Hurricane watches, warnings and evacuations: What to do when one is declared

Has a hurricane watch or warning been issued? Don’t panic and follow these guidelines from the City of Corpus Christi Office of Emergency Management. 

Tropical storm or hurricane watch

The National Weather Service will issue a watch when either tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible in the area within 48 hours. A tropical storm has sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph while a hurricane has sustained winds of 74 mph or greater. If a watch has been issued, the city of Corpus Christi advises residents to follow these steps:

• Follow local media for hurricane progress reports.
• Review the items in your emergency supply kit; and add items to meet the household needs for children, parents, individuals with disabilities or other access and functional needs or pets.
• Register those in your family or care with special needs to the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) if you haven’t already done so.
• Fuel car.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.
• Review your evacuation plan.
• Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.

Tropical storm or hurricane warning

The National Weather Service will issue a warning when either tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible in the area within 36 hours. A tropical storm has sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph while a hurricane has sustained winds of 74 mph or greater. If a warning has been issued, the city of Corpus Christi advises residents follow these steps

• Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.
• If in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
• Avoid elevators.

Evacuation ordered

If your local city or county has issued an evacuation order, follow these steps. Keep in mind that the city of Corpus Christi and Nueces County will not open local shelters before or during a hurricane. Once a storm has passed, officials will assess the need for shelters and open them as needed.

• Know your route and have a plan for where you can stay.
• Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
• Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
• Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
• If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.
• Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
• Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
• Lock up home and leave.

If you choose to stay put

If you have ignored warnings and evacuation orders, take these steps to ensure you and your family stay safe. The National Hurricane Center advises those who ride out a storm to be alert for tornadoes that can spawn during a hurricane and be aware of when the eye of the storm hits. The weather may suddenly appear calm, but wind will quickly return to hurricane strength and switch direction as the eyewall passes.

• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power “surge” when electricity is restored.

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