Essential Guide to Preparing for Hurricane Season in Puerto Rico

Those who endured the catastrophic force of Category 5 Hurricane Maria in 2017, and witnessed its trail of devastation and ruin, understand all too well that the hurricane season in the Caribbean is a grave matter. Although it is impossible to halt the inevitable arrival of these storms, there are actionable steps to mitigate the damage inflicted on personal property, safeguard oneself and one's family, and be prepared for the aftermath and rehabilitation process in a hurricane's wake. The hurricane season traditionally commences in June and concludes in November, with the potential for multiple storms within this window, each capable of causing extensive destruction.

Tracking hurricanes

Keeping track of storms as they come across the Atlantic is crucial during hurricane season. It is important to familiarise yourself with the categorisation system of storms, ranging from tropical depressions to category 5 hurricanes where the most damage can be sustained. We recommend the following sites for tracking storms: 

• The National Hurricane Centre
• The Caribbean Hurricane Network  
• Weather Underground

You can stay up to date via social media by following pages such as:

• @hurricanecentrepr
• @weatherchannel

This'll keep you updated with regional & national updates on the situation.

You must bear in mind that there is no storm insignificant enough to be dismissed lightly, particularly during the warmer summer months. Tropical storms and depressions can rapidly escalate into formidable Category 5 hurricanes.

Taking Stock 

Prior to each hurricane season it is worth taking stock of the goods that you have in your house that could prove beneficial during a big storm or hurricane. This includes the basics such as

• toilet paper
• non-perishable food and water
• batteries, gasoline,
• portable chargers, torches,
• candles and battery-powered radios (archaic, but useful when cell signals and internet are down). 

Before the storm rolls in, do yourself a favor and stock up on essentials. You don't want to be caught up in the last-minute rush when everyone's scrambling for the same supplies. Now, when I say you need enough food and drinking water, I'm talking about a supply that could last you, your family, and even your pets anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks. If you're a bit off the beaten path, you might want to prepare for the longer side of that estimate.

Here's a tip: aim for about one liter of water per person or pet, per day. It's a good benchmark to have in mind when you're figuring out how much to store.

And while you're at it, consider getting some water purification tablets and filters. They can come in real handy if you need clean water and fast. In the days leading up to the storm, you might also want to store extra water anywhere you can—buckets, bathtubs, you name it. This extra supply can be a lifesaver for things like flushing toilets and keeping yourself clean. Trust us, a bit of preparation goes a long way when you're weathering a storm.

Also, damage can be sustained to many public services such as water and electricity and roads so access to supplies can be restricted during the recovery period depending on the extent of the damage so having these essentials can be lifesaving. It is also crucial to have a well-equipped first aid kit and hand sanitiser if sanitation and hospital services are affected in the wake of the storm. 

Battening down the hatches

As we approach hurricane season, it's a good idea to take a long, hard look at your home's structural integrity. Now's the perfect time to check if there are any leaks in your roof, test your hurricane shutters, or consider investing in some window coverings to fend off storm damage.

Don't forget about any debris or outdoor furniture. These can turn into flying hazards in a storm, so make sure you can either move them indoors or secure them tightly outside. And here's a pro tip: consider getting some plywood ahead of the season. It's a handy material to have around when you need to quickly batten down the hatches if a storm's brewing.

Of course, don't forget about your pets. Make sure they're safe indoors with you when a hurricane hits, and have a plan to keep them secure throughout the storm. If it's within your means, a generator can be an absolute lifesaver during hurricane season. Just remember, it's key to get it serviced before the season starts. You wouldn't want it giving out on you when you need it the most, right?

Insurance

We know it's tough to imagine your beloved home bearing the brunt of a Category 5 storm like Maria. But here's the reality - having solid insurance that covers hurricane damage is crucial. If the worst happens, at least you can repair your home and replace any damaged parts.

And don't stop at just home insurance. It's worth looking into content and car insurance that covers hurricane damage and flooding too. Storms like these are unpredictable, and you don't want to be caught off guard. Protecting what's yours is a smart move in these uncertain times.

‍Entertainment 

Though this may seem trivial, being stuck inside can be tedious at the best of times, but when there is a storm raging, having board games and things to provide entertainment for yourself and your family can be crucial to keeping the peace and providing a distraction for what is going on outside.

If you are living with children, it is also important to maintain certain routines to keep them calm and settled throughout the storm.

Emergency services and preparing to evacuate 

Should the worst happen during a hurricane it is worth keeping certain local emergency services and organisations information handy as well as knowing where your nearest shelter is. This information can be found on the FEMA app. 

You can also sign up to emergency alerts such as The FCC’s Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the National Weather Service Alerts, so that you know when you should evacuate and seek shelter. It is also important to have quick and easy access to a survival kit or go-bag should you need to evacuate, with spare changes of clothes, necessary medical and personal documents, prescriptions and cash. 

Real time weather monitoring: http://www.weather.gov/sju/ 

List of places to call during an emergency and after:

1. State Agency for Emergency and Disaster Management 787-724-0124

2. FEMA 787-296-3500

3. AEE 787-289-3434

4. Fire Department 787-343-2330

5. National Weather Service 787-253-4586

6. Police 787-343-2020

7. Red Cross 787-758-8150

8. AAA 787-521-3434

9. Department of Family Services 787-294-4900

Roadside emergencies:

Call these numbers to report landslides and floods affecting roadways

800-981-3121

800-981-3021 

787-977-2200. 

‍Emails to report incidents on the road:

Derrumbe@DTOP.GOV.PR (landslides)

Servilinea@dtop.gov.pr (service line)

Inundaciones@dtop.gov.pr (floods)

Boquetes@dtop.gov.pr (potholes)

Rotulos@dtop.gov.pr (signs)

PlanAntiTapon@dtop.gov.pr (traffic jams)

Semaforos@dtop.gov.pr (traffic lights)

‍Puerto Rico Government Agency Directory:

‍https://www2.pr.gov/Directorios/Pages/DirectoriodeAgencias.aspx