HURRICANE GUIDE | 2022

2022

GUIDE
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 HURRICANE GUIDE | 2022

STORM
PREPARATION

DOCUMENTATION COLLECT SUPPLIES

Take pictures of EVERYTHING inside and outside of your house, Focus on the essentials and plan to have no power or water. Collect
vehicles, and any business equipment or crops. Gather all important enough food/water/medicine for 3-7 days. Remember Gas, batteries,
documents including passports, birth certificates, medial records, radios, chargers and a basic tool-kit. Supplies for pets including carriers
receipts, etc. and rabies records.

SECURE YOUR PROPERTY MAKE A PLAN FOR STAYING & GOING

• Check on your homeowners or renters insurance • Evaluate the risks for your own situation (type of house,
• Protect valuables from flooding and rain by raising items trees near your home, flooding etc.)
off the ground, packing in plastic, and moving away • Check storm surge maps for your area
from windows • How long are you willing to stay in your house with out
• Sandbag doorways for flooding power?
• Prepare plywood for windows

TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS PREPARE FOR A COMMUTE

• Shut off water and gas lines, main break, and • Current roads and markets are not designed for 80-
unplug items 100% of the population to use them at once, so gas up
your cars and know your route
• Secure any loose items outside of your home (trash
cans etc.) • Plan on the trip taking 3-4x longer
• Get refills on any necessary prescriptions • Bring snacks & games for the trip
• Restock your first aid kit

STEPS AFTER THE STORM

After the storm, roads may be closed and power could be out for days if not weeks. Make sure to document all damage, keep all
receipts, and be wary of predatory contractors. Review your insurance coverage and utilize the recovery websites and agencies.

Visit http://hurricane.jimwells-tx.site/ for more helpful information

This message is Jim Wells County Courthouse
brought to you by 200 N. Almond Alice, TX 78332
CC-AT220615_121802
(361) 668-5702
forecast?
WHAT’S THE

H
urricane season began June 1, and the National stronger African Easterly waves, which cause many of the
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting strongest hurricanes during most seasons, according to NOAA.
an above-average Atlantic season for the seventh The 2022 Atlantic tropical cyclone names selected by the
consecutive year. World Meteorological Organization include: Alex, Bonnie,
Here’s everything you need to know to be prepared for the Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Gaston, Hermine, Ian, Julia, Karl,
weeks to come. Lisa, Martin, Nicole, Owen, Paula, Richard, Shary, Tobias,
The hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. With 70% Virginie, Walter.
confidence, NOAA is forecasting a range of 14 to 21 named “Early preparation and understanding your risk is key to
storms. Six to 10 of those could become hurricanes, including being hurricane resilient and climate-ready,” NOAA Secretary
three to six category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes. of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo said. “Throughout the
This increase of activity is largely attributed to an ongoing La hurricane season, NOAA experts will work around the clock
Niña, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures, weaker to provide early and accurate forecasts and warnings that
tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African communities in the path of storms can depend on to stay
monsoon. The enhanced west African monsoon supports informed.”

Resources from the Corpus Christi Caller-Times
Adobe stock cover art Text by: Ashlee Burns and John Oliva Corpus Christi Caller Times
Get updates, live storm coverage, and more for the 2022 hurricane season at https://www.caller.com/news/hurricanes/
 HURRICANE GUIDE | 2022

According to a 2021 FEMA survey, only 43% of residents at risk of hurricanes have created emergency plans for disasters.
The National Weather Service recommends the following preparation tips:

HOME PREPARATION
n Know the elevation of your home and if

you’re in a flood or evacuation zone.

n Check mobile home tie-downs for rust and

breakage. Mobile home residents should

evacuate when told.
n Trim trees and shrubbery and replace broken

fencing.
n Inspect the roof for loose shingles. Consider

replacing old shingles with new ones rated for

hurricane winds. Clear clogged rain gutters.
n Reinforce garage doors or replace with a

hurricane-tested door.
n Reinforce double entry doors with heavy duty

foot and head bolts

n Use a security deadbolt with 1-inch

maximum bolt length

n Install hurricane shutters, if possible, and

inspect existing shutters

n Use 5/8-inch or greater exterior grade

plywood secured by 2 1/2-inch screws to board

windows.
n Store lawn furniture and other loose,

lightweight objects.
n If leaving, turn off propane tanks, unplug

small appliances, empty refrigerator and

freezer, turn off utilities if told, lock home and
take pets with you.
INSURANCE TIPS
n If staying, close storm shutters, notify family BEFORE THE STORM: AFTER THE STORM:
members of plans, lower swimming pool water
n Make sure you understand what’s n Photograph or video damaged property
level by 1 foot, turn refrigerator and freezer to
coldest setting and only open if necessary, stay covered and excluded in your policy, and make a list of damaged or lost items.
away from boarded windows, stay in a safe and that your coverage can replace your
n DO NOT throw out damaged property
room such as a closet, bathroom or hallway. home and contents.
before your adjuster inspects the debris.
n Find out if your policy covers

n Keep an accurate record of temporary

temporary living expenses in case your
home is unlivable due to damage. repair and living expenses.
n Prepare written or photographed

inventory of your belongings and keep

in a safe place with your policy.


EMERGENCY KIT n Matches in a waterproof container.

n Photocopies of identification, insurance, prescriptions,
n At least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food
and water. One gallon of water per person per day is household inventory, credit cards and your latest utility
recommended. bill.
n Battery-powered portable television or radio with n Photocopies of important documents such as birth/

extra batteries. marriage certificates and titles. Also, upload key

documents to a cloud storage system or save on a thumb
n Flashlight with extra batteries. drive or other device.
n Prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lens
n First Aid kit and manual.
solution and hearing aid batteries.
n Sanitation and hygiene items such as instant hand

sanitizing gel, moist towelettes, toilet paper and n Formula, baby food, diapers and pacifiers.
feminine hygiene products.
n A good map showing county roads and highways.
n Phone car charger.
n Tire repair kit, booster cables, pump and flares.
n Whistle.
n White distress flag.
nKitchen accessories, cooking utensils, and manual can
opener. n Toys and games for children.
n Cash. List of family phone numbers and addresses outside the
area.
n Extra clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags.
 HURRICANE GUIDE | 2022

WHAT ABOUT FUZZY

FRIENDS?
For those with pets, it’s important to prepare and pack a variety of items that will ensure the health and safety of your animals
during an extreme weather event.

PET PREPAREDNESS:
n Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current and have proof

they are current. DO NOT assume that a public shelter or hotel will
accept your pet.
n Have a current photo of your pet.
n Each animal should have a pet carrier large enough for the animal

to stand up and turn around.

n Enough food and bottled water for the duration of your evacuation.

DO NOT let your pet eat food or drink water from outside that may
have become contaminated.
n Any medications, a muzzle, collar, leash, paper towels and trash

bags.
n Make sure your pet has a proper ID collar.
Due to the number of dogs she has, Pamela Hyatt of Rockport
couldn’t find a hotel on Aug. 27, 2017, two days after Hurricane
Harvey devastated the Coastal city. Credit: Rachel Denny Clow/
Caller-Times

HISTORY OF HURRICANES
LEGENDARY LOCAL STORMS
In 2021, Tropical Storm Nicholas formed in the southwestern Gulf of
Mexico, strengthening to a hurricane before it made landfall in Matagorda
County. The storm brought winds and several inches of rain to the Southeast
Texas Gulf Coast, resulting in mass power outages and flash flooding.

Hurricane Hanna made landfall on Padre Island on July 25, 2020. The
Category 1 storm left tens of thousands of people without power, put
sections of North Beach underwater and took down a portion of the iconic
Bob Hall Pier.

On Aug. 26, 2017, Category 4 Hurricane Harvey made landfall east of

Rockport before returning to sea and making a second, weaker landfall on
the Texas coast. Western eyewall of Hurricane Hanna brought
hurricane conditions to the South Texas coast.
Credit: National Hurricane Center.com.
Shoppers look for last-minute supplies at H-E-B Plus on Saratoga Boulevard in Corpus Christi just minutes before the store closes as Hurricane
Harvey nears the coast in this 2017 file photo. Credit: Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times

HOW NUECES COUNTY EMERGENCY

MANAGEMENT IS PREPARING
R
esidents should be preparing for hurricane season right now “It lets us know where our medically fragile people are,” Ray
and avoid reacting without a plan, Louie M. Ray Jr. said. said. “They may need power and they may need help. It helps us
“Store up on those life-saving supplies,” the Nueces understand who may need help evacuating if the time comes. It
County emergency management coordinator said. “Have a route and gives us a pinpoint.”
have a plan. Communicate that plan from the oldest to the youngest. The program is aimed to help people who have disabilities, limited
If Mom and Dad make a plan, bring the family in and talk about it. mobility, communication barriers or require additional medical
Talk about safe spots, phone numbers and where important papers assistance during an emergency event, transportation assistance or
are. Have those papers in a location where you can put them in a personal care assistance.
waterproof bag just in case you need to.” To register, visit tdem.texas.gov/response/state-of-texas-
The emergency management team Ray runs is in charge of how to emergency-assistance-registry.
reduce loss, protect infrastructure and support the environment from Ray said the program also helps residents who may need
all hazards. It responds to the community’s needs before, during and generators in case of a power outage.
after disaster and emergency situations. “Hospitals have their own supplemented power supply that can
Ray said his team, through the Emergency Operations Center, help them maintain power during an outage,” Ray said. “We are
is planning to exercise their knowledge through drills to be better prepared to help them if for someone reason their personal power
prepared. goes out.”
Ray also said residents who are considered medically fragile In the event of an evacuation, Ray said Nueces County Judge
should register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Barbara Canales makes the final call, which would come well before
Registry. The free program provides local emergency planners and a storm makes landfall.
emergency responders additional information on the needs in their “Just be prepared,” Ray said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
community.
 HURRICANE GUIDE | 2022

TERMINOLOGY

DEFINITIONS:
Tropical cyclone: This reference applies to many storms
that involve revolving clouds that are born out of the tropics
and subtropics. A tropical cyclone can describe a tropical
depression, tropical storm or hurricane. The storms are
distinguished by wind speeds.

Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with wind speeds

of 38 mph or less

Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with wind speeds

between 39 and 73 mph

Hurricanes: A tropical cyclone with wind speeds reaching

at least 74 mph. Specific category strengths of hurricanes
are defined by wind speeds.

Storm surge: Rising water forced inland. Storm surges

can be deadly, and are often considered the most dangerous
feature of tropical cyclones.

Watches: Issued 48 hours before possible weather

conditions

Warnings: Issued 36 hours before expected weather

Sources: National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, conditions
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
 HURRICANE GUIDE | 2022

THE HURRICANE IS OVER:

WHAT DO I DO NOW?
The storm has swept through, and now you are left to assess the damage. But where do you start? Follow these tips from the
City of Corpus Christi Office of Emergency Management, Ready.gov, and the Red Cross.

RETURNING HOME
n Follow local media for official updates, weather

reports and instructions. Remember that poor

weather conditions, including flooding, can continue
even after the storm has passed.
n Check-in with family and friends by texting

or using social media. Limit telephone use to

emergency calls.
n Return home only when authorities advise it is safe

to return. Nueces County has a tiered reentry plan

to allow residents back into evacuated areas; only
higher tier personnel like emergency responders,
utility operators, relief workers and health care
professionals will be allowed back immediately
following a storm.
n Keep away from loose or dangling power lines.

Report them to AEP or police/fire department.

n Avoid flood waters, whether in a vehicle or on foot.

Turn around, don’t drown! Just 6 inches of moving Above: Oley Castro checks out the damage from Hurricane Bret on 18th Street on
water can knock you down, and fast-moving water Aug. 23, 1999. His neighbors’ tree fell on his minivan and car on his property. The
can sweep your vehicle away. Flood water may be minivans windshield and roof were crushed. Credit: David Pellerin/Caller-Times
electrically charged from underground or downed file. Below: City employees Santiago Marquez (left) and Pete Contreras put up
power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places signs to close Laguna Shores Drive in Flour Bluff on July 22, 2008, as Hurricane
where the ground is washed away. Dolly moved through the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: Michelle Christenson/Caller-
n Stay out of any building that has water around it. Times file

n Enter your home with caution. Beware of snakes,

insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood

water.
n Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures, both

of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.

n Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
n Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water

until you are sure it’s not contaminated.

n Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt,

throw it out.
n Do what you can to prevent further damage to your

property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof),

as insurance may not cover additional damage that
occurs after the storm.
n Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your

home.
n Wear protective clothing and be cautious when

cleaning up to avoid injury.

 SIGN UP TODAY
FOR EMERGENCY
ALERTS FROM FROM
CITY OF ALICE

Information is Power!
Make sure you have the information you
need to stay safe and protected!
5 Ways to Sign up:
Signing up for
Emergency Alerts is: And can save:
• Easy • Your life
• Fast • Your family
• Simple • Your property
1. Scan QR Code:
Sign up today and be prepared for: 2. Go to http://hyper-reach.com/
txjimwellssignup.html
• Floods • Public health alerts
3. Call: 361.415.7015
• Fires • Criminal activity and 4. Text “alerts” to 361.415.7015
• Severe Weather much, much more... 5. Fill out the form below:
Name _________________________________
Address (no PO Box) _____________________
City ___________________________________
State __________________________________
Zip ____________________________________

City of Alice Office Landline Phone Number (___)_____-_________

☐ Community Alerts ☐ Weather Alerts
of Emergency Mobil Alerts (___)_____-_________

Management Community Alerts ☐ Text ☐ Voice ☐ Both

Weather Alerts ☐ Text ☐ Voice ☐ Both

Email Address ___________________________

500 E. Main, RM 302, Alice, Texas ☐ Community Alerts ☐ Weather Alerts

VT-AT220621_090123
361-664-3111 Special Needs? ☐ Yes ☐ No
 CANADA

ATLANTIC HURRICANE TRACKING CHART

Always remember VT. Portland
If you live along the coast or in a low-lying area, if you live in a mobile home in an area subject to hurricane water or wind, N.H.
or if authorities tell you to... Go!
NEW
YORK
Storm Surge MASS. Bos
A storm surge is a dome of water often 50 miles wide that comes sweeping across the coastline near the area CONN.
where the eye of the hurricane makes landfall. The surge, aided by the hammering effect of breaking waves, R.I.
acts like a giant bulldozer sweeping away everything in its path. Nine out of ten hurricane deaths are caused New York
by storm surge. That's why it's important to leave well before a hurricane may come your way. PA. N.J.
OHIO
Wind Damage
MD.
Hurricane winds can cause significant damage to homes and businesses far from the shore. Atlantic City
If you live in an area anywhere near the path of a hurricane, you should take steps to protect Washington, D.C. DEL.
property from high winds. Bring in anything from outside that may become airborne in high Ocean City
winds, including toys, lawn chairs, trash cans, coconuts, etc. Cover all windows of your home. W. VA.
If shutters are not installed, use 3/4" marine plywood panels. Tape does not work, so it is not KY.
VIRGINIA
recommended. Remain inside until authorities tell you the danger has passed.
Norfolk
Other Hurricane Effects
Hurricanes can produce flooding far inland, especially if the storm “stalls” or produces a lot of rain. N.C.
Also, tornadoes can form when hurricanes come on shore. Ask your American Red Cross, Cape Hatteras
National Weather Service, or emergency management office what to do in case of a flood or tornado.
Wilmington
S.C.
More Information
More information about hurricanes, protection from wind damage, U N I T E D S T A T E S
floods, and tornadoes is available from your local
American Red Cross chapter, National Weather GEORGIA Charleston
MISS. ALA.
Service Office, or emergency Savannah
management agency. LA.
Gulf Mobile
Lake Baton Port Pensacola
Rouge Jacksonville
Charles
TEXAS New Orleans Tallahassee
NATIONAL

Galveston Apalachicola
Daytona Beach
FLA.
Cape Canaveral
Tampa
Corpus Christi
Palm Beach
B
Fort Myers Ft. Lauderdale A
H
Brownsville Miami Nassau
A
Key West

M
A
S
Havana
TUR
Tampico CUBA
Mérida
Camagüey
MEXICO
Campeche Cozumel DOMIN
YUCATAN CAYMAN IS. Guantanamo REPU
Veracruz PENNINSULA HAITI
JAMAICA Port-au-Prince
Sant
Belize City Kingston Doming
BELIZE
Puerto Cortés

GUATE-
MALA HONDURAS Cabo Gracias a Dios

EL SALVADOR San Andres 70

NICARAGUA ARUBA

75°

COSTA
RICA
Balboa
PANAMA

COLOMBIA

100° 95° 90° 85° 80°

 0 500 mi
NEW 0 500 km
BRUNSWICK NEWFOUNDLAND
MERCATOR PROJECTION
The scale is accurate along the equator.
Elsewhere on the map, scale increases toward poles.
MAINE 45°
NOVA
SCOTIA

ston

40°
STORM NAMES FOR 2022
Alex Ian
Julia Richard
Bonnie
Karl Shary
Colin
Lisa Tobias
Danielle
Martin Virginie 35°
Earl
Nicole Walter
Fiona
Gaston Owen
BERMUDA
Hermine Paula

Use the live storm tracker at https://data.caller.com/storm/ 30°

25°

RKS & CAICOS IS.

NICAN 20°
UBLIC BRITISH VIRGIN IS.
San Juan
ANGUILLA
to ST. MARTIN
PUERTO ST.-BARTHÉLEMY
go RICO (U.S.)

ST. KITTS ANTIGUA

U.S. VIRGIN
ISLANDS and NEVIS GUADELOUPE
DOMINICA
15°
MARTINIQUE
ST. LUCIA
0° ST. VINCENT and
THE GRENADINES BARBADOS
CURACAO
GRENADA
TOBAGO
65°
TRINIDAD 10°
60°
VENEZUELA

GUYANA 55°

50° 45° 40°

Hurricane
Season Is
Here.

Be prepared and
stay safe with this
2022 Hurricane Guide