Hurricanes are formed in the tropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Western Section of the South Pacific and in the Indian Ocean. This type of disturbance of nature in its highest intensity is known as a "Hurricane" and has five (5) classifications based on the force of the wind.

Hurricanes are formed in the summer and their season officially begins June 1st and ends on November 30th.

We provide you with these safety tips for before, during and after the hurricane: Educating ourselves and putting into practice all of the preventive measures is the only way in which we can reduce our exposure to the loss of lives and properties.

When Hurricane Season Begins

• Examine the structural conditions of your residence.
• Prepare an action plan for your family. You should have at least two alternate exits in your residence.
• If you live in a flood zone, try to make arrangements beforehand with family and/or friends to stay with them during the hurricane.
• Organize a clean up campaign for those in your neighborhood.
• Make sure you have:
  
  • A battery radio, lanterns, and batteries
  • Plastic bags
  • Gas or carbon stoves
  • A first aid kit
  • Gas and candle lamps
  • Canned foods
  • Can and bottle openers
  • Bottled water; consider at least two liters daily per person
  • Cooler
  • Materials to cover the glass on doors and windows
  • Tools and rope
• Learn to close the main gas and water valves, and to disconnect the electric power.
• Take pictures of your home.
• Make a list and take pictures of your belongings. Include your furniture, appliances and valuable objects.
• Review the insurance policy of your home.
• Place important documentation in a safe and easy to carry container. (Policies, birth certificates, credit cards, identifications, passports, check books).
• Keep cash in your home; do not wait until the last minute to go to the bank. It is very probable that after a hurricane the banks will operate under less capacity and the availability of money will be slim.
• Have food for your pets.

• Listen to the weather on the radio station, commercial radio or television.
• Do not pay attention to rumors. Avoid panic.
• Avoid unnecessary phone calls.
• Secure the loose objects that you have around your home.
• Keep your personal belongings and your important documents safe.
• Prepare your water reserve for drinking as well as personal use.
• Make sure you have food that does not require being cooked for at least three (3) days.
• Review the items in your first aid kit and keep it accessible.
• Go over your evacuation plan from your home.
• Protect glass doors and windows.
• Bring your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest point.
• Keep your animals and pets in a safe place. If you are unable to take them with you, leave food and water out for them in case you have to evacuate your home.
• Close the water and gas valves. Disconnect the electricity.
• You must be prepared to transfer to the shelter nearest to your home.
• Fill your automobile's gas tank.
• Move your automobile to a safe place away from the trees and structures that can be affected by the wind. If they are put in the driveway or carport, make sure they are parked in a way that would facilitate a quick exit.
• Place all your important documents in an elevated place in your home and cover them with plastic bags.

• Stay informed by listening to the latest news bulletins.
• Keep calm so that you are able to make the correct decisions.
• Stay inside your home. If you have to leave your residence, hand out identification cards among your children.
• Stay away from glass windows and doors and stay on the opposite side from the direction of the wind.
• Abolish the use of alcoholic beverages.

• Keep your radio turned on to obtain the latest information and instructions.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
• Don't be curious and avoid using your automobile, unless it is necessary.
• If you have to use your automobile, use it with extreme caution.
• Keep away from disaster areas.
• Take precautions to avoid fires.
• Clean your residence as soon as possible.
• Help your neighbors restore the neighborhood.
• As soon as the water service is restored, you can sterilize the drinking water and cook with any of these methods.
  • Boil the water for at least fifteen (15) minutes. Pour it immediately into a sterilized container and cover with a lid and let it cool if possible.
  • Place two (2) drops of whitener based from chlorine for each liter of water; shake it well and wait fifteen (15) minutes.
• Take pictures of the damages.
• Make a list of the damages to your property and notify your insurance agent. Bring the pictures from before and after the event. If possible, make a copy of your policy and bring it with you.
• Make temporary arrangements to avoid major losses by vandalism, rain, etc. Keep the receipts of the repairs that you make.