Your 4th of July Safety Tips (Summer Fun Safety Tips)

The 4th of July Holiday should be filled with family, friends, food, and watching fireworks. All too often, it’s also filled with high risks if you’re not careful. The most common dangers include driving, grilling, and firework accidents… and since we are a beach community, water activity is also a serious threat.

Important Facts to know:
1. More people die in motor vehicle crashes on the July 4th than any other day of the year?
2. July is the peak month for grilling-related fires. On average, 8,800 home will catch fire.
3. Two-thirds of the 13,000 fireworks-related injuries each year happen around the Fourth of July and 69% will required E. R. treatment).

Ed Cantu Insurance Agency wants you and your family to enjoy your 4th of July celebration so please follow these vital safety tips on your holiday and for the rest of your Summer.  And remember to call us when you and your family need protection.

DRIVING AND HIGHWAY SAFETY-

• The obvious one: Don’t drink and drive. Please. Just Don’t.
• Stay diligent with the basics (watch your speed, seat belts, blind spots, etc.)
• Stay alert, especially at night. There are drunk drivers out there.
• Minimize distractions like loud music, your phone or a car full of friends.
• Drive cautiously on rural roads.
• Avoid drivers that appear agitated or distracted.

GRILLING AND BAR B QUE SAFETY-

• Never leave your grill unattended
• Keep intoxicated people away from your grill.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and let everyone know where it is and how to operate it.
• Don’t move the grill once it is lit.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill.
• Operate your barbecue on a level surface, away from your house, garage and landscaping.
• Protect the cook with a heavy apron and gloves that reach high on the forearm. Use very long-handled utensils designed for barbecuing.
• Use only lighter fluid designed for grilling when charcoal grilling. Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids, and never add more lighter fluid once the fire has started.
• Wait until the grill is cooled before storing or covering. When you’re done cooking, remember that the grill will remain hot for a while.
• Soak charcoal briquettes with water to ensure they are cool and inactive before throwing them away.

FIREWORKS SAFETY-

Leave Fireworks to the professionals and  if you choose to use them yourself, please follow these tips!
• It is against the law to use fireworks within most City limits so make sure they are legal in your area.
• Be sure to read and follow instructions.
• Don’t give fireworks to small children.
• Light fireworks on the ground in a fire resistant area.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and always wear eye protection.
• If a firework is a “dud”, do not attempt to relight it.
• Upon disposal, douse the shells in water and throw them away.
• Store fireworks in a dry place, away from children and animals.
• Never attempt to disassemble or make your own fireworks.
• Never throw or point fireworks at any one or anything.

PROTECT YOUR PETS-

Don’t forget our furry friends. Did you know that July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters? Unlike people, pets don’t associate the noise, flashes and burning smell of fireworks with celebrations and a good time. Pets are terrified of fireworks and often panic at the loud whizzes and bangs they produce. Help your Pets by doing the following:
• Keep your pets indoors and turn up the TV or radio volume to reduce the firework noise.
• Don’t take them to a Fireworks Display.
• Have your pet properly identified in case they get out.

BEACH AND WATER ACTIVITY SAFETY-

July is one of the hottest months of the year so many families turn to water activities to beat the heat. Have fun and remember that water activities have serious risks when you aren’t careful.
• Review safe boating practices.
• Never consume alcohol while driving a boat.
• Before boating, always check that there are enough life preservers on hand for every passenger.
• Set water safety rules for your family.
• When at the beach, lake or river, never swim alone and pay attention to posted warning signs.
• Pools should be enclosed completely with a fence to restrict access to the area. Consider installing wireless outdoor sensors that will alert you via phone or with a chime inside your home if the sensors are activated.
• Keep your first aid kit near by.

All of us at Ed Cantu Insurance Agency want to help protect you and your family against know and unknown perils so call us at (361) 991-1493 when you need help. Summer time is also a great time to review and update your protection.

Because we Care,

Ed Cantu
P.S. Share these helpful safety tips with someone you care for… I just did!

The 80% Chance of tropical rain this evening is a proof the 2019 hurricane season has officially begun and will last until November 30.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a near-normal hurricane season for us this year. However, storms can happen at any time, and it’s always good to be prepared. The first named storm of the season, Andrea, showed up a few days early, and thankfully dissipated quickly.

NOAA defines near-normal as 9-15 named storms (39 – 73 mph wind speed), 4-8 hurricanes (74 – 110 mph wind speed) and 2-4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5 with 111+ mph wind speed).

NOAA says the current El Nino weather pattern should help to suppress the intensity of this hurricane season, but warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures (Already more than 80 degrees) and African monsoons may increase this year’s hurricane activity.

Things to do Now:

• Create an emergency communication plan with your family before a hurricane
• Be aware of emergency alerts and warnings and how to share them with your loved ones
• Know your evacuation route and where temporary shelters may be set up to serve your area
• Create a plan to let friends and family outside of the area know you’re safe or that you need help
• Have emergency supplies in place at home, at work, and in the car. Below is a basic kit; you should also think about your pets and any medication you may need
• Water- one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food- at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local paper maps. Cell Phone and satellite service could be down.
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Schedule your home and/or commercial insurance review with Ed Cantu Insurance Agency at (361) 991-1493 or at after hours.

“Near normal” Hurricane Season or not, remember it only takes one storm to hit your area to make a large negative impact so prepare today. Another smart reason to plan and compare now is Ed Cantu Insurance Agency has many option to choose from and we can slash your insurance rates up to 37%. Call us now at (361) 991-1493 or visit us at

Because We Care

Ed Cantu

Ed Cantu
Home Insurance Specialest

P.S. Please share this vital information with someone you care for… I just did.

Hurricane Season is almost here….  Are you ready for Severe Wind and Flood Damage that comes with these catastrophic storms?
NOW is the time to update your vital Wind and Flood Protection!

Even a Category 1 Hurricane or average Tropical Storm can bring up to 30 inches of rainfall or more and waves that can cause major damage. This is why  storm Experts like Dr. Steve Lyons from the Weather Channel and Hurricane Katrina Recovery Manager General Russel L. Honoré warn Floods can be just as devastating as wind damage. They, like me advise Coastal Residents to be prepared… Make sure you have this vital protection before it’s too late.

5 Things You Need to Know about Flood Insurance before it’s too late.

• Flood damage is so costly, most private insurance companies won’t offer Flood coverage!
• Heavy rainfall or water surge caused by a storm (Tropical or not) is not covered by your Home or Windstorm Policy.
• You… We all live in a Flood Zone! (everyone does).
• Only Flood insurance will protect your home and prized belongings from rising water or mud-flow due to heavy rainfall or water rising from coastal tide surges.
• Flood Insurance can be very affordable and we can help you secure protection.

Did you know?

*You are four times more likely to suffer flood damage than a fire during a 30-year mortgage.

*25% of all Flood claims are paid to homeowners who were considered a low risk flood area.

The good news is, unless your property is in a “high risk” flood area, the average Flood insurance premium is less than $39 per month. There is a 30-day waiting period for Flood protection to go into force so it’s urgent you call us now at (361) 991-1493! We’ll make it quick and easy… we’ll take care of you over the phone or click here to get a quote now!

Because We Care…

Ed Cantu

P.S. Hurricane Harvey is proof flood damage can happen to us along the Texas coast. Need further proof? Check out these photos taken during moderate/heavy rainfall. (This flooding was without any wave action or Tide surge!).