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Hurricane season is only two weeks away in the Mexican Caribbean.
In preparation for strong summer storms, authorities in Cancun are taking preparatory action to ensure that tourists stay safe during hurricanes.
The local government is making final preparations for 120 hurricane shelters dedicated to protecting tourists in the event of a strong storm. Should they be necessary, nine hundred-eight shelters can be activated in Quintana Roo.
Hurricane season will begin officially on June 1 and last until November. According to the National Water Commission, there could be up to 21 hurricanes in Mexico this season.
Guillermo Nunez Leal, the coordinator of Civil Protection for Quintana Roo, claims that the state is well prepared for hurricane season and is happy with its progress, given that the season is still weeks away.
“Virtually everything is ready. That’s why we are taking action ahead of schedule. Because, in the event of non-compliance with standards, we can seek another property that guarantees safety, said Nunez Leal.
According to Antonio Riveroll Ribbon, director of Civil Protection in Benito Juarez Municipality, the preparations have seen no complications.
Benito Juarez Municipality is also preparing hotel spaces to serve as potential safeguards.
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“We are complementing the information of the hotels to give the shelters nice appearances, in addition to the ten lodging centers that meet deadlines and serve as self-refuges,” said Riveroll Ribbon.
The tourist shelters are in schools that agreed to be used as lodging centers during the hurricane season.
In addition, authorities have prepared 67 shelters for cyclones.
Hurricanes In The Riviera Maya
Despite its location in the tropical waters in the Gulf of Mexico, hurricanes are not particularly common in the Riviera Maya.
In 2022, the Riviera Maya was not hit by any hurricanes. The worst effect of the hurricane season was scattered storms.
While tourists should be sure to check headlines before traveling, one should not expect to change their travel plans due to weather. The warm weather during hurricane season can be perfect for spending a day at the beach.
Each year AccuWeather conducts a forecast predicting where major storms might strike. Luckily, according to their 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Forecast, the Mexican Caribbean will likely see another year of mild weather.
This is good news for travelers who hope to cool off on the beaches of Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen.
While AccuWeather predicts an active hurricane season in the United States and the Caribbean, Mexico will remain a safe and reliable destination for sun and surf.
How To Stay Safe
Despite the low probability of a hurricane hitting Cancun directly, local and national authorities in the Riviera Maya are well accustomed to handling natural disasters like hurricanes.
The best way to stay safe is to be prepared. While authorities in Quintana Roo are ensuring that the proper infrastructure is in place to keep tourists safe, tourists can also educate themselves to be ready in the unlikely event of a hurricane.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Natural Disasters and Severe Weather division, there are many tips to remember in a hurricane.
The most crucial action is to stay out of floodwater. Even if you have access to a car, it is best to stay off the roads if they are flooded.
If you come across floodwater, wear a lifejacket if one is available.
As soon as possible, wash your hands and any part of your body that has come into contact with the water. Floodwater may mix with various contaminants, including chemicals, fertilizers, and waste, so you must not eat or drink anything that has been affected.
It is also essential to be aware of the dangers of electrocution during a hurricane. If you get the opportunity, turn off the power to the building you are staying at to avoid complications.
Additionally, look out for downed powerlines that may be hanging overhead.
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