Hurricane Preparation in Corpus Christi, TX: What Locals Need to Know
Letโs face it, if you live in Corpus Christi, youโve probably already seen what hurricane season can do. The power goes out, the rain feels like itโs coming in sideways, and the cleanup? Itโs never quick. Thatโs why getting ahead of it is not just smartโitโs necessary. At Mathews CCAC, we’ve been helping local families prep their homes for decades. Weโre not here to scare youโweโre here to help you stay safe, cool, and connected when the next big storm comes around.
Hurricanes Arenโt Just a Possibility, Theyโre a Pattern
You donโt need to be a weather expert to know: storms in South Texas can come fast and hit hard. One day itโs sunny, and the next, youโre dragging in patio furniture and refreshing the weather app every hour. Itโs stressful, but it doesnโt have to be chaotic. Prepping early – especially when it comes to your electrical and HVAC systems can make all the difference when the lights flicker or the AC cuts out.
Hereโs a little truth from years of local experience: your electrical panel, your backup power, and even your plumbing might not be ready for whatโs coming. Thatโs not meant to worry you. Itโs just what weโve seen happen again and again.
The Electrical System: Your Homeโs Unsung Hero
If there’s one thing people forget to check before a hurricane, it’s their electrical panel. We get it, itโs not exactly the most exciting thing to think about. But when the wind picks up and the power lines start snapping, that panel suddenly becomes the star of the show. An outdated or overloaded panel can turn a rough storm into a full-blown disaster.
At Mathews CCAC, weโve seen what happens when folks wait too long to upgrade. Melted wires. Tripped breakers. Burnt-out appliances. Itโs not a scare tacticโitโs just the truth. Thatโs why we recommend a full panel inspection well before hurricane season. Weโll check for wear and tear, make sure your breakers are functioning like they should, and suggest a surge protector if you donโt already have one.
And donโt forget about your outdoor outlets. If theyโre not sealed properly, water can seep in and cause a shortโor worse. It takes just a few minutes to cover them up right, and it can save you thousands later.
Letโs Talk Generators Because Flashlights Only Go So Far
You might think your little portable generator is enough to get you through a hurricane. But if you’ve ever tried to run a fridge, a few lights, and a window unit on one of those, you know it’s not ideal. That’s where a standby generator makes a huge difference. These units kick on automatically the second your power cuts off, and theyโre built to keep your whole home runningโnot just a few essentials.
Weโve installed generators all across Corpus Christi, and we can tell youโwhen the grid goes down, those who have them are the ones who stay calm, comfortable, and connected. If you already own a generator, let us take a look before storm season ramps up. We’ll check the fuel lines, the battery, and run a full test to make sure it fires up when you need it.
Trust us, when the next storm rolls through, you’ll be glad you didnโt wait.
Donโt Forget About HVAC and Plumbing
Hurricanes donโt just knock out powerโthey mess with your comfort systems too. Outdoor AC units, especially if they sit low, can flood or get damaged by flying debris. We recommend giving them a quick check to ensure they’re secure. Some homeowners even raise their units or shield them during storm season.
Plumbing is another often-overlooked system. A clogged drain might seem harmlessโuntil a hurricane dumps several inches of water on your roof and backs it up into your bathroom. Before any major storm, itโs worth clearing your gutters and checking your drains. And if you’re planning to evacuate, donโt forget to shut off your water and gas lines. A busted pipe or leaking gas valve is the last thing you want waiting for you when you come home.
After the Storm: Check Before You Flip the Switch
When the wind dies down and you finally get a breather, the urge to get everything back on is strong. But slow down. Check your systems first. Take a look at your electrical panelโif you see any black marks or smell anything weird, stop. The same goes for your generator and HVAC units. Debris or water can cause major damage if you fire them up too soon.
If your home took on water, donโt turn anything back on until a professional gives you the green light. Itโs just not worth the risk.
Make a Plan That Works for Your Family
Getting ready for a hurricane isnโt just about the houseโitโs about the people in it. At Mathews CCAC, we always tell folks: put together a plan that fits your life. Have supplies ready. Know where your shutoffs are. Keep our number saved in your phone. And donโt be afraid to call us with questionsโweโd rather walk you through it before a storm than after something goes wrong.
Need help building your hurricane kit? Hereโs a great starting list:
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Flashlights and batteries
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Water and shelf-stable food (enough for 3+ days)
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First aid kit and medications
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Portable phone chargers or power banks
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Copies of important documents (IDs, insurance, etc.)
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List of emergency contactsโincluding your service pros
Donโt Wait Until Itโs Too Late
Weโve seen the panic that sets in when a storm is two days out and the powerโs already blinking. Stores run out of supplies. Phone lines get busy. Itโs a tough spot to be inโand totally avoidable.
So take the first step now. Call Mathews CCAC at (361) 235โ3905 or visit ccacac.com to schedule your home checkup. Whether you need a generator installed, an electrical panel inspected, or your AC unit looked atโweโre here. Weโre local. And weโre ready when you are.
