Hurricane watch
   When a hurricane watch is issued, it means that there is a chance a hurricane will move through the area.
   * Fill your car with fuel and check the oil, radiator and tire pressure, as an evacuation can mean huge traffic jams.
   * Know your evacuation route, and locate thEe places in your home to shut down electricity, gas and water. If you have an electrical garage door, make sure you can operate it manually.
   * Also, make sure you are stocked up with nonperishable items, and prepare storm shutters or board up windows.
   * Charge cellular phones.
   * Line up an out-of-area contact who will know your situation during the storm. Check on the elderly, as they may need help.
   Hurricane warning
   If a hurricane warning is issued for your area, it means a hurricane is likely to make landfall in the vicinity.
   * Make sure antennas or satellite dishes are secured.
   * Install storm shutters or plywood backing on windows, and brace doors. Bring in any outside objects that are likely to be blown away. Disconnect propane tanks and turn off the main gas line.
   * Organize the items on your supplies list and be prepared to evacuate at short notice. No matter what, residents in mobile homes should evacuate.
   * Place important documents in waterproof bags and shut windows and doors. Plan on using an emergency room in the house, away from windows.
   During the storm
   * Stay tuned to the local television stations or radio stations (KRIS-TV also simulcasts on 87.7 FM).
   * Limit phone contact.
   * At some point, turn off circuit breakers for electrical power and go to battery power. Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps that can be blown over.
   * If your home starts to take too much of a hit, go inside the safe area of the house, and if the house begins to break apart, cover up with a mattress.
   After the storm
   * Beware of downed power lines.
   * Do not use the telephone except for emergencies.
   * Avoid drinking tap water until OK'd by authorities.
   Hurricane supplies
   * First aid kit
   * Any medical prescriptions (two- week supply)
   * Canned food and can opener; non-perishable food and paper plates, cups, utensils
   * A minimum of seven gallons of water per person, per day
   * Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
   * Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries (overstock to be on the safe side)
   * Supplies for infants (formula, wipes, diapers, etc.)
   * Soap
   * Insect repellent
   * Games and books for the kids
   * Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (You'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
  
   Emergency numbers
   * Police/Fire/Ambulance, 911
   * City Water Department, 826-2489 (CITY )
   * Wastewater Management, 826-2489 (CITY )
   * American Electric Power/Central Power and Light, (877) 373-4858
   * Gas service, 854-4396
   * Red Cross, 887-9991
  
   Radio
   KRIS-TV simulcasts _on 87.7 FM
   On the Net
   For updates on emergency _situations, go to:
   www.caller.com/emergency

This article is originally from the Caller-Times publication South Texas Living
View the original publication.