The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season could be one of the most active on record.
- Colorado State University has issued its first outlook for the season.
- The 2024 hurricane season could be one of the most active on record.
- That’s because of two main factors.
- First, El Niño is expected to become La Niña, which usually enhances storms.
- Secondly, Atlantic Ocean water is record-warm in most areas, which also could enhance storms.
A sobering outlook: CColorado State University’s tropical meteorology project team is forecasting 23 storms, 11 of which will become hurricanes and five of which will reach Category 3 status or stronger, in their first outlook for 2024 released Thursday.
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.
