Preparing for Hurricane Season 2024 in Puerto Rico

Hurricane season has arrived in Puerto Rico, and residents must take proactive measures to safeguard themselves, their families, and their homes against the potential impact any storms. Despite the predictions, it is prudent every year to prepare for the worse and hope for the best. Hurricanes are a common occurrence in the Caribbean, and while they bring destruction and disruption, proper preparation can significantly mitigate their effects. They are one of the few downsides to living in the tropics, but can be dealt with accordingly if one is prepared. And since June 1 is the start of hurricane season, today is a great day to start preparing!

Understanding Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Before delving into preparation, it's crucial to understand the nature of hurricanes and tropical storms. These weather phenomena are characterized by strong winds exceeding 74 mph, heavy rainfall, and potential storm surges. Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, with Category 5 being the most severe.

Preparation Before the Storm

1. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of weather forecasts and warnings issued by local authorities and trusted sources like NOAA. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and emergency contacts.

2. Emergency Supplies Kit: Stock up on essential supplies to sustain you and your family during and after the storm. Keep in mind these items will come in handy year-round in the vent we have to deal with a bad earthquake. Here's an expanded list of items to include:

   • Food: Ensure you have a variety of non-perishable items such as canned goods, dry fruits, nuts, energy bars, and ready-to-eat meals. Consider dietary restrictions and preferences when stocking up.

   • Water: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. Bottle water is best for drinking, while a cistern comes in handy for flushing toilets and storing larger quantities of water.

   • First Aid Kit: Include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, pain relievers, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, and any necessary prescription medications.

   • Emergency Tools: Pack a multi-tool with various functions, duct tape, work gloves, and a whistle for signaling for help. We learned after Hurricane Maria that having extra cans of “Fix A Flat” were necessary as the debris in the streets constantly caused flat tires. If you are familiar with the use of Chainsaws, axes, shovels and crowbars, they should be readily accessible as well. Having extra plastic tarps around may come in handy as well.

   • Hygiene and Sanitation: Include items such as soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and garbage bags for waste disposal.

   • Lighting and Communication: Have multiple flashlights with extra batteries, a solar-powered or hand-crank radio for receiving updates, and a power bank to charge essential devices. Satellite internet service like Starlink could help if there is no power to cell towers, and a satellite phone could come in handy as well.

   • Clothing and Bedding: Pack a change of clothes for each family member, including sturdy shoes and rain gear. Additionally, include blankets, sleeping bags, and comfort items for children.

   • Important Documents: Keep copies of vital documents such as identification, insurance policies, medical records, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, financial records, and proof of residence in a waterproof container.

   • Pet Supplies: Don't forget about your furry friends. Stock up on pet food, water, medications, and comfort items for your pets.

   • Back Up Power Supply: Having solar panels or a generator available is key to running communication equipment, cooking and other valuable activities. Be sure to have enough fuel on hand if using a generator. There will be a rush at the gas stations before the storm, so always keep a few gallons handy, just in case.

   • Cash: There is a good chance that after a large storm, bank cash machines will run out of money, and store credit card machines will not work. Stock up beforehand with cash, preferable in small bills.

   • Entertainment: Having books, board games and jig saw puzzles around will help pass the time.

3. Protect Your Home: Inspect your property for vulnerabilities, reinforce windows and doors, and secure outdoor items. Consider installing storm shutters or boarding up windows for added protection. Before a storm, be sure to tie down, or bring inside anything that might be susceptible to high winds.

4. Evacuation Plan: Plan your evacuation route and identify nearby emergency shelters. If you do not feel safe in your home as the storm approaches, get to an emergency shelter as safely as possible. Make arrangements for pets and ensure you have a plan in place for their safety.

During the Storm

1. Stay Indoors: Remain indoors away from windows and doors. Keep pets inside as well and listen to updates from authorities on a portable radio.

2. Be Prepared for the Eye: If the eye of the hurricane passes over, there may be a temporary lull in the wind. Stay in a safe place and wait for the storm to fully pass.

After the Storm

1. Wait for Instructions: Do not venture outside until authorities declare it safe to do so. Inspect your home for damage and hazards, but exercise caution as there may be downed power lines and debris.

2. Beware of Hazards: Avoid flooded areas and do not use tap water until it's been confirmed safe. Document any damage to your property for insurance claims. Take photos and call your insurance company sooner rather than later.

3. Emotional Recovery: Hurricanes can be traumatic, so prioritize your emotional well-being and seek support if needed from family, friends, or professionals.

4. Check on your Neighbors: Once you have established that you and your family are safe, be sure to check on your neighbors to make sure that they are safe also.

5. Be Patient: The storm may have passed through in a few hours, but the recovery time always takes much longer. Pace yourself as you work on your property, and tackle only as much as you can in one day. Try working in the early mornings, as that is the coolest time of the day and be sure to stay hydrated. Don’t over extend yourself and keep in mind that the recovery phase takes longer than one thinks.

By preparing diligently and following these guidelines, we can better protect ourselves, our families, and our property during hurricane season. Remember, early preparation is key to weathering the storm and ensuring a quicker recovery in its aftermath. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay resilient!

Paraiso Realty has a number of homes that are well equipped for storms and other emergencies. The best example is Villa Esperanza, in a gated community in Rio Grande. It has solar panels which feed into two lithium batteries. In the event that there is not sufficient sunlight for a few days, there is a backup generator. And it is connected to Luma street service. The house has a cistern and storm windows that roll down with the push of a button. The property is also situated on a hill, so as to prevent worry about flooding. Below is an image of the house. Click on the image for more info about the property.