Hurricane Season in the Tropics: Actions to Protect Your Life and Family!

Hurricane Season in the Tropics is from May to November

Hurricane season in the tropics is from May 15^th to November 30^th. It is important to be informed about what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Take these steps to protect your life and your family! ¹

Before a Hurricane

Talk to your family and friends to organize a civil protection plan taking into account the following measures:

• Determine a place to meet if you get separated because of a hurricane.
• If your house is fragile (reed, palapa, adobe, straw, or similar materials), investigate a temporary shelter (school, church, or city hall) to relocate.
• Make necessary repairs to roofs, windows, and walls to prevent further damage.
• Provide transportation if you have family or elderly people.

Please have the following items for an emergency:

• First aid kit
• Radio and flashlight with spare parts
• Purified water in covered containers
• Canned food (tuna, sardines, beans, milk
• Personal documents (birth, marriage, immigration documents, etc.) stored in a plastic bag

During a Hurricane

Stay home if it is safe or move to the hostel as planned. If authorities recommend that you evacuate the area and/or your home — do not hesitate! Go to safety!

If you can stay at home:

• Stay calm.
• Keep your battery-operated radio on for information and instructions from official sources.
• Close doors and windows, protecting the glass inside with tape in the form of X. Curtains will NOT protect you from any splintering glass.
• Secure loose objects (pots, garbage cans, tools, etc.).
• Have warm clothing and waterproof clothing available.
• Cover appliances or objects that could be damaged or broken with water with plastic bags.
• Constantly check the water level near your home.

If you move to a temporary shelter:

Secure your home and take all necessities and important documents with you.

• Remain calm and reassure your family.
• Listen to your battery-powered radio for information or instructions for the hurricane.
• Unplug all appliances and power switches.
• Shut off the gas and water.
• Do not light candles.
• Attend to children, the elderly, and sick people who are with you.
• Do not leave until authorities say it ended the danger

After a Hurricane

1. Stay calm.

2. Follow the instructions issued by the authorities through the media. If your home is in the affected area, you cannot return to it until authorities indicate.

3. If there are injuries, gas leaks, or any kind of risk, report it immediately to the emergency services.

4. Take care that your food is clean, do not eat anything raw or dubious.

5. Drink only purified or boiled water.

6. Thoroughly clean up any spilled medicines, toxins, or flammable substances.

7. Carefully inspect your home to make sure there is no danger.

8. Keep off the gas, light, and water to ensure no leakage and no danger of short circuits.

9. Make sure your appliances are dry before connecting.

10. Do not spread rumors.

11. Clean up any water to prevent mosquito infestations.

12. If you live on hillsides or mountain slopes, be careful of landslides.

13. Keep warm and away from the disaster areas.

14. Avoid touching or stepping on cables.

15. Withdraw from buildings, trees, and poles in danger of falling.

If a family member is missing, DO NOT GO OUT TO GET THEM – it can be dangerous. Alert the authorities!

Emergency Numbers: You can call 911

MEXICAN RED CROSS – 065

CIVIL PROTECTION AGENCY – Facebook: Civil Protection Agency

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS YOUR PROTECTION!

References:

1. Translated from: http://ixtapayzihuatanejo.com/actividad/huracanes/