June 1st marks the official start of the hurricane season with the peak storm threat occurring from mid-August to late October. Nueces Electric Cooperative wants you to be prepared in the event of a dangerous storms. Keep your family safe with these handy tips.

Before the storm
* Put together an emergency kit and plan. Communicate the plan with family. 
* Know the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. 
* This will help you prepare for the storm surge and any tidal flooding.
* Secure your home: cover all windows with either storm shutters or boards, clear loose and clogged rain gutters, and bring all outdoor furniture indoors.
* Learn your community hurricane evacuation routes.
* It is important for NEC to have your up to date contact information. Call us at 361-387-2581 and update your mailing address, phone number, or email. 

During the storm
* Listen to the radio or TV for information, if possible.
* Avoid using the phone unless there is an emergency.
* Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, keep the refrigerator thermostat on the coldest setting and keep the doors closed.

After the storm
* Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to NEC. 
* Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads. Watch out for fallen objects, downed power lines and weakened walls, bridges or sidewalks.
* NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawl spaces, sheds or similar areas. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas.

For more tips on planning before, during, and after the storm, visit:
Texas Division of Emergency Management: tdem.texas.gov 
Texas Department of State Health Services: texasready.gov
American Red Cross: redcross.org 
U.S. Department of Homeland Security: ready.gov 
Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott: gov.texas.gov
FEMA: Are You Ready?