Hurricane season: June 1-nov.

30

May 17, 2015

HURRICANE
GUIDE 2015
Be prepared

it could save
your life
when and how to evacuate
emergency numbers
supplies, food you will need
storm surge flooding areas
storm tracking map
hurricane category explainer

2 Sunday, May 17, 2015

C A L L E R -T I M E S

CONTENTS
4

Hurricane season
expected to be quiet,
but still be prepared

6
Before the storm:

What to do when a
warning is issued;
how to board
windows

Hurricane tracking
map; storm names for
2015

10

Insurance: Preparation
helps with peace of
mind

12

Know when and how

to evacuate; hurricane
categories

15
Costliest tropical

cyclones to hit U.S.

mainland; peak
season for storms

INTERNET STORM COVERAGE

The 2015 hurricane season
is approaching and Caller.
com will be the destination
for the most current
information available.
Through a partnership with
the National Hurricane Center of the National Weather
Service, Caller.com will
have access to the latest
tropical information available
anywhere in South Texas.

OUR COVERAGE WILL

INCLUDE THE MOST CURRENT:
Forecasts for the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of
Mexico
Storm probabilities updated hourly
Tropical storm advisories
Three- and ve-day landfall predictions for each storm
Seven-day storm track projections
Current and previous storm coordinates
Satellite imagery of the storms with wind speeds

When the storm is approaching, take Caller.coms hurricane coverage with you via our
mobile site, m.caller.com, and our Twitter feed @callerdotcom.

EMERGENCY
NUMBERS
CORPUS CHRISTI
Police, re, ambulance: 911
City/water: 857-1888 (24 hours)
Waste water: 857-1818 (24 hours)
AEP: 866-223-8508
American Red Cross: 887-9991

COUNTY
Aransas: 361-729-2222
Bee: 361-362-3221
Brooks: 361-325-3696
Duval: 361-279-3351
Jim Hogg: 361-527-3710
Jim Wells: 361-668-0341
Kleberg: 361-595-8500
Live Oak: 361-449-2271
Nueces: 887-2222
Refugio: 361-526-2351
San Patricio: 361-364-2251

DONT FORGET SUPPLIES FOR PETS

Canned food
Dry food

Also take a glimpse at the past

with the storm tracks of major U.S.
hurricanes over the past 100 years
and local photo galleries of Coastal
Bend hurricanes since 1967.

Cat litter
Up-to-date tags,
records

WHAT YOU NEED

Copies of insurance
policies
Drinking water (Three
gallons per person)
Battery-powered radio
Spare batteries
Manual can opener
Flashlights (one for each
member in household)
Watchproof matches
Candles
Toilet paper
Cash (ATMs might not
work)
Plastic
sheeting
Nails
Rope
Lumber
Tools
Cellular
telephone (fully charged,
with back-up battery)
Plastic garbage bags
Insect spray
Rain gear
Fire extinguisher
Fuel for generators/
vehicles
Ice chest
Soap
Sunscreen
Disinfectant
Bleach for sterilization
(unscented with
hypochlorite as the only
active ingredient)

Tincture of iodine or
water purication tablets
Propane gas (for grills)
Charcoal and lighter uid
FOOD

Canned meats (tuna, ham,

Spam, etc.)
Bottled water
Crackers
Cookies
Self-packaged juices
Peanut butter
Pudding
Powdered or evaporated
milk
Paper plates, cups
Plastic utensils
MEDICAL SUPPLIES

First aid kit

Medications/prescription
medication
List of medications/doses
FOR CHILDREN

Diapers
Wipes
Formula

C A L L E R -T I M E S

Sunday, May 17, 2015 3

What we do when the lights go out . . .

Electricity is an essential service that is often taken for granted. Yet, a major storm or hurricane can
disrupt electric service for an extended period of time. AEP Texas has developed a comprehensive
restoration plan in the event of a major storm or hurricane that is designed to get the lights back
on as quickly as possible.
Each year prior to hurricane season, drills are conducted so that everyone will be ready for whatever
happens. In the event of a severe storm, crews from other parts of AEP Texas and from utilities in
surrounding states are called upon to help restore service.
AEP Texas realizes communication to residents is vital in the event of a storm, and we will
continue to provide the latest restoration information through the news media and through our
website (aeptexas.com).
Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
facebook.com/aeptexas
twitter.com/aeptexas
youtube.com/aeptexas

CAL509009

4 Sunday, May 17, 2015

C A L L E R -T I M E S

PREDICTION OF QUIET SEASON,

STILL BE PREPARED

It only takes one hurricane making

landfall to make it an active season
By Anissa Hernandez
Special to the Caller-Times

This spring, Corpus Christi has undoubtedly seen

above average wet weather. Whether it is El Nio
throwing a temper tantrum in the Pacic Ocean, its
warm ocean temperatures usually calms down on
storm formation in the tropical Atlantic. For this reason, a national forecaster calls for a very quiet Atlantic
Hurricane season for 2015.
Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.
In an annual hurricane forecast submitted on April
9 by Dr. William M. Gray, Professor Emeritus of AtmosphericScienceatColoradoStateUniversity,andPhilipJ.
Klotzbach,aresearchscientist,theyreportthefollowing:
We anticipate that the 2015 Atlantic basin hurricane
season will be one of the least active seasons since the
middle of the 20th century, the report states.
It appears quite likely that an El Nio of at least moderate strength will develop this summer and fall, according to the report. The tropical and subtropical Atlantic
are also quite cool at present. We anticipate a belowaverageprobabilityformajorhurricanesmakinglandfall
along the United States coastline and in the Caribbean.
Despite the forecast for below-average activity,
coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one
hurricane making landfall to make it an active season
for them, Klotzbach said. They should prepare the
same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.
John Metz, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist at
the National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi,
said the science is sound in CSUs extended range forecast but he cant dispel it.
We dont want residents to be distracted by these
long-range predictions because it can lead them astray
and be less prepared, Metz said.
He added the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will release its forecast on May 27, during Hurricane Awareness Week,
May 24-30.
The above normal rainfall can be partially attributed
to the development of El Nio in the central tropical
Pacic, Metz said. El Nio typically results in wetter
than normal conditions during the spring time across
South Texas.
Its been wet and stormy, Metz said. Weve had a
record year so far.
Metz said the rainfall for March and April totaled
12.49 inches which ranks as the wettest March to April
period on record dating back to 1887.
In looking at rainfall year-to-date, January-April,
this year ranks as the third wettest start to the year on
record with 15.94 inches of rain recorded. The wettest

CALLER-TIMES FILE

HURRICANE PROBABILITIES

PROBABILITIES FOR AT LEAST ONE MAJOR (CATEGORY 3, 4, 5) HURRICANE LANDFALL ON EACH

OF THE FOLLOWING COASTAL AREAS:
1) Entire U.S. coastline 28 percent (average for
last century is 52 percent)
2) U.S. East Coast Including Peninsula Florida 15
percent (average for last century is 31 percent)
3) Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle westward
to Brownsville 15 percent (average for last century is 30 percent)
PROBABILITY FOR AT LEAST ONE MAJOR (CATEGORY 3-4-5) HURRICANE TRACKING INTO THE
CARIBBEAN (10-20N, 60-88W)
1) 22 percent (average for last century is 42 percent)

year was 1992 with 17.41 inches and the second wettest
was 1958 with 17.03 inches.
El Nio also produces a stronger wind shear across
the Atlantic hurricane basin, including the Caribbean
Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, which helps to reduce the
number of tropical cyclones that develop, Metz said.
Even if activity is below normal in the Atlantic, Metz

Water from the bay covers up the base of the seawall July 23, 2008, as the
tide rises during Hurricane Dollys landfall in South Texas.

is quick to caution there is still potential for a pocket

to open up and bring the right ingredients together to
form a devastating storm.
We could still face a direct hit from a hurricane
and even a major hurricane, and we must prepare,
Metz said.
In 1983, it was an El Nio year in which only four
storms developed across the Atlantic basin (three were
hurricanes and one was a major hurricane, Category 3 or
higher) Metz said. In that season, two of those hurricanes struck Texas and one was Alicia, major hurricane,
which caused $6 billion damage and claimed 21 lives.
Metz also said it was important for residents to know
about storm surge, the deadliest and destructive hazard
associated with hurricanes.
NOAAs National Hurricane Center has a new, interactive online storm surge risk map for the United
States. To highlight the storm surge risk from a land
falling storm, the NHC will be testing a hurricane storm
surge watch and warning graphic for 2015.
This graphic will illustrate where a signicant risk of
life-threatening inundation by storm surge could occur.
National Weather Service, http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

C A L L E R -T I M E S

Sunday, May 17, 2015 5

Dont let the nice

weather cloud
your judgement

Be prepared.
Hurricane season begins June 1.
As hurricane season approaches, its important to have a family safety plan.
At Flint Hills Resources, protecting our people, assets and community are
top priorities so we constantly develop plans and procedures to prepare
for the unexpected, including hurricanes. To help you prepare your plan,
we continue to support the Corpus Christi Caller-Times Hurricane Guide
to provide you with current resources and recommendations that make
sense for protecting the safety of individuals, families and businesses. We
cant prevent hurricanes from occurring, but we can be prepared when
they come our way.

We work here. We live here.

We give here. We invest here.

Dont forget to sign up today for the Corpus Christi/Nueces County

emergency notication system ReverseAlert at www.reversealert.org.

fhr.com

CAL509601

6 Sunday, May 17, 2015

C A L L E R -T I M E S

BEFORE THE STORM, AFTER THE STORM

WHEN A WARNING IS ISSUED

A tropical storm or hurricane warning means those

conditions are expected in a specied coastal
region within 24 hours. All preparations
should be completed. People within the
warning area should take action to
protect life and property.

12
9

11

Sources: National Weather Service; The

Weather Book; The World Book Encyclopedia;
NASA; Divine Wind; staff reports

10

Fastening to wall:

Larger openings:

Drill 2 inches from the outside edge of the plywood at each

corner and at 12-inch intervals.

If the opening is larger than one sheet of

plywood, you will need to make shutters with
2x4 bracing in the middle and the bottom of the
two sheets of plywood.
Two pieces
of plywood

Holes at
12-inch
intervals
Drill four
holes in the
center area of
the plywood
to relieve
pressure.

Window
2x4
bracing

Place plywood over the opening and mark each hole on the

wall. Drill holes the appropriate size of the anchor.

Install the anchors. Make sure on wood-frame homes that

the anchors are secured in solid wood and not into the
siding or trim.
Label each shutter and bolts so you will know where they
are to be installed.

Source: American Red Cross; Federal Emergency Management Agency; Home Depot

Holes at
12-inch
intervals

Add 8 inches to both

height and width of openings
to provide a 4-inch overlap
on each side of the door.
Sheets of plywood are
generally 4x8 feet.
Use 5/8-inch sheets of
plywood. Many stores will
cut them to order.

Wood-frame houses
For windows 3x4 feet and
smaller use -inch lag bolts
and plastic-coated anchors.
The bolts should penetrate
the wall or window frame 1
inches.
For larger windows use 3/8
-inch lag bolts that penetrate
at least 2 inches.

5/8 -inch

Tools
Drill with appropriate bits,
hammer and wrench to t
the bolts.

CHOOSING PLYWOOD

CHOOSING BOLTS

4-inch
overlap
plywood

Note: Do not stay in a

mobile home.

7 Clean a bathtub using bleach, rinse thoroughly and let dry.

Seal the drain with caulk and ll the tub. This water is to be used
for bathing and sanitary purposes only, not for drinking.

HOW TO BOARD THE WINDOWS

8
1 Begin installing storm shutters or
plywood and door braces. All
window openings need to be
covered and all doors must
withstand hurricaneforce winds
(including garage
door)
2 Drain
in-ground
pools about
1 foot to allow
for heavy rain.
Super-chlorinate
to avoid contamination. Disconnect electrical
1
pumps.
3 Bring in any outdoor objects that
could be blown away.
4 Disconnect propane gas tanks, turn off the main
gas line.
5 Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest setting.
6 Have at least three gallons of water per person on hand.

8 Prepare your safe room.

Stock it with a batterypowered radio with spare
batteries, sleeping bags and
pillows, chairs, snacks and
drinking water. Have a
mattress nearby in case
your home suffers
structural damage.
9 Place valuables and
personal papers in
waterproof containers.
If you are evacuating, you
may be required to provide
proof of residency before
being allowed to return
to an evacuation area after
a storm.
10 Close all windows.
11 Put as many loose
objects as possible in
drawers.
12 Call your out-of-town
contact and tell them where
you will be during the
hurricane.

Use eye
protection and
safety gloves.

Masonry houses
For small windows use
-inch expansion bolts and
galvanized permanent
expansion anchors. The
expansion bolt should
penetrate at least 1 inches.
For larger windows use 3/8
-inch expansion bolts that
penetrate at least 1 inches.

C A L L E R -T I M E S

Sunday, May 17, 2015 7

CAL528812

8 Sunday, May 17, 2015

C A L L E R -T I M E S

C A L L E R -T I M E S

HURRICANE TRACKING MAP

65W

60W

55W

50W

45W

40W

35W

30W

25W

20W

Sunday, May 17, 2015 9

15W

Hurricane season is from June 1 November 30

EXAMPLE: If a hurricane is at latitude 28.0 north and

longitude 98.0 west, move up the horizontal lines of
latitude to 28.0. Now move across the vertical lines of
longitude to 98.0. Where these lines cross is the center of
the storm (in this case, it would be near Corpus Christi).

Watch local television for position updates.

Visit Caller.com and kristv.com for the latest in

hurricane information.

Storm positions are given in latitude, which runs

horizontally, and longitude, which runs vertically.

TROPICAL
DISTURBANCE
A poorly organized
cluster of thunderstorms that usually
has no closed
surface circulation.

T
TROPICAL
D
DEPRESSION
A cluster of
thunderstorms
organized around a
central circulation
with surface winds
of 38 mph or less.

30N

Miss.

Atlantic
Ocean

H
HURRICANE
A severe tropical
ccyclone that is natures
most powerful storm,
with sustained winds
of 74 mph or greater.

T
TROPICAL STORM
A cluster of thunderstorms with a substanst
tial rotary circulation
and sustained winds of
39-73 mph. It is at this
stage of development
that the storm is
assigned a name.

La.

TEXAS

40N

Ala.

35N

Ga.

Houston

30N

CORPUS
CHRISTI

Gulf of
Mexico

0m

ile s

100 miles

Fla.
BAHAMAS

25N

700
m

iles

25N

CUBA

DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC

20N

CAYMAN ISLANDS

MEXICO

ANGUILA
ST. MARTIN

JAMAICA

BELIZE

15N

Pacic
Ocean

EL SALVADOR

ANTIGUA

15N

PANAMA

Ana

Danny

Grace

Joaquin

Mindy

Peter

Teresa

Bill

Erika

Henri

Kate

Nicholas Rose

Victor

Ida

Larry

Odette

Wanda

90W

Sam

10N

COSTA RICA

STORM NAMES, 2015

These are the assigned names for this seasons storms:

95W

ST. KITTS
and NEVIS

NICARAGUA

10N

Claudette Fred

PUERTO RICO

HONDURAS

GUATEMALA

100W

20N

HAITI

85W

COLOMBIA

80W

75W

VENEZUELA

70W

65W

60W

55W

50W

45W

40W

35W

30W

25W

20W

15W

10 Sunday, May 17, 2015

C A L L E R -T I M E S

Peace of mind helped by preparation

Insure property for total
loss, replacement values
By Anissa Hernandez
Special to the Caller-Times

Living near the bay, Corpus Christi

resident Kim Woodall has her sand bags
ready, her generator ready to use, and
her windstorm, hail and flood insurance
policies up to date.
We cant stop water from coming,
Woodall said. Its been many years
since weve had a situation here but we
have to plan ahead and remember the
little things we tend to forget because
we are not doing it every year.
The former Tennessean, who has
been through many snow storms there,
advises residents and her club members
here to trust the advice from media resources.
Use the newspaper as guidelines on
the checklists they provide, she said.
Woodall is also president of the New
Neighbors League of Corpus Christi, a
social group of ladies who are new residents wanting to get acquainted with the
city. She said the current members are

Caller-Times file

Welch Watt, a manager of Windstorm Inspections with the Texas Department of Insurance, describes the
impact standards for windows, doors and garage doors, which is measured by the amount of pressure they can
withstand.

great resources for any new member.

Conversations about hurricanes
start occurring during our coffees or

luncheons, Woodall said. They are not

uncommon questions but it can be scary
and overwhelming for them.

Like Woodall, Texas homeowners are

not alone in buying insurance to cover
their home and/or property. Residents
who pay a house mortgage are required
by state law to have windstorm and hail
insurance.
Many people believe their Homeowners insurance includes coverage
for flood, but it does not, said Carie
Roach, executive vice-president of Borden Insurance. Flood insurance has to
be purchased separately and regardless
of where you are located, everyone is at
risk for flood.
Roach has been in the insurance business for 23 years and said hurricane
season is one of their busiest times of
the year. She stresses the importance
of being well prepared because policies
cannot be purchased before or after the
storm. Hurricane season begins June 1
and concludes Nov. 30.
A lot of people who dont have insurance either have paid off their home
and dont want to pay the windstorm
premiums or they rent and dont want
to purchase add-ins for their items,
Roach said.
Roach advises the best answers regarding an individuals policies are their

The biggest investment most people will

ever make is in their home.That's why it
makes sense to protect the sizable financial
investment you've made in your own home
with a comprehensive homeowners plan.
Member of the American Bank Family

Your home purchase is an investment deserving

the protection that only an experienced
insurance professional can provide.

PROTECTION YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS

Other buildings or structures on your property

Personal belongings - furniture, clothing, appliances, etc.
Additional living expenses Legal liability Loss of income for your Business

Windstorm, Hurricane and Hail coverage Flood Insurance coverage

SPECIAL FEATURES YOU CAN CHOOSE FOR ADDITIONAL SECURITY

Additional Liability Limits of Insurance Replacement Cost Coverage

Scheduled items such as jewelry, fine arts, furs, or other types of
collections, such as coin or stamp collections

Contact us today for more information about Homeowners or Business Insurance: www.bordenins.com

P.O. Box 1066 Corpus Christi,Texas 78403-1066 361-882-6543 Fax 361-654-2008

CAL503892

C A L L E R -T I M E S

own insurance agents.

Its so important to learn more about
coverage availability and cost, she said.
Roach answers a few common questions:
Q: How much insurance does one
homeowner need?
A: One needs enough insurance to
replace their home and its contents
with like kind and quality. Consider the
structure of the home, your personal possessions, and additional living expenses.
Replacement cost coverage for the home
and contents is recommended.
Q: Why should homeowners insure
above the value of their home?
A: Market value and insuring to value
are two entirely different things. Market
value is the amount that a buyer would
pay to purchase the home and land in its
current condition. The factors that influence market value differ from the factors
used to determine the insurance value.
Replacement cost coverage is necessary
to repair or replace the entire home in the
event of a covered loss.
Remember, replacement cost value
can change over time due to rising labor and material costs, Roach said.
The most accurate way to determine
replacement cost is to hire a professional
appraiser to produce an estimate.
Itisimportanttoreviewinsurancepolicies annually to make sure the coverage
fits the homeowners needs, Roach said.

Austin Perez

Sunday, May 17, 2015 11

Common Pitfalls

Failing to purchase flood

insurance: regardless of where
you are located, everyone is at risk
for flood. many people believe their
homeowners insurance includes
coverage for flood, but it does not.
flood insurance has to be purchased
separately.
Moratoriums: insurance
companies place moratoriums on
writing new business when a storm
is eminent. This means that the
chances are extremely low of being
able to purchase insurance when
a tropical storm or hurricane is
expected.
Coinsurance penalties:
insurance policies normally include
a coinsurance penalty percentage,
so it is important to make sure you
are insured to value (in order to
avoid a coinsurance penalty when
you have a claim).
WPI-8: regarding windstorm,
hurricane and hail coverage,
the Texas Windstorm insurance
association requires that a WPi-8
certificate be obtained when certain
repairs are made to a home in order
to purchase or maintain windstorm
coverage.

Policyholders can visit www.twia.org

Caller-Times file

Louie Davila and his wife, Imelda, board up their home in the Pope Place neighborhood in 2008 as they and other
Coastal Bend residents prepared for Hurricane Ike.

PrePare now

make a list of valuable belongings i.e. televisions, furniture, jewelry

Keep receipts of items inside the home
Take photos of items or make a home video and save on thumb drive
store the insurance policies and recorded data in a location separate from the

home, i.e. a safe deposit box at their local, banking institution.

Nationally Known, Locally Owned

We Live Here. We Love It Here.

Weathering The Storm Together.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions

are a threat within 48 hours. Review your

hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is
issued, and stay informed.

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions

are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm

preparations and leave the area if directed to do so
by authorities.
CAL509218

Calallen Corpus Christi Portland 1-800-MAT-FIRM MattressFirm.com

12 Sunday, May 17, 2015

C A L L E R -T I M E S

SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE

The Safr-Simpson Damage-Potential Scale determines the strength of a hurricane by categories, 1 being the weakest and 5 the strongest. Any hurricane of Category 3 or stronger is considered
major. The scale was created by former director of the National Weather Center Robert Simpson, of Corpus Christi, and consulting engineer Herbert Safr in the early 1970s.

CATEGORY 1

CATEGORY 2

Winds:
74-95 mph.

CATEGORY 3

Winds:
96-110 mph.

Storm
surge:
6-8 feet.

Storm
surge:
4-5 feet.

CATEGORY 4

Winds:
111-130 mph.

CATEGORY 5

Winds:
131-155 mph.

Winds:
156 mph
and greater.

Storm
surge:
19+ feet.

Storm
surge:
13-18 feet.

Storm
surge:
9-12 feet.

Example:
Earl, September 1998,
Florida

Example:
Georges, September 1998,
Florida

Example:
Katrina, August 2005, Florida,
Louisiana

Example:
Galveston, September 1900,
Galveston

Example:
Camille (reached wind speeds
of 190 mph), August 1969,
Mississippi

Damage: Minimal.
Damage to shrubbery, trees,
foliage and
unanchored homes.
Low-lying coastal roads
inundated, pier damage.

Damage: Moderate.
Some trees down.
Major damage to exposed
mobile homes. Some damage to
roong materials of buildings;
some window and door
damage.
Considerable damage to
piers. Marinas ooded.

Damage: Extensive.
Large trees blown down.
Some damage to roong
materials of buildings; some
wind and door damage.
Some structural damage to
small buildings.
Mobile homes destroyed.

Damage: Extreme.
Failure of roofs.
Inland ooding as far as 6
miles cutting some escape
routes.
Damage to lower oors of
structures near shore.
Major erosion
Evacuation of all residences
within 500 yards of shore
possibly required.

Damage: Catastrophic.
Very severe and extensive
damage to windows and doors.
Failure of roofs on many
buildings.
Some complete building
failures.
Small buildings overturned.
Massive evacuation possibly
required.

IF YOU HAVE TO EVACUATE ... KNOW WHEN AND HOW

Austin

Approximate mileage
From Corpus Christi to:
Austin/US77-US183
San Antonio/US181
San Antonio/State 16
Laredo

35

281

Route D
10

77

37

Route E

44

123

rat
o

43

283

ga

Airline
361

ID

Yor
kt

Goliad
G
olia

ow
n

181

Beeville

Riv
Rivers

Refugio
37

35

Sinton

44

59
16

Alice Robstown
San
Diego

Kingsville

359

Hebbronville

665

281
285

Falfurrias

Evacuation
recommended
for category 4
and 5
hurricanes

Rockport
Portland

Freer

Gulf of
Mexico

P22

77

624

Evacuation
recommended
for category
3 hurricanes

SP

Route C

ron

Pleasanton

286

Sa

Corpus Christi
Bay

Santa Fe

358

Wa
ld

San
Antonio

Route B

Laredo

Evacuation
recommended
for category
1 and 2
hurricanes

10

Potential contraow
route
If the contraow plan is
activated, two lanes of
I-37 southbound will
carry northbound trafc.

Route A

181
Nueces Bay

We
be

City ofcials ask

evacuees to consider
the travel path of the
hurricane and the travel
destination in choosing
evacuation routes.

220
140
140
150

EVACUATION ZONES

Port Aransas
Corpus Christi
Sources: Texas
Department of
Transportation;
City of Corpus
Christi

Important tips

Make a plan

in advance

Keep evacuation

route map in your

vehicle

Take only

one vehicle

Do not tow boats

or campers

Keep an emergen-

cy kit in your car

C A L L E R -T I M E S

Sunday, May 17, 2015 13

CAL528770

14 Sunday, May 17, 2015

C A L L E R -T I M E S

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eligible Texas policyholders when no one else will.
But beyond just providing insurance, we care about
our policyholders, agents and the communities they
represent. Since changes began in 2011, we have
made great strides in transforming the organization,
including strengthening our catastrophe response
plan and increasing our total funding.

Part of our effort to be prepared is to ensure we have

the proper funding to pay claims. The projected funding for 2015 totals $4.9 billion dollars. To put this
in perspective, $4.9 billion is enough to cover a 1 in 100-year hurricane season or a series of storms
with a 1% or less chance of occurring.
Also as part of our efforts, TWIA employees have worked diligently to ensure that we are prepared
to swiftly respond when our policyholders need us most. Our catastrophe response plan includes
commitments for over 6,000 trained and licensed adjusters from 25 Texas-based adjusting rms. We
are also coordinating with city and other local emergency management ofcials to ensure a seamless,
cooperative partnership in the event a hurricane strikes the Texas coast.
As the 2015 hurricane season approaches, Id like to encourage you now to review the preparedness
checklist and take action before June 1 to prepare and protect your family and your property. Taking
precautions now will help prevent or reduce losses from future hurricanes.

Secure Your Property

Take inventory of your property annually and photograph or video your belongings. Protect your
home by keeping up with general maintenance. Keeping your roof in good condition and your foundation sound can go a long way in preventing wind and water damage. And check with your insurance
agent about making simple structural upgrades that may lessen damage to your home in the event of
a hurricane. Be sure to comply with local building codes.
Verify Your Insurance Coverage
Meet with your agent annually, before hurricane season, to review your insurance coverages. Make
sure you have both windstorm and ood coverage and that you understand what is covered and what
is not. Insure your property for what it would cost to rebuild, not current market value. Talk to your
agent about the difference. Finally, plan ahead for any changes that may be needed to your insurance
coverage; you may not be able to make changes once a hurricane is in the Gulf.
Filing a Claim with TWIA
If your home is damaged during a hurricane and you need to le a claim, please have your policy
information available. For fastest service you may contact our 24-hour call center at 1-800-788-8247
or contact your agent. You may also le a claim on TWIA.org. Be sure to save your policy number in
your smart phone in the event you have to evacuate, you can le a claim on your smart phone.
Once youve reported your claim, a representative will contact you as soon as possible. If necessary,
you should make any temporary or minor repairs to protect your property from further damage. Remember to take photos of the damage, keep receipts and records of payment for any temporary repairs.
Do not begin making permanent repairs until TWIA has contacted you and inspected your property.
For more information on TWIA or hurricane preparedness, please visit our website at: TWIA.org.

CAL509324

CAL528910

As General Manager of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, Im pleased to share the transformation that has taken place at TWIA over the last
several years. Under the leadership of our Board of
Directors and a new management team, we have
established a solid foundation for continuous improvement, creating a culture of transparency and
accountability, with the goal of being respected and
trusted by our policyholders and other stakeholders.

C A L L E R -T I M E S

Sunday, May 17, 2015 15

COSTLIEST MAINLAND U.S. TROPICAL CYCLONES, 1900-2012

Opal
O
pal

HURRICANE YEAR CAT DAMAGE*

1 Katrina
2005 3 $108
2 Ike
2008 2
29.5
3 Andrew
1992 5
26.5
4 Wilma
2005 3
21
5 Ivan
2004 3
18.8
6 Charley
2004 4
15.1
7 Rita
2005 3
12
8 Frances
2004 2
9.5
9
9 Allison
2001
10 Jeanne
2004 3
7.6
11 Hugo
1989 4
7
12 Floyd
1999 2
6.9
13 Isabel
2003 2
5.3
14 Opal
1995 3
5.1
15 Gustav
2008 2
4.6
16 Fran
1996 3
4.1
17 Georges
1998 2
2.7
18 Dennis
2005 3
2.5
19 Frederic
1979 3
2.3
20 Agnes
1972 1
2.1

Fran
n

J
Jeanne
Rita
Wilma

AT L A N T I C
OCEAN

Gustav

TEXAS

Charley

Frances
F
rances
Katrina

Corpus
Christi

Floyd
Isabel

Dennis

Ivan
Iva
an

Allison
A
llis
son

Hugo

Ike

Andrew
A
ndrew
w

STO
RIES
S ((wind speed):
STORM CATEGORIES
7
96
mph.
mph.
1 74-95
2 96-110
1
mph.
3 111-130
1
mph.
5 156+

13
mph.
4 131-155

GULF OF
MEXICO

T
Tropical
storm

*U.S., in billions, not adjusted for ination

Agnes
Agn
gnes

Only of Tropical Storm intensity, 39-73

mph winds.
Category column indicates storm category
at time of landfall
Sources: NOAA Technical Memorandum NWS NHC-6,
National Hurricane Center Report: The Deadliest,
Costliest and Most Intense United States Tropical
Cyclones From 1851 to 2010

Frederic

MEXICO

TROPICAL STORM PEAK

Hurricanes/Tropical storms Tropical storms
Allison

Dennis

Agnes

Celia

Charley

Katrina
Fran

Gustav

Ike

Andrew

Frederic

Frances

Hugo

Opal

Ivan

Rita

Isabel

Floyd

Jeanne

Charley

Georges

Wilma

Examples show
approximate date
hurricane occurred.

110
100

Number Of Storms Per 100 Years

90
80

Hurricanes/
Tropical Storms

70
60
50
40
30

Tropical Storms

20
10
0

JUNE

Source: National Hurricane Center

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

16 Sunday, May 17, 2015

C A L L E R -T I M E S

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