Cozumel Special Report

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The Cozumel Sun Special Report: The 2020 Hurricane Season, How to prepare for the Hurricane and Tropical storm Season, What to do during a Hurricane or Severe Tropical Storm, What to do after a Hurricane or Severe Tropical Storm.

Since we are still waiting for the COVID-19 reopening plan, I put my efforts into revisiting the Instructions for the Hurricane and Tropical Storm Season that started June 1. This is the perfect time to take care of this to do list and review the procedures.

We have not had a hurricane since October 2005, the way this year is panning out, we might as well not take a chance and be prepared for anything and everything! Let me know if I missed anything.

If you do not live in Cozumel, this article can be helpful anywhere you live!

2020 Hurricane Season

Preparation for hurricane and tropical storm season in Cozumel is a must. During the Hurricane & Tropical Storm Season it is especially important to have a checklist of things to do. A tropical storm can change into a hurricane quickly.

The Atlantic hurricane season began on 1 June, and over one dozen groups have already issued seasonal hurricane forecasts for the 2020 season. To date, most groups have predicted an above-average season, with several forecasting an extremely active season.

An average season produces 12 named storms of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes.

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   How to Prepare for Hurricane & Tropical Storm Season

-Stay on top of information provided by the authorities. Listen to the radio or TV for information.

-Cover all your home’s windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.

-Bring in all outdoor furniture, potted plants, decorations, and garbage cans, anything that is not a permanent fixture.

-Turn off all power breakers, turn off and disconnect all gas tanks, and check for gas leaks.

-Install a generator for emergencies. If you do not have a generator and must keep Insulin or other medication refrigerated, arrange to store it with someone that has one well in advance.

-Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed so they are more wind resistant. Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage, it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage. Reinforce your gates.

-Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or again, bringing them inside.

– If you have children, prepare activities in advance to keep them occupied such as books, games, puzzles, or art projects.

-Protect your documents. Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identifications and bank account records should be saved electronically. They should then be stored in a waterproof and fireproof portable container.

– Have Cash on hands stored safe from dam age (think no ATM and no Banks for days).

-If the authorities from Civil Protection tell you to evacuate your home, do so. Do not hesitate, leave immediately, and find a shelter.

Food and Water

-Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation). The supply of water for sanitary purposes is for cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill large containers with water, and the bathtub if you have one. Have bottled water stored where it will be as safe as possible from flooding.

– Food for 3 or 4 days. You should have a supply of non- perishable food on hand (canned, bottled, and/or boxed).  Store food on shelves safely out of the way of contaminated water in the event of flooding. 

– Pet food and extra water for your pet.

– Have paper cups, paper plates, paper towels and plastic utensils on hand.

Your Perishable Foods:

-Group food together in the freezer. This helps the food stay cold longer.

-Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers in case the power goes out. If your normal water supply is contaminated or unavailable, the melting ice will also supply drinking water.

-Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. This helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.

-Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0 °F and the refrigerator is at or below 40 °F.

-In case of a power outage, the appliance thermometers will indicate the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer to help you determine if the food is safe. (Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer).

-Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours.

-Purchase or make ice cubes in advance and store in the freezer for use in the refrigerator or in a cooler. Freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.

-Anticipate and prepare in advance for transportation, nutritional and medical needs.

Medical

-First aid kit. fire extinguisher, lanterns or flashlights with new batteries, candles, and a whistle to signal for help. 

– Prescription medications and your non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives

– Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

Other Supplies

– Have a sleeping bag or warm blanket, a Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes for each person stored in waterproof bag.

– Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, make certain you install fresh new batteries.

– Cell phone with charger and a backup battery.

– Matches and lighters stored in a waterproof container.

-Extra batteries, Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air), sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place), garbage bags and plastic ties, wrench, or pliers on hand to turn off utilities.

Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

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What to do during a Hurricane or Severe Tropical Storm.

Authorities will transmit information on the weather conditions every three hours as the storm approaches and during the storm.

Stay away from the sea. Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors away from heavy winds.

Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.

Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.

Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

DO NOT leave your home or shelter until the authorities have announced it is safe to do so. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

BEWARE OF THE EYE OF THE HURRICANE! If the eye of the hurricane passes over the island, it will be calm. During this time, DO NOT GO outside of your home or shelter. The winds will regain new strength and without warning start blowing in the opposite direction.

Once the Power Goes Out:

Here are basic tips for keeping food safe:

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.

An unopened refrigerator will keep food cool for four hours.

A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-full) if the door remains closed.

If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish, or eggs while it is still at safe temperatures, it is important that each item be cooked thoroughly to the proper temperature to assure that any food borne bacteria that may be present is destroyed. However, if at any point the foods were above 40 ° for 2 hours or more — discard it.

Wash fruits and vegetables with water from a safe source before eating.

For infants, try to use prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water. Concentrated or powdered formulas should be prepared with bottled water if the local water source is potentially contaminated.

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What to do after a hurricane or Severe Tropical Storm

Be careful with fences, walls, houses, and buildings that might be in danger of collapse. Do not touch downed cables.

Do not move anyone that is seriously injured, instead, call the authorities.

Continue listening for information transmitted by authorities, and if you can join to help in the reconstruction and clean up.

If an appliance thermometer was kept in the freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on and If the thermometer reads 40°F or below, the food is safe for consumption and may be refrozen. You will need to determine the safety of your food. Here is how:

If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. You cannot rely on appearance or odor, if the food still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.

Refrigerated food should be safe if the power was out for no more than 4 hours and the refrigerator door was kept shut. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.

Keep in mind that perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs that are not kept adequately refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed, even when they are thoroughly cooked.