Hurricane season in Mexico is from June to November with the peak season from mid-August to late October. Tropical depressions and storms that occur in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean have potential to turn into hurricanes during this time.
The key to hurricane or tropical storm protection is preparation. A hurricane could knock out services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones for up to a week or more. If the entire town is rushing to purchase wood, nails, water, coolers, and other supplies at the last minute, you may not be able to find what you need in a crisis. Preparedness is the best policy.
Create / Re-Stock Supply Kits
Each year, before hurricane season starts, create or re-stock your supply kits before the threat of a hurricane so you have the time to shop and make copies of updated documents.
The purpose of your supply kit is to gather enough materials to get you through 3 days of potential outages and preserve important documents.
Although a lot of these items will already be in your home, having extra supplies, together in one place, will ensure your preparedness. Purchase plastic containers with tight fitting lids and fill them with:
- One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Three days supply of non-perishable food per person
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Infant formula and diapers
- Manual can opener for food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Candles and matches in a water proof container
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Cash or traveler’s checks and change
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit – EFFAK developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or free information from this web site. (See Publications)
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire extinguisher
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Important documents to keep in sealed plastic bags are:
- Copy of Passports and Visas
- Copies of DL
- Copies of Social Security cards or just have it written down
- Title or Possession Documents
- All ownership documents, including insurance coverage – auto, home, condo, boat, trailer etc.
- All life insurance documents and wills
More Tips
Additionally, as soon as you hear news of a hurricane threat, fill up the gas in your car and purchase ice for your coolers.
For more information about hurricane preparedness, go to the US FEMA website .