Tropical Storm Harvey has become a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and is strengthening and may reach a category 3 hurricane before making landfall on the Texas Coast Friday afternoon. As it makes landfall it will bring dangerous winds and flooding rain to areas in Texas this weekend. In San Antonio, we may receive more than 12 inches of rain this weekend.
It is important that you prepare yourself, your family, your home and your values for this potentially catastrophic weather event. Here are a few helpful tips to assist you in reducing your likelihood of sustaining damage.
Basic Preparedness Tips
- Put together a disaster supply kit, including, water, nonperishable food, flashlight, batteries, candles, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate. Don’t forget your pets needs during this time too (food, water, leash)!
- Fill up your gas tanks in all your vehicles. If we have severe flooding it can contaminate the underground storage tanks.
- Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
Preparing Your Home
Hurricane and Tropical Storm winds can cause trees and branches to fall, trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe. Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property. Secure any patio furniture and items that can become airborne and driven by the wind.
If you're in the Hurricane Warning areas please secure your homes weak entry points your doors and windows. Storm shutters provide the best protection, but boarding up windows when a storm is on the way can help, too. Reduce property damage by reinforcing the garage doors. Most garage doors are not reinforced, and when the wind gets into the garage, it creates a positive push at the same time that the wind swirling above the structure creates a negative pull. That push-pull combination can cause the roof to fly off.
Beware of Standing Water on Roads
With the anticipated rainfall, remember that the average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water, and roads covered by water are prone to collapse. Attempting to drive through water also may stall your engine, with the potential to cause irreparable damage if you try to restart the engine. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate route.
For Catto & Catto Clients: In the event you experience damage due to Hurricane Harvey, please visit our online Claims Center to learn more about reporting a claim or loss.