The Atlantic hurricane season has started two weeks early as 2020’s first named storm — Arthur — whips the Atlantic Ocean hundreds of miles to the north of Yucatan, off North Carolina.
It’s a reminder, however, to be prepared for what forecasters predict will be a rough season. Yucatan has been spared major hurricane damage for years, but that doesn’t mean disaster can’t strike in 2020.
Mexico’s National Water Commission said there will probably be 15 to 19 named storms in the Atlantic, compared to the long-term average of 12 named storms, before hurricane season ends Nov. 30. The commission said that the Atlantic and Pacific could produce a combined seven and nine major hurricanes this year. There were seven major hurricanes in 2019.
The U.S. Consulate in Mexico can’t rescue U.S. citizens in an emergency, but the office does offer a series of preparedness tips, starting with making sure your passport is up to date in case you decide to beat a hasty retreat.
Americans can also enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive all important notifications by e-mail.
Gather all vital documents into a secure location and make photocopies to be kept separately, the consulate further advises.
While your cement home in Mexico won’t likely blow down, power and water could be out for days if a hurricane blows through.
Your own food, water and other supplies need last for at least 72 hours. (Here is a printable version of the checklist.)
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins. The kit should include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Additional Emergency Supplies
The Center for Disease Control recently recommended additional items:
- Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- 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
If you are forced to leave your home, Merida has an interactive map showing 1,200 shelter locations. Going to a shelter is a last resort.
If you do go to a shelter, pack lightly and take a thick blanket, a change of clothes including extra shoes, and although the shelter will provide some, take your own extra food and water. Also, take your most important papers, such as your passport and birth certificate, in a plastic bag. Don’t forget your emergency cash, medicines, and personal hygiene items.
In a shelter, only one suitcase per person is allowed.
Mexico’s Warning System
The national Mexican warning system is called the “Early Warning System for Tropical Cyclones” (SIAT – CT). Alerts will be transmitted in English and Spanish during a crisis.
Blue Alert: Watch
The presence of a tropical cyclone has been detected or more than 72 hours remain before the cyclone’s 34-knot (63-km/h) wind line reaches an affected area. The danger is considered to be minimal. At this stage, bulletins will be issued every 24 hours. At this stage, it is your responsibility to stay informed (media links follow).
Green Alert: Prevention
Between 24 and 72 hours remain before the cyclone’s 34-knot (63-km/h) wind line reaches an affected area, depending on the intensity of the cyclone. The danger is considered to be low. At this stage, bulletins will be issued every 12 hours. Stay informed on tropical cyclones and the measures to be taken.
Yellow Alert: Preparation
This is when between 12 and 60 hours remain before the cyclone’s 34-knot (63-km/h) wind line reaches an affected area, depending on the intensity of the cyclone. The danger is considered to be moderate. At this stage, bulletins will be issued every six hours. The community is expected to pay close attention to official information, learn the location of temporary shelters, prepare for a possible evacuation and take self-protection measures.
Orange Alert: Alarm
This means between six and 36 hours remain before the cyclone’s 34-knot (63-km/h) wind line reaches an affected area or impact is imminent. The danger is considered to be high. At this stage, bulletins will be issued every three hours. The community is expected to evacuate at-risk areas, follow instructions from the authorities and cancel any boating or coastal activities.
Red Alert: Effects Present
The Red Alert is established when a tropical cyclone is impacting an affected area. The danger is considered to be maximum. At this stage, bulletins will be issued every three hours. The community is expected to seek immediate shelter and obey authorities.
Stay informed
Here’s where to find news during a storm:
- The US National Hurricane Center
- The US Embassy Mexico City Travel Alert Website
- The US Embassy Mexico City Facebook Page
- The Mexican National Hurricane Center
Cancun
· City Hall Radio (Radio Ayuntamiento): FM 105.9 (Spanish)
Playa Del Carmen
· Riviera FM SQCS: 98.1 FM (Spanish)
· Civil Protection of Quintana Roo (Click “Alertas” on the left for specific storm advisories) (Spanish)
Chetumal
· Civil Protection of Quintana Roo (Click “Alertas” on the left for specific storm advisories) (Spanish)
Mérida
· Mérida’s Department of Civil Protection (Spanish)—Includes list of all local emergency telephone numbers, including hospitals. Also call 999-944-3532, 999-944-2470 or 800-719-8633.
· Local SIPSE TV and Radio
What if you want to stay?
The U.S. Consulate in Merida’s advice to U.S. citizens is to follow all local authorities’ instructions with regards to evacuation.
The Mexican Army and/or Navy could be called in to enforce an evacuation.
In Yucatan, if someone chooses not to evacuate during an emergency, even after the Mexican Military and Navy attempt to enforce the evacuation, Civil Protection will respect the person’s decision.
But in Quintana Roo, Civil Protection states that in extreme life-and-death circumstances, people, including U.S. citizens may be evacuated against their will.
