Cozumel News August 17, 2021

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Cozumel News August 17, 2021: Tropical Storm Grace, NOAA 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Prediction, Hurricane and Tropical Storm Preparation Guide, The Cozumel Sun Office and Book Exchange Store, and more!

Tropical Storm Grace

Tropical Storm Grace is heading our way. As always, there is a chance that it can pick up wind and speed and convert from a storm to a hurricane. If it does, the projection this morning was category one.

Tropical storm trajectory changes from hour to hour. Grace can hit anywhere on the peninsula. It can easily go north of the island or south of us. It is currently aimed at Tulum, but that is expected to again change as it has numerous times in the last 24 hours.

The Governor´s press conference this morning stated that the storm is currently due to hit around two in the morning on Thursday. However, some wind and rain are expected up to 5 to 6 hours prior. If the storm picks up speed it can arrive Wednesday evening.

There is no need to panic.

However, homeowners and renters if you have not already prepared for the season, now is the time! Tourists need not worry Cozumel Hotels are very experienced in preparation and your safety. Paradise is paradise even during storms!

We will post regular updates on our Facebook page and group with pertinent information as the government distributes the information.

NOAA 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Prediction

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. They are expecting 13 to 20 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes of which 3 to 5 will be major hurricanes.

However, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020. 

Hurricane & Tropical Storm Season Preparation Guide

Preparation for  hurricane and tropical storm season in Cozumel is a must. During the Hurricane & Tropical Storm Season it is very important to have a checklist of things to do. A tropical storm can change into a hurricane quickly. The hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30.

• Stay on top of information provided by the authorities. Check social media, radio, or TV for information

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

• If the authorities from Civil Protection tell you to evacuate your home, do so. Do not hesitate, leave immediately, they will direct you to a shelter.

Preparing your Home

To protect your windows from high winds, cover them all with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters

Bring inside 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.

Reinforce your garage doors and reinforce your gates.

Keep all trees and shrubs well-trimmed so they are more wind resistant.

Generator

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.

Refrigerator & Freezer

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.

Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers in case the power goes out. This can provide additional drinking water if necessary.

Frozen is Best

Refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, fresh meat, and poultry that you may not need immediately can be frozen. This helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.

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

Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer. 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.

Other Ideas

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.

Supplies on Hand

Ensure that you have a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill large containers with water, and the bathtub if you have one.

You should have a first aid kit. Do not forget a battery-operated radio with new batteries, lanterns or flashlights, cellular telephone, blankets, bedspreads, candles, and matches.

Documents, Money & Valuables

Protect your documents, money, and other valuables. You should have a place for these items that is water and fireproof, safe from all damage.

Non-Perishable Foods

You should have a supply of non- perishable food on hand (canned, bottled, and/or boxed) and bottled water that can last you for 3 to 4 days.

Store food on shelves safely out of the way of contaminated water in the event of flooding. Have bottled water stored where it will be as safe as possible from flooding.

Pets

If you have, pets contact Animal Control Centro at 872-5795. They will provide shelter for your pets.

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.

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

Do Not Go Outside

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 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-full) if the door remains closed.

Refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish, or eggs

Cook thoroughly refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish, or eggs to the proper temperature. However, if at any point the foods were above 40 °F for 2 hours or more — discard it.

Fruits and Vegetables

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.

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.

Check the Food

With Food Thermometer

When the power returns check the temperature reading of the thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer. If the thermometer reads forty or below, the food is safe for consumption and may be refrozen.

Without Food Thermometer

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 forty °F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.

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

Perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs not refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed, even when they are thoroughly cooked.

Aurita´s Cozumel Corner

Readers have asked to visit my office for years. They have come to my home or the store, and others at various restaurants in town.

You see, the Cozumel Sun headquarters have been wherever I happen to be sitting with my computer. As I have explained, I have no staff or volunteers. For years I used the space for the Community Garage Sale. Later we remodeled the space, and it was Mama Lilly´s Papeleria.

No Luck Yet Selling Store

We are still looking for a buyer for the furnishings and materials in the Papeleria. In the process of taking inventory and packing, I found myself organizing.

A Cozumel Sun Official Office

First, I moved all my office records and equipment into the store front. The giant countertop served perfectly as my desk.

Gifts, Novelty Items, and Avon for Sale

We found gift and novelty items that I had forgotten about and placed them in the glass display case.

A Book Exchange!

Then I moved hundreds of paperback books from my living room into shelves in the store. This has been a fifteen-year dream of mine to provide an actual book exchange for us avid readers!

What the Heck Let´s Keep the Store

Then, despite my continuing struggle with fatigue I decided if I am opening the doors for a book exchange I might as well sell things I have on hand.

Therefore, I kept all the pens, sharpies, clips, and crayons on the countertop.

Then I thought, well I have the copier and laminator. Why not keep providing printing, copying, and laminating!

Next came the brilliant idea that I have the computers, internet and international telephone already, why not have that available to tourists also!

What Happened to my Retirement?

I do not know the answer, but what I have been setting up has made me happy. Tentatively I am thinking of a grand opening on September 1.

However, it is my home, and I am here daily. Just give me a call and stop by. Drop off your books anytime! Or come talk me out of this!

The Cozumel Sun Community Assistance

Serving the Cozumel Community for 15 years

Here is your community on-line Resource! Cannot find an answer? Contact The Cozumel Sun News and we will assist you!

The Cozumel Sun has the following Medications on Hand:

• Alprazolam-2 mg – Xanax – Anxiety and panic disorder (sleeping) three boxes of thirty.
• Enalapril 10 mg. – Blood Pressure. Four boxes of thirty tablets.
• HFA Beclometasona – Aerosol 50 mcg Inhaler.

Medical Equipment

We have a loaner wheelchair, Crutches, nebulizer, and a portable bedside toilet.

We donate the walkers and canes we receive to the elderly.

Donate to The Cozumel Sun.

We function ON DONATIONS ONLY. Please lend your support.

Other Ways to Help

Donate Books to our New Book Exchange Store.

Contribute articles and share valuable information and resources with us.

Read the Donate or Volunteer Section of The Sun. Please Email me with any corrections or additions of these important community programs.

Procedures are constantly changing in Mexico, please check, and make certain that my version of the process is current.

If you see a typo, please let me know. I will be grateful! I have no editor or staff to check my work.

Cozumel News August 17, 2021 Continued

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The Cozumel Sun News promotes Local businesses for FREE in The Cozumel Sun Facebook Group !

Cozumel Now Radio in English!