• Introduction
• Hurricane Terminology
• Before the Threat of a Storm
• As the Storm Approaches
• Preparing The Dunes Property
• Communications Plan
• Evacuation
• After the Hurricane
• Dunes Council of Co-Owners, Inc.
  D/B/A The Dunes Condominium - Insurance Coverage
• Filing Insurance Claims
• The Role of FEMA
• Important Sources of Information and Contacts
• Special Needs and Pets
• Newspaper Article Reprints

The purposes of this document are to provide general hurricane preparation information and procedures to be followed by the Board of Directors, management, employees, condominium owners, and guests in the event that the property is threatened with a hurricane. Specifically, the document provides general hurricane information, tips for preparing for a hurricane, procedures for preparing The Dunes property, evacuation information sources, after the storm guidelines, steps to following filing insurance claims, FEMA's roles, The Dunes communication plans, important sources of information, special needs for people and pets, and recent newspaper article reprints. All Dunes action plans are activated when a hurricane warning is issued, normally 24 hours before a hurricane is predicted to make landfall.

A. Advisory - Weather advisory messages issued by the National Hurricane Center concerning tropical storms and hurricanes. An advisory states details relative to the location, intensity, and direction.

B. Bulletin - A weather bulletin is a public release from the National Hurricane Center during periods between advisories, which announce the latest details on the tropical storm or hurricane.

C. Evacuation Notice - There are two forms of evacuation notices: voluntary and mandatory. The voluntary notice is usually issued by the Emergency Operations Center. The notice recommends and encourages persons living in the affected area to evacuate and move to areas of safety. The governing body issues the mandatory evacuation notice, which, in most cases, is the City of Port Aransas. State law requires persons in the mandatory evacuation area to comply with the notice once given. Failure to comply could result in arrest; however, most law enforcement agencies will not arrest persons refusing to comply.

D. Hurricane - A violent storm originating over tropical waters with winds near its center reaching 74 mph and higher. In size, the storm may range from 50 to 1,000 miles in diameter.

E. Hurricane Classification:

Category Strength	Wind Velocity	Expected Damage
Class 1	74-95 mph	Minimal
Class 2	96-110 mph	Moderate
Class 3	111-130 mph	Extensive
Class 4	131-155 mph	Extreme
Class 5	Over 155 mph	Catastrophic

F. Hurricane Watch - An advance statement issued by the Hurricane Center indicating that a hurricane is near and that attention should be given to subsequent advisories. It implies the possibility of dangerous conditions within 24 to 48 hours.

G. Hurricane Warning - A warning indicates that hurricane winds of 74 mph (64 knots) and higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and rough seas are expected at a specific coastal area. When a hurricane warning is announced, hurricane conditions are considered imminent and may begin immediately or at least within the next 12 to 24 hours.

H. Shelter, Emergency - An emergency shelter is one that has been designated, approved and staffed by the American Red Cross. Most approved shelters are located in schools. The closest emergency shelters to Port Aransas are in San Antonio.

I. Tropical Storm - Is a warm core tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind is in the range of 39-73 mph (34-63 knots).

J. Tropical Storm Watch - Is an announcement for specific areas that a tropical storm or forecast of tropical storm conditions poses a possible threat to coastal areas, generally within 36 hours. A tropical storm watch will normally be issued if the system is forecast to attain hurricane strength.

K. Tropical Storm Warning - A warning is issued when tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds in the range of 39-73 mph, are expected in a specific area within 24 hours or less.

• At the time of a claim for loss or damage to your personal property you will be required to provide a list of all items lost or damaged. It will help to take an inventory of all valuable items ahead of time. The inventory should include (1) description of the item (2) model (3) serial number (4) original cost or approximate value and (5) date obtained.

• It is also recommended that you videotape or photograph your belongings and store the record away from your home in a safe, dry place.

• It will also be helpful if you have invoices evidencing the purchase of the items.

• Review your insurance policy annually. Keep your insurance coverage current with costs. Make sure you have enough coverage for the furnishings and other items.

• Keep a quick-reference list containing your important telephone numbers, all your property insurance companies, the policy numbers and phone numbers.

• Your Property policy does not normally cover damage caused by rising water that inundates your area. Rising water is covered by a Flood policy that is offered by the National Flood Insurance Program. If you have not done so, consider purchasing Flood Insurance. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. If more than $250,000 is needed for your dwelling then consider purchasing Excess Flood Insurance. The Dunes flood policy does not insure your personal property. It only insures supplies, equipment, furniture, etc. that is part of our common property.

• Owners who are not in the rental pool are strongly urged to store patio furniture in their condos when not in use during hurricane season.

• Plan a family evacuation and relocation strategy. (see "As the Storm Approaches" below)

• Once an evacuation route has been decided on be prepared to take the following:
  • Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.
  • Quick Emergency List of phone numbers and contacts
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency food and water
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Sturdy shoes
  • The Dunes Board of Directors has issued guidelines for owners who wish to purchase window protection film for their units. This includes acceptable thickness and tint. Some local contractors were also identified in this correspondence.
  • The Dunes staff will not be available to install plywood or other protection over windows and doors during storm preparations. They will likewise not be available to assist private contractors. Staff will be very busy during this time preparing the property for the impact of the anticipated storm.
  
  
• Develop an emergency communication plan.
  • In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
  
  
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

• Nueces County Commissioner Pct. 4, Chuck Cazalas and Borden Insurance suggest that residents prepare the following survival kit before the beginning of the hurricane season:
  • One gallon of water per person per day for at least 7 days
  • Canned/prepared (non-perishable) ready-to-eat foods (items with pop-top lids); foods for infants or the elderly; snack foods. Stock foods that can be eaten without cooking. Electricity may not be available before, during, or after the storm.
  • Manual can opener
  • Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils
  • Cooking utensils that don't require electricity
  • Clothing for at least 7 days
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Sleeping bags, blankets and pillows
  • Large container of unscented bleach
  • Towels and wash cloths
  • Battery-powered radio or NOAA battery radio. Have spare batteries on hand.
  • First-aid kit
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Plastic bags of various sizes
  • Tarp, rope, and duct and masking tape
  • Waterless hand sanitizer/baby wipes
  • Cash, including small bills (ATMs and banks may not be open or available after a storm)
  • Spare keys to vehicles/home/office
  • Copies of important family documents (in a waterproof container) such as identification and current photos; immunization records; insurance policies; inventory of household items; bank and credit card numbers and phone numbers; address and phone/cell numbers of out-of-town contacts; at least two weeks worth of prescription medications for family members; toys, books and games for children; portable containers such as backpacks or duffle bags and road maps.
  • Remember the family pet(s) as well: vaccination records and veterinarian's contact information; current photo; collar, leash and muzzle; carrier or cage; litter box/supplies; food and water and containers; and medications. Pets may not be allowed in emergency shelters for health and safety reasons. Contact your local humane society for information regarding local animal shelters. Pet owners should also read the Special Needs and Pets section on page 18.
  
  
• Do whatever you haven't done from the previous list (especially make sure the flashlight batteries are still fresh)
• Get your car filled with gas. Supplies may be unavailable or rationed later. Obtain extra gas; if possible.
• Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent lifting.
• Secure or bring inside all outdoor tools, furniture, etc. that can be destroyed or become projectiles in a windstorm.
• Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Turn up your refrigerator to maximum cold. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Check supplies of medicines and drugs. Refill prescriptions if possible.
• Fill your bathtub with extra water for flushing toilets.
• Pack durable clothing.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your unit.
• Review evacuation plan.
• If you choose not to evacuate:
  • Stay inside, away from windows, and glass doors.
  • Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
  • If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.
  • If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:
  • Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.
  • Secure your unit by unplugging appliances.
  • Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.
  • Take pre-assembled emergency supplies, warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
  • Lock up unit and leave.

The following actions will be taken by The Dunes staff as soon as possible after a hurricane warning is issued for an area including Port Aransas. The actions may be initiated earlier if deemed appropriate by management. If the General Manager is disabled, not on the property, or not available by telephone during a hurricane warning, the Assistant Manager will be in charge. If the Assistant Manager is disabled, not on the property, or not available by telephone during this period, the Office Manager will be in charge of the operation.

1. Break room: All supplies up off the floor/all electric plugs up off the floor.
2. Phone room: All battery back-ups off the floor/all plugs up off the floor.
3. Furniture room: Owners boxes up off the floor
4. Health club: Unplug all machines and hang plugs up on machines
5. Public laundry: Unplug washers and dryers
6. Rental patios: Remove all patio furniture and place in the unit.
7. Private patios: Remove all patio furniture and place in the units including 105
8. 2nd floor deck: Remove all deck furniture and place in the 2nd floor lobby area (including cushions)
9. Pool furniture: Remove cushions and put in the pool restrooms/put all furniture in the pool (wait for manager's orders)
10. Secure all lobby doors: Chain and padlock lobby doors
11. Basement: Lock all basement doors/conference room also
12. Computers: Back up all computers and move them to bathrooms in units on one of the higher floors (wait for manager's orders).
13. Important papers: Move blueprints and billings to the maid's closet used to store computers.
14. Maintenance shop: All shop tools, cords and plugs are off the floor and unplugged
15. Laundry: All supplies off the floor
16. Prepare pump for county field: This is the electric pump that keeps water out of our basement. Deploy intake and suction hoses so that in the event of the field flooding the pump will keep our basement from flooding.
17. Prepare elevator pump. This is the sump pump located in the bottom of the elevator shaft which prevents flooding of the cab car. Check to ensure that the pump is working properly.
18. Prepare generator: We routinely check and start this monthly, but check and run before the storm and ensure that both barrels are full of diesel.

If an evacuation is ordered, the General Manager of The Dunes will contact the Front Desk Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor and Housekeeping Supervisor with key information, instructions, and periodic updates. Supervisors will pass information along to those reporting directly to them by telephone and/or email. The Front Desk will be responsible for notifying all owners and guests staying in the building that an evacuation order has been given.

Unit 105, the Assistant Manager's apartment, has been designated the command center in case of a hurricane. The generator will keep the lights and air conditioning operating and the phone system will forward all calls to this location.

Information updates will be sent to the Board of Directors and condo owners as needed by email. The most up-to-date information regarding rental unit availability, reservations, cancellations, etc. will be posted on the website at www.thedunescondos.com in a space at the top of the page reserved for this purpose.

Prior to the loss of communications, and if time permits, The Dunes staff will post updates on www.thedunescondos.com . We ask that owners please refrain from calling The Dunes during the hurricane warning period. The staff will be very busy preparing for the storm.

Mandatory evacuation means just that. If you do not leave, no one is going to risk their life to rescue you. When the National Weather Service announces that you are in the predicted path of a category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane, you should consider evacuation mandatory, preferably at least 48 hours before the storm's arrival. Think out well in advance where you will go in case of an evacuation and the route you will take getting there. Check evacuation routes on the City of Corpus Christi Office of Emergency Management website (www.cctexas.com) or telephone (826-1100), Texas Department of Transportation website (www.txdot.gov) or telephone 800-452-9292, or KLUX 89.5 FM radio. The Corpus Christi Caller Times often prints evacuation routes in the newspaper when there is a potential for a hurricane to hit this area.

The Dunes staff will return to the property once the local police, fire department and governing authorities permit entry into the premises. As soon as communication is available, updates will be posted on The Dunes website (www.thedunescondos.com).

As the staff is replacing furniture in the condominiums, each unit will be inspected for visual damage caused by the storm. Owners will be notified as soon as possible if there is damage to their unit and the nature of this damage as witnessed by one or more staff members. The staff will also prepare a detailed list of damages to common areas and actions needed to prepare the property to reopen.

The following specific actions will be taken by The Dunes staff as soon as possible after they are allowed back onto the property:

1. Break room: Return to normal
2. Phone room: Return to normal
3. Furniture room: Return to normal
4. Health club: Return to normal
5. Public laundry: Plug in washers and dryers
6. Rental patios: Put all patio furniture back on the patios
7. Private patios: Put all patio furniture back on patios
8. 2nd floor deck: Put all deck furniture back on the sundeck
9. Pool furniture: Remove furniture from the pool and restrooms and distribute around the pool
10. Lobby doors: Remove chains and padlocks from lobby doors
11. Basement: Unlock all basement doors including the conference room
12. Computers: Return all computers to offices
13. Important papers: Return all blueprints and billings to the offices
14. Maintenance shop: Return shop tools, cords and plugs to the shop and plug in if appropriate
15. Laundry: Return all supplies to shelves
16. Pump for county field: Return all hoses to the pump shed
17. Elevator pump: Turn off and store.
18. Generator: Check for any damage by running for an extended period and secure.
19. Shut off utilities: General Manager will determine which, if any, utilities should be turned off and instruct staff if necessary.

If you plan on visiting the area following a hurricane, come prepared to take precautionary measures. Make plans for alternate accommodations if you do not know if your condominium is habitable. It is recommended that you have with you hard hats, long sleeves, slack and tuff boots. There is a possibility of plenty of debris, nails, bugs, snakes and spiders and creatures like these tend to seek higher ground after a tropical event. Tree limbs, building structures, interior walls and ceilings may still be subject to collapsing. Bring plenty of water, bug repellent, non-perishable snacks and camera film. In the event of damage you will want to document damage and loss.

Please check with the local fire chief or The Dunes General Manager before entering the premises. Items to be aware of are gas smells, downed power lines, obstacles and standing water. DO NOT SMOKE WHEN ENTERING ANY COMPROMISED AREA!

Following is a list of other "After the Storm" tips:

1. Stay tuned to local media and/or NOAA radio.
2. Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.
3. Watch for closed roads. Do not drive around barricades or along flooded roads.
4. Inspect your unit for damage.
5. Don't call the police, emergency or utility officials unless you have a life-threatening emergency.
6. Law enforcement agencies will often put curfews in place following a storm.
7. If electricity is out in The Dunes, elevators may or may not be working on emergency power.
8. If you do not evacuate, don't leave the building until emergency officials tell you it's safe and then-be careful.
9. Avoid driving as much as possible. If you must be on the road, remember that many traffic signals may be inoperative. Treat all intersections as though they are four-way stop.
10. Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads.
11. Stay on firm ground. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from power lines.
12. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Never use candles and other open flames indoors.
13. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until officials say it is safe.
14. If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by following manufacturer's instructions.
15. Avoid electrocution by not walking in flooded areas with downed power lines.

Unit-Owner Information

As required by the Dunes declarations, the Association purchases several insurance policies to cover certain types of losses that could occur. Hopefully this information will help you choose the proper insurance coverage to protect your interest.

Property Policies

The Dune's Declaration requires that the Association purchase Property policies covering the building. The property policies covering the buildings are to include the part of the buildings owned in common with all unit owners (i.e. exterior walls of each unit) as well as the parts of the buildings owned by each owner (i.e. partition walls, built-in cabinets, fixtures and wall to wall carpet). The types of property policies are (1) a Property policy, (2) a Windstorm (Hurricane) policy and (3) Flood policies (rising water). The total property coverage in the Property and Windstorm policies is $12,105,000. The Flood policies total $12,550,600.

Deductibles

There are various deductibles in each of the property policies. Below is a table that shows the various deductibles.

Policy	Deductible	Type Deductible
Property	$5,000	Per Occurrence
Windstorm & Hail	$10,000	Per Occurrence
Flood	$500 $500	Building Contents

Perils Insured

The property policies are broad. Some of the more important perils that are insured include, but are not limited to, those mentioned in the table below. The Windstorm policy only covers water damage if a hole is forced in the building by the wind and water enters through the hole. Simple leakage caused by a hard rain is not covered by any of the property policies. The leakage is referred to as "wind driven rain".

Perils Insured
Fire	Flood	Smoke
Lightning	Explosion	Collapse
Windstorm	Plumbing Leak	Riot
Hail	Vehicle Damage	Vandalism

Unit Owner's Responsibility For Property

As mentioned above, the Declarations state that the Association will insure the "buildings, structures and apartments including interior partitions, built-in cabinets and wall-to-wall carpets." Therefore, the individual unit owners must be responsible for their improvements and additions made to the buildings and any personal property on the premises. The owner's individual interest can be best insured using a Condominium Owners policy. It can be used to insure those things mentioned above. In addition, coverage can normally be included for "wind-driven rain," assessments caused by insured perils and coverage while the unit is being rented.

Liability Coverage

The Association purchases liability coverage to protect against lawsuits from people claiming they were injured on the premise and that their injuries were caused by negligence of the Association or a unit owner. The total limit of liability currently is $26,000,000. The policies cover the Association for claims that arise from occurrences that happen anywhere on premises. The unit owner is also covered by the policy but not if the claim arises from occurrences that happen inside the owner's unit. Therefore, the owner should purchase liability insurance for accidents that happen inside the unit. This coverage can also be included in a Condominium Owners policy.

Water Damage

Plumbing leaks in a high rise condominium is a fairly frequent occurrence. It is believed by some owners that the owner in whose unit the leak occurs should be responsible for damage to others' property. In fact, most of the time, the owner is not responsible. They are only responsible if it can be proved that they are negligent. The unit owner is seldom negligent. Therefore, each owner should assume that water damage is a risk of living in a high rise condominium and take steps to insure their property.

This discussion of policy coverage is meant to be a brief summary and not a full discussion of policy terms and conditions. Specific questions would, of course, have to be answered by consulting the policies or by contacting your agent, Wally Goodman(361. 693.1769), Terri Kizer (361.693.1749) and the staff at Borden Insurance.

Normal Steps In the Handling of a Property Claim

Following are the steps that normally take place in the handling of a claim involving damage to your insured property.

• After the accident occurs the claim is reported promptly to the insurance company. You can report it to your agent or the insurance company direct. For example, if your agent is Borden Insurance the following contact numbers would apply. Some agencies have web sites with extensive information regarding how to contact them and procedures for preparing and filing claims.

• The insurance company will:
  • Investigate the circumstances of the claim
  • Determine if the cause of the claim is covered by the policy
  • Appraise the amount of the damage.
  
  
• The insurance company may do an investigation and damage appraisal with their employees or contract it out to an independent claims adjusting/damage appraising company. We are not involved in this process nor do we have the authority to adjust or pay the claim. If you perceive there are problems in the claims handling, we can intercede in your behalf during this step.
• Normally a settlement offer is made by the insurance company based on the appraised damage.
• Your acceptance of the offer normally is done by you signing a "proof of loss" that is prepared by the insurance company. A "proof of loss" is a document that describes the claim in detail.
• Once the insurance company receives the "proof of loss," a check equal to the appraised damage amount less the deductible is prepared and normally mailed to you.

Information Needed For All Claims

• The name that appears on your insurance policy.
• The date and time of the accident that caused the claim
• Location of the accident.
• Name and Phone number(s) of the person to be contacted to discuss the claim and/or see your damage.
• Location of the damaged property

Property policies normally insure buildings and the contents of the buildings. Property policies include Homeowners, Fire, Property, Business owners and Package policies.

What to Do After a Property Claim Occurs

• If the accident caused damage to your property it is your duty to make temporary repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property. It is also your duty to protect personal property from further damage or theft. If making temporary repairs and protecting your property entails moving damaged property you should keep that property.
• The cost of making temporary repairs and protecting your property is normally covered by the insurance policy.
• Keep good records of the expenses associated with the temporary repairs and protecting property.
• If you have a camera available, it may be helpful to take pictures of the damage to the building and damaged personal property.
• Do not make permanent repairs or dispose of damaged property until you are advised to do so by your adjuster.
• When you report the claim you will need a description of the accident that caused the damage and the approximate peril that caused the claim (fire, wind, theft).
• If your personal property is damaged or stolen, you will need to itemize each item. If you have receipts or pictures of the property prior to the damage it will be helpful. You should start a list of stolen items that includes:
  • Manufacturer
  • Model
  • Original Cost (if available)
• If your claim was caused by theft, you should file a police report.
• This is important. Any structural repairs such as window, door or roof repair you may be required to have repairs to buildings inspected by either a Texas Department of Insurance windstorm inspector or a licensed professional engineer who is appointed by the Texas Department.

• A flood occurs when there is a general inundation of an area with water. A flood is normally caused by large amounts of rain, poor drainage, high tides or action of the waves.
• Before beginning any clean-up, take photos of everything "as is" (indoors and out) to show the water level and extent of damage. Make a room-by-room inventory of missing or damaged items, and try to locate receipts for major purchases.
• Separate damaged and undamaged property. Remove all wet upholstered furniture, draperies and other large items to a garage or other area where it can be stored until you can determine whether it can be cleaned, reupholstered or salvaged.
• Remove all wet carpet and carpet padding, but save a large piece of both carpet and pad to show your adjuster. Once the wet furniture and carpets have been moved out of the way, remove any standing water and mud that remain and then clean the floor with soapy water and disinfectant.
• Use disinfectant and soapy water to remove as much dirt and bacteria as possible from hardwood furniture and other solid surfaces.

In the aftermath of a federally declared disaster, FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides assistance to people in the United States or its territories whose property has been damaged or destroyed, and whose losses are not covered by insurance. In order to be considered for any form of IHP assistance, the affected home must be the primary residence, the home must be located within the declared disaster area, and the applicant must be a United States citizen, a non-citizen national, or a qualified alien. To apply for assistance, individual residents within a designated federal disaster area must call FEMA's Registration Intake line at 1-800-621-3362.

Individual residents of homeowner and condominium associations are eligible to apply for assistance under the Individual Assistance (IA) program, which provides individuals and families with the financial resources they need to make minimal repairs to their primary residences or to obtain safe temporary housing while extensive damages to their homes are repaired. IA also allows for the replacement of essential personal property. It is not clear whether, or the extent to which, owners of The Dunes Condominiums units might qualify for this assistance.

FEMA's Public Assistance Program provides assistance to State and local governments, as well as certain private non-profit organizations (PNP), with their response to, and recovery from, Federal disasters. Privately owned associations, such as condominium associations, are not eligible to apply for assistance under this program for damages to their common areas.

(All telephone numbers are area code 361 unless otherwise noted.)

• The Dunes Management Team
  General Manager - Bud Baker
  (O) 749-5155; (H) 949-0343; (cell) 343-1723

• Front Desk Supervisor - Christina Williams
  (O) 749-5155; (cell) 215-1655

• Maintenance Supervisor - Mary Travis
  (O) 749-5155; (H) 749-5155 ext. 2105; (cell) 290-2180

• Housekeeping Supervisor - Bea Garcia
  (O) 749-5155; (cell) 230-1566

• Human Resources - Carol Crump
  (O) 749-5155

• Local Emergency and Other Critical Telephone Numbers:

  Call 2-1-1 To register if you have special healthcare needs or if you do not have transportation

  Call 911 for emergency Police, Fire, Medical

  City of Corpus Christi Office of Emergency Management - 826-1100

  Constable for Nueces County - 479-5212

  FEMA Registration Intake - 1-800-621-3362

  Port Aransas City Hall - 749 4111

  Port Aransas Coast Guard - 749-5217

  Port Aransas Emergency Medical Service - 749-4405

  Port Aransas Police Department (non-emergency) - 749-6241

  Nueces County Emergency Management - 888-0513

  TXDOT Road Conditions - 800-452-9292

  United Way of Coastal Bend - 800-421-4636

• Websites

  AEP Texas Storm and Outage Center - www.aeptexas.com
  American Red Cross - www.redcross.org
  Building a Family Emergency Preparedness Plan, Texas Department of State Health Services -- www.texas prepares.org/ReadyOrNot/Client/Home.aspx
  City of Port Aransas - www.cityofportaransas.org
  Disaster cards - www.cityofportaransas.org
  FEMA - www.fema.gov
  Link to Texas Department of Public Safety Emergency Plan - www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/downloadable forms.htm annex index
  National Hurricane Center - www.nhc.noaa.gov
  National Weather Service - www.weather.gov
  NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards - www.weather.gov/nwh
  Port Aransas South Jetty - www.portasouthjetty.com
  Texas Special Transportation Registry - www.211texas.org
  TX DOT Road Conditions - www.txdot.gov

• Emergency Radio - KLUX 89.5 FM

General Preparations for People with Special Needs Preparation in advance of hurricane season is essential, especially for people with special needs. It is essential that a destination is identified ahead of time that can accommodate people with special needs. Shelters should be considered as a last resort when people with special needs evacuate because many shelters cannot provide the attention required. Assisting elderly neighbors and acquaintances with pre-hurricane preparations is encouraged.

!! Important Special Needs Tips !!

• Identify with whom you will stay in the event an evacuation becomes necessary.
• Make arrangements for transportation in the event you evacuate. Make sure your transportation can accommodate any equipment or other supplies that need to be taken with you.

• Make sure your pet's vaccinations are current and have proof that they are current. DO NOT assume that a public shelter or hotel will accept your pet.
• Be sure to have a current photo of your pet.
• Each animal should have a properly sized pet carrier. The carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand up and turn around.
• Make sure your pet has a proper ID collar.
• Pack enough food and bottled water for the duration of your evacuation. DO NOT let your pet eat food or drink water from outside that may have become contaminated.
• Be sure to pack all medications your pet may need along with a muzzle, collar, leash, paper towels, and trash bags.

"City Urges Businesses to Prepare"⁶
Small businesses should have plan in place before storm

Some islanders have developed a blasé attitude toward hurricanes whose winds haven't yet climbed to much more than 80 or 90 mph. But Port Aransas city officials say they're going to be fighting that tendency this hurricane season, which officially began on Monday, June 1.

Even a Category 1 hurricane, at the lowest end of the hurricane strength measurement scale, with winds of 74 to 95 mph, can have a large storm surge if the storm happens to be especially wide, said Port Aransas City Manager Michael Kovacs.

I think…a lot of folks think that an evacuation order for a Category 1 or 2 hurricane applies only to tourists or to people who are scared or people who just want to be cautious," Kovacs said.

This week, May 24-30, is national Hurricane Preparedness Week, a time when government leaders at all levels call on folks to educate themselves on hurricanes and prepare.

On Tuesday, May 26, Kovacs attended a briefing in Corpus Christi designed to kick off Hurricane Preparedness Week. The gathering at a Texas Department of Public Safety facility included officials representing agencies such as the Texas Department of Transportation, National Weather Service, Red Cross, City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County.

The briefing's theme addressed individual, family and business planning for disasters. That means individuals and families need to be ready for evacuations, knowing the routes they plan to take and what they will bring with them. It also means merchants should have business continuity plans in place.

Kovacs said merchants need good business continuity plans in order to find ways to start operating again soon in the aftermath of a hurricane. Business owners can put together those kinds of plans by looking into whether they're adequately insured and figuring out how they will communicate with employees in a hurricane's aftermath.

Kovacs said merchants also should come up with a strategy on how they'll react if their places of business are destroyed.

The concept of the business continuity plan is something Kovacs said he will be pushing this summer. He said he expects to partner with organizations to get that word out, possibly with the National Weather Service and the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce-Tourist Bureau. He said he is hoping to arrange for presentations on the matter at Port Aransas civic clubs, among other things.

The idea is to help Port Aransas get back on its feet, economically, as quickly as possible, after a devastating storm. "We're more vulnerable than many other places in Texas," Kovacs said. "We're mostly a small-business-based economy, with lots of family businesses."

Towns with a lot of chain stores have the corporate money to rebuild more quickly, he said.

"Cities that can get back into service fast can minimize the long-term damage to the economy," Kovacs said. "If we're advertising Port Aransas, and we have only 30 percent of our hotel rooms for the next five years, that's a problem."

A helpful Web side for business continuity planning is at www.ready.gov. A free online tool for making family hurricane plans is at www.onestorm.org.

Storm Names for 2009
Ana	Grace	Mindy	Teresa
Bill	Henri	Nicholas	Victor
Claudette	Ida	Odette	Wanda
Danny	Joaquin	Peter
Erika	Kate	Rose
Fred	Larry	Sam

*Reprinted with permission . The Port Aransas South Jetty, June 4, 2009.

With the opening of hurricane season on June 1, Port Aransas city officials are urging residents and property owners to get their disaster cards before a storm forms.

Disaster cards are issued by city hall to folks so they can present them later to authorities in the event that they need to get back into Port Aransas after a disaster. The card helps prove that the holder is a resident or property owner or both.

After a hurricane, it's likely that only residents and property owners will be allowed back in town at first. Hurricane season runs through November 30.

Folks can drop by city hall and obtain their disaster cards right on the spot, said Pat Garrett, executive assistant to the city manager. People who just need to renew their cards can call city hall, and a new card will be mailed to them, Garrett said.

Those who never have had a card before should drop by city hall and provide proof of residence or property ownership in the form of a tax bill, utility bill or driver's license with a city address on it, Garrett said.

People also can apply for a disaster card by going to the city's Web site, www.cityofportaransas.org and clicking on "emergency preparedness." That will bring up an application form that can be filled out and mailed to city hall, along with a copy of a utility bill with the card seeker's city address. The paperwork should be mailed to: City of Port Aransas, 710 W. Avenue A, Port Aransas, TX, 78373. City officials began issuing new cards May 1. They're urging Port Aransans not to wait until the last minute to get a card. A rush just before a hurricane strikes could cause the city to run out of cards, Garrett said.

There is no fee for obtaining disaster cards.

1. "Before the Threat of a Storm" Reprinted with permission from Borden Insurance.

2. "Be Prepared, Hurricane Season is Here," Chuck Cazalas, Nueces County Commissioner Pct. 4, article in the Island Moon, June 12, 2009; "As the Storm Approaches," reprinted with permission from Borden Insurance.

3. Dunes Council of Co-Owners, INC D/B/A The Dunes Condominium -- Insurance Coverage. Provided by Borden Insurance.

4. Filing Insurance Claims. Reprinted with permission from Borden Insurance.

5. Special Needs and Pets. Reprinted from The Official Texas Hurricane Guide, Coastal Bend Edition, ww.srh.noaa.gov/crp/tropics/2009Guide/guide, June 17, 2009.

6. "City Urges Businesses to Prepare" Small businesses should have plan in place before storm by Dan Parker, reporter. The Port Aransas South Jetty, June 4, 2009. Reprinted with permission.

7. "'Disaster' Cards are Required to Return to Island After Hurricane," reprinted from the Port Aransas South Jetty, June 4, 2009. Reprinted with permission.