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!).

Spring has sprung and it’s time to do those Spring time homeowner rituals:

Clean out the garage… Paint the shutters… Fix the fence… and inspect your plumbing, and AC drain system.

Water damage to your home can be costly so here are some helpful tips to keep your plumbing system in tip-top shape through the spring, summer!

1. Check for leaks inside and outside your house. Pay special attention to your outdoor faucets, which might have been damaged during the winter. And make sure your outdoor hoses don’t have leaks or cracks.

2. Clean the traps underneath all your sinks, and cover your drains with mesh strainers to keep from clogging your drains.

3. Take a close look at your hot water heater. If you turned the temperature up during the winter, you might want to reset the thermostat. It’s also a good idea to drain the sediment that collects in the bottom of your water heater or to let an expert plumber handle this important job.

Check your water heater for corrosion and for leaks and call a professional if anything doesn’t look quite right.

• If you suspect that your toilets might be leaking, put some food coloring in the tank. If the water in the bowl turns color within 30 minutes or so, you probably have a leak. Call a plumber If you don’t feel confident that you can replace the necessary parts of your toilets.

 

A leaky toilet can really run up your water bill.

1. It shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to clean the mineral build-up from your shower heads and faucets.

2. Take a close look at the water supply lines that feed your toilets, faucets, washing machine and dishwasher. If you discover leaks, tears or bulges, replace the lines right away or call a plumber. Chances are, if you don’t act, small problems will become big problems before long.

3. Turn all the water valves in your home off and then back on at least once a year, just to make sure they are working properly. After years of not being used, they can become difficult to turn.

4. Clean your gutter and downspouts.  They are probably clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris.  You want April showers to bring May flowers, not water damage to your home.

Check your AC drain system for leaks and blockage to avoid costly water damage to your walls and flooring.  Ask a professional for tips on how to avoid future blockage throughout the year.

We hope these tips help you avoid costly damage and/or high water bills this spring and summer and remember to call a licensed plumber if you feel the job is too big for you to handle.

Because We Care,

Ed Cantu

Your Coastal Home Insurance Specialist protecting Texans since 1985!

P.S. Spring is also a great time to review your Home and Windstorm Insurance policy before Hurricane Season starts!  We’d love to help protect you so reply here or call now at 361 991-3575.

P.P.S. Ask us about our fun referral program at www.WinEdCantusTV.com