Attention Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend Homeoweners:

Brace yourselves for the impending freeze! As the icy grip of winter tightens its hold, it’s crucial to take action now and fortify your home against the chilling onslaught. Don’t let the freezing temperatures catch you off guard – be proactive, prepare this weekend, and shield your home and finances from the potential havoc wreaked by ice, snow, and biting winds.

Here are 10 Vital Steps to protect your home and family before the freeze hits:

1. Keep it Warm: Make sure your home is at least 65 degrees. Keep it cozy!
2. Faucet Drip Trick: Let your faucets, hot and cold drip a little – it helps stop pipes from freezing.
3. Pipe Cover-Up: Insulate and cover your pipes outside, including crawl spaces, unheated rooms, garages, and exterior walls.
4. Open Your Cabinets: Open the doors of your cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen so the warmth can get in.
5. Check Heating sources: Make sure your fireplace, stoves, and heaters are working fine.
6. Flue Fortress: When you’re not using your fireplace, close the fireplace flue to keep the cold out.
7. Snow and Ice Cleanup: Keep your sidewalks and entry clear of snow and ice.
8. Watch for Ice Dams: Look out for ice dams near where the water comes out from your gutters.
9. Trim Broken Branches: Get rid of weak or broken branches that might fall because of snow and ice.
10. Claims Shield: Keep your insurance claim’s phone number ready in case you need it. Be ready to file a claim and protect your assets if you suffer significant damages.

 

Please Share this crucial information with those you hold dear – knowledge is power, and preparation is the ultimate shield against winter’s wrath.

 

Because we care, we’re arming you with the tools to weather the storm,

Ed Cantu

A government shutdown significantly affects the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). We’re here to shed light on the impact.  

How? Did you know a Federal Shutdown Means no Flood Insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program?

While a government shutdown will not impact most of the NFIP’s existing 4.7 million policyholders, the NFIP will not be able to issue new policies, increase coverage on existing policies, or renew policies.

This disruption can have a profound negative impact—particularly for consumers purchasing a home with a flood insurance requirement. According to the National Association of Realtors, approximately 1,400 home purchases will be disrupted each day during an NFIP lapse1. 

But you are in luck when you call Ed Cantu Insurance Agency because we can access Private Flood Insurance companies. Call (361) 991-1493 or click https://www.edcantuinsurance.com/floodinsurance.php#quote  now for your free Flood Insurance proposal.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted slightly above-average activity this season. The Prediction Center forecasts 12 to 17 named storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes, and 1 to 4 major hurricanes. Are you ready for the Severe Wind damage associated with Hurricanes and the Flood damage that follows?

NOW is the time to update your family plan and invest in vital wind and flood insurance to protect your home and belongings! You should also review insurance policies now to ensure you have adequate protection and proper values for your home and property. 

Furthermore, now is the best time to put together a family emergency kit and prepare a family emergency plan:

• Decide and discuss how, where and when you will evacuate is essential.

• First-aid kit, prescription medications, eyeglasses, copies of prescriptions.

• Important documents and records, photo IDs, proof of residence, and insurance documents.

• Credit cards and cash (if power is out, banks and ATMs may not be available).

• Battery-operated radio, NOAA Weather Radio, and extra batteries.

• Phone numbers of family, friends, and other vital phone numbers.

• Road maps because you might not have phone or GPS services.

• 3-day supply of non-perishable food, one gallon of bottled water per person daily, coolers for food and ice storage, paper plates, and utensils.

• Manual can opener, knife, tools, booster cables, fire extinguisher, duct tape, tarp, rope, and flashlight with extra batteries.

• Extra keys.

• Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags for each person, extra clothing, and toys for children.

• Supplies for babies, elderly, and family members with special care needs.

• Toilet paper, cleanup supplies, and personal hygiene products.

• Leash, food, cleaning supplies, and veterinary records for pets.

Remember to keep up with potential storms throughout hurricane season by visiting The National Hurricane Center’s website, often at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ For more information on how and what to prepare for during hurricane season, visit www.edcantuinsurance.com or call our office at (361) 991-1493.

Because We Care,

Ed Cantu