How to prepare for hurricanes

With warmer waters in the summer, hurricanes are more likely to form; therefore from June 1 to Nov. 30 the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico borders are at risk.

In order to properly prepare a home for a hurricane, there are many tips offered by local KRIS 6 News meteorologist Dale Nelson's recent hurricane preparedness broadcasts.

Nelson warns that a hurricane could be devastating depending on the category of the storm.

"The intensity of hurricanes is divided into five categories," Nelson said. "A major hurricane is considered to be a category three or higher."

The categories are decided by the speed of the winds within the swirling storm. A category one consists of winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour. Anything weaker than that is considered a tropical storm.

A category two holds wind speeds between 96 and 100 mph, a category three is between 111 and 130, a category four is between 131 and 155, and the strongest hurricane consists of winds over 155 mph.

Nelson recommends that although plywood is in short demand when a hurricane is announced in the gulf, that is the best option to save homes and businesses from high speed wind and rain.

"Boarding up all of your windows so that they can take the brunt of the wind is the wisest decision," Nelson said.

"Plywood should be at least five eighth inches thick, but three fourths is the best."

Nelson reports that the worst damages are usually made when people do not know how to properly prepare for the storm ahead.

"You never want the hurricane force winds to breach your home," Nelson said.

"Learning how to build and install plywood window covers is your safest bet."

Usually evacuation orders are issued during a natural disaster, and if so, there are specific routes to follow in the Corpus Christi area.

"You need to know in advance the elevation of your home and the evacuation zone you reside in if you're planning on or are ordered to evacuate," Nelson said.

"You need to take all important papers and special photos with you, along with a video or photos of your property."

For those who choose to wait out the storm from the comfort of their own home, there is a checklist of items to secure before the city shuts down.

"Along with overnight clothes consider stocking your hurricane kit with the following:

Extra cash, a generator, batteries, flashlights, battery operated radio or TV, bottled water, toilet paper, non-perishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, a can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines, and any other remedies that you use regularly," Nelson said.

Nelson believes that the best way to prepare for a hurricane is always have extra supplies on hand, stay updated on the weather forecasts, and follow evacuation orders to stay safe.