Hurricane Preparation in Corpus Christi, TX

June 18, 2025 | Blog

Hurricane Preparation in Corpus Christi, TX: What Locals Need to Know

Let’s face it, if you live in Corpus Christi, you’ve probably already seen what hurricane season can do. The power goes out, the rain feels like it’s coming in sideways, and the cleanup? It’s never quick. That’s why getting ahead of it is not just smart—it’s necessary. At Mathews CCAC, we’ve been helping local families prep their homes for decades. We’re not here to scare you—we’re here to help you stay safe, cool, and connected when the next big storm comes around.

Hurricanes Aren’t Just a Possibility, They’re a Pattern

You don’t need to be a weather expert to know: storms in South Texas can come fast and hit hard. One day it’s sunny, and the next, you’re dragging in patio furniture and refreshing the weather app every hour. It’s stressful, but it doesn’t 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.

Here’s a little truth from years of local experience: your electrical panel, your backup power, and even your plumbing might not be ready for what’s coming. That’s not meant to worry you. It’s just what we’ve seen happen again and again.

The Electrical System: Your Home’s Unsung Hero

If there’s one thing people forget to check before a hurricane, it’s their electrical panel. We get it, it’s 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 An outdated or overloaded panel can turn a rough storm into a full-blown disaster.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, we’ve seen what happens when folks wait too long to upgrade. Melted wires. Tripped breakers. Burnt-out appliances. It’s not a scare tactic—it’s just the truth. That’s why we recommend a full panel inspection well before hurricane season. We’ll check for wear and tear, make sure your breakers are functioning like they should, and suggest a surge protector if you don’t already have one.

And don’t forget about your outdoor outlets. If they’re not sealed properly, water can seep in and cause a short—or worse. It takes just a few minutes to cover them up right, and it can save you thousands later.

Let’s 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 they’re built to keep your whole home running—not just a few essentials.

We’ve installed generators all across Corpus Christi, and we can tell you—when 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 didn’t wait.

Don’t Forget About HVAC and Plumbing

Hurricanes don’t just knock out power—they 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 harmless—until a hurricane dumps several inches of water on your roof and backs it up into your bathroom. Before any major storm, it’s worth clearing your gutters and checking your drains. And if you’re planning to evacuate, don’t 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 panel—if 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, don’t turn anything back on until a professional gives you the green light. It’s just not worth the risk.

Make a Plan That Works for Your Family

Getting ready for a hurricane isn’t just about the house—it’s 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 don’t be afraid to call us with questions—we’d rather walk you through it before a storm than after something goes wrong.

Need help building your hurricane kit? Here’s a great starting list:

Flashlights and batteries
Water and shelf-stable food (enough for 3+ days)
First aid kit and medications
Portable phone chargers or power banks
Copies of important documents (IDs, insurance, etc.)
List of emergency contacts—including your service pros

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

We’ve seen the panic that sets in when a storm is two days out and the power’s already blinking. Stores run out of supplies. Phone lines get busy. It’s a tough spot to be in—and totally avoidable.

So take the first step now. Call Mathews CCAC at (361) 235‑3905 or visit ccacac.com to schedule your home checkup. Whether you need a generator installed, an electrical panel inspected, or your AC unit looked at—we’re here. We’re local. And we’re ready when you are.