Prioritize Safety

Recovering from a disaster takes time and coordination. Safety should always be a top priority.

Take care of yourself and your family.

• Your first concern after a disaster is your family's health and safety. You need to consider possible safety issues and monitor family health and well-being.
• If you are returning home following a disaster, know it can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution. You may be anxious to see your property, but do not return home before local officials say it is safe to return.
• Administer first aid and seek medical attention for any injured person following a disaster.
• Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.
  
  

If you have damages following a disaster, know who to contact.

The City of Corpus Christi will inform residents of resources for food and shelter, as well as other community resources. Be sure to sign up for Reverse Alert emergency notifications, and be sure to subscribe to news releases to receive these updates immediately.

It is important to contact us about the damages sustained to your home, business, and surrounding area. You can call 311 if you need assistance with a City service and 911 if you are in an emergency situation. Call 311 for the following problems:

• Debris or trees in city streets
• Street flooding
• Drainage issues
• Water leaks or water unavailable
  
  

If you have insurance, contact your insurance agent to file a claim.

• Make sure to document all your damages – before you clean up, take photos and make a list.
• Save all your receipts for post-damage repair and clean up.
• If you have insurance and damages, you must file a claim with your insurance company.
  
  

Replacing Vital Documents

It can feel overwhelming to deal with replacing lost documentation after a disaster. Visit FEMA’s Replacing Vital Documents page for guidance on how to start replacing important documents with resources from state and federal partners.

Potential Hazards

• Be aware of new safety issues created by the disaster. Watch for washed out roads, contaminated buildings, contaminated water, gas leaks, broken glass, damaged electrical wiring and slippery floors.
• Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
• Watch out for animals in debris, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Do not enter your damaged home if:
  • You smell gas.
  • Floodwaters remain around the building.
  • Authorities have not declared it safe to enter.
• Inform local authorities about health and safety issues, including chemical spills, downed power lines, washed out roads, smoldering insulation and dead animals.
• Keep a battery-powered radio with you for emergency updates from local officials.