The U.S. Consulate General in Mérida reminds U.S. citizens in the Yucatán Peninsula that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Initial forecasts predict a very active hurricane season. The following tips will help you to prepare now for the upcoming season.
Be Prepared
U.S. citizens who are thinking about going to places that suffer from hurricanes should be aware of the chance of a storm and make a plan in case of emergency. Even inland areas far from the coastline can experience destructive winds, tornadoes, and floods from tropical storms and hurricanes. We encourage you to read the U.S. Department of State’s “Hurricane Season – Know Before You Go” web pamphlet on hurricane preparedness.
Register with the U.S. Consulate General Mérida
In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane, the Consulate will send out a warden message and monitor the storm’s track, issuing updated messages to U.S. citizens who have registered with us. The U.S. Department of State may also issue a “Travel Alert” or “Travel Warning” to apprise the American traveling public of the situation. If you have not already registered with us, please register with us, and encourage your U.S. citizen family, friends, and acquaintances visiting or residing in the Yucatan Peninsula to do the same.
Check Your Travel Documents
Please take this time to check your travel documents and those of your family members to assure that all U.S. passports are still valid and that any non-American family members have valid Legal Permanent Resident cards or U.S. visas. You may need to travel to the United States on short notice and consular services could be limited during a hurricane or tropical storm. Please visit our website for more information on renewing your passport.
Review Your Travel Checklist
- Prior to leaving the United States, register your travel plans on the State Department’s travel registration website.
- Check with your tour operator, airline, or charter flight company (as appropriate) regarding travel services back to the United States in the event of a hurricane, and the possibility of early return if a storm is forecasted for your region.
- Obtain a cell phone that works internationally to stay in regular contact with family and friends in the United States and advise them of your whereabouts.
- Research the region you are visiting and familiarize yourself with local procedures.
- Pack an emergency supply kit.
- Keep extra bottled water and non-perishable food items on hand.
- Keep an up-to-date list of local emergency phone numbers, as well as contact numbers for the nearest U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or Consular Agency.
- Protect your vital travel documents from potential water damage by placing them in a waterproof container.
- Obtain travel insurance prior to your trip to cover unexpected expenses in the event of an emergency.
- Consider what arrangements you will make for your pets. Please note that the Mexican authorities and the U.S. government do not make accommodations for evacuation or care of pets in the event of a tropical storm, hurricane, etc.
- Leave a detailed itinerary and your local contact information with a friend or family member in the United States.
- Make two photocopies of the passport identification page, airline tickets, driver’s license and the credit cards you plan to take. Leave one copy of each with family or friends at home, and pack the other copies separately from the originals. Leave a copy of the serial numbers of your travelers’ checks with a friend or relative at home.
Monitor Information During a Hurricane or Tropical Storm
During a hurricane or tropical storm, monitor local television, radio and websites in your area for up-to-date information in Yucatan, Quintana Roo (which includes the popular tourist areas of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum), or Campeche. The U.S. National Hurricane Center is also an excellent source of information on the strength and forecasted path of any Atlantic hurricane or tropical storm.
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