Traveling Safely During Hurricane Season
If you are thinking about taking a vacation anywhere tropical
, including Mexico, the Hawaiian islands, and basically anywhere which borders a tropical ocean, you should be vigilantly aware of when the hurricane season is, and what to do to protect yourself if you happen to encounter one. Hurricanes can be devastating and dangerous, but that doesn't necessarily mean a vacation during the rainy season should be canceled.The devastating hurricanes of 2004-05 not only made potential visitors to Florida and Mexico aware of the giant storms, it made many afraid to make travel plans during hurricane season. It is unfortunate that the hurricane season runs right through Florida and Mexico's busy summer vacation season, but it isn't necessary to avoid hurricane prone areas.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. While the National Hurricane Center cannot predict exactly when storms will threaten, there are months that see more storm activity - August through October - and months where typically fewer storms usually develop - June, July and November.
It is hurricane season, but that doesn't mean a hurricane will occur, so there are steps you can take in planning your vacation that will help to lessen the impact the threat of a storm or an actual storm. Before you book your vacation, you should check with your airline, cruise line, hotel, or resort to see if they offer a hurricane guarantee.
Hurricane guarantees vary with each company or property, but basically they will either refund disrupted travel or rebook accommodations without additional charge. Always get hurricane guarantees in writing; and, if you need to make a claim, get it in writing and keep a copy.
This is one of those instances that travel insurance makes sense; but, since travel insurance is a "named perils" insurance make sure the hurricane coverage is included. Be sure to read the fine print for any limitations or exclusions.
You may find that you are paying extra for something that will not really help you if you are to encounter a natural disaster. Make sure that you pay close attention to everything written in the insurance description about coverage.
One likely exclusion will be rain. Hurricanes bring a lot of rain, and even if it rains your entire vacation, rain alone will likely not allow you to collect.
However, if your resort closes and you must evacuate, you most likely will have a claim. You should be proactive in preparing your family against a possible storm.
Before you leave on vacation, follow these tips to prepare yourself and your family. Do all you can to learn about hurricanes - the terminology and what the watches and warnings mean.
Find out if your hotel or resort offers a weather guarantee. If so, get it in writing.
Find out if your hotel or resort is in an evacuation zone. If so, look up and print the maps in advance.
Designate an out-of-state contact person that you can keep updated with your whereabouts. They can keep other family members informed.
It is also very important to stay informed. Monitor television and radio broadcasts or read the newspaper.
Technology allows for more advanced warnings, giving plenty of time to either evacuate or make preparations to keep your family safe. If you are asked to evacuate, do it!
This is no time to be adventurous. Whether you are driving your own car or a rental, gas up and keep the tank full.
Make sure to always have cash handy in case of emergency. Since ATMs and banks may run out of money before the storm or not be operational following a storm due to power outages, cash may be the only form of currency accepted.
If you are evacuated to a shelter, make sure you have an ample supply of medications - a two-week supply is suggested. If you are traveling with a pet, make sure you have the pets' health records (including rabies vaccination), an ample sized pet carrier, pet food, and any medications your pet needs.
Any survival supplies you may have on hand, such as bottled water is also recommended. The bottom line is book your vacation whenever you can get the time off; and, if it happens to fall during hurricane season, purchase travel insurance and go for it.
Hurricanes are usually rare, and few travelers encounter them. Just remember that as long as you are prepared, there is no reason to be afraid.
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