Hurricane safety tips: How to prepare for the storm

Preparing for a Hurricane at Tim’s Ocean Condos

When staying in Cancun during hurricane season, it’s crucial to prepare for a hurricane well in advance. Hurricane season runs from June to November, and while the chances of a hurricane impacting your vacation are low, it's always better to be ready. At Tim’s Ocean Condos, guest safety is our top priority. We are dedicated to helping you feel secure and well-prepared, regardless of the weather conditions. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to prepare for a hurricane, ensuring your safety and peace of mind during your stay.

How to Recognize Hurricane Warnings

One of the most important steps in preparing for a hurricane is understanding the different types of warnings.

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. During a watch, it's time to begin your preparations and stay alert.

A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. At this stage, you should complete all preparations and be ready to take action.

Tim’s Ocean Condos will keep you informed with real-time updates through emails, text messages, and in-person notifications. Staying informed and understanding these warnings is a key part of preparing for a hurricane.

Building Your Hurricane "Go Bag" and Safety Kit

Having a well-prepared hurricane safety kit is essential. Here are the key items you should include to help you prepare for a hurricane:

Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days.

Non-perishable food: Stock up on canned goods, protein bars, and dried fruits.

Flashlight and extra batteries: These are crucial in case of power outages.

First-aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, any necessary medications, and personal hygiene items.

Important documents: Keep passports, identification, and emergency contact information in a waterproof container.

For your "Go Bag" put your medications in a waterproof bag along with your important documents to keep dry during an evacuation.

Comfort items: Books, cards, or games to keep yourself entertained.

You can find these items at local stores like Walmart and Soriana. Additionally, Tim’s Ocean Condos provides a basic emergency kit in every condo, helping you prepare for a hurricane with ease.

Extra Items for Comfort and Safety

In addition to your basic safety kit, consider including these items to enhance your comfort while preparing for a hurricane:

Portable phone chargers: Ensure your devices are always charged.

Blankets and pillows: Keep warm and comfortable during the storm.

Toilet paper and hygiene products: Stock up on these essentials before the storm.

Having these additional items can make preparing for a hurricane less stressful and more comfortable.

Preparing Your Condominium for a Hurricane or Tropical Storm

Securing your condo is an important step in preparing for a hurricane. Here are some tips to ensure your condo is safe and ready:

Secure loose items: Bring in any balcony furniture and outdoor items to prevent them from becoming projectiles during strong winds.

Close and lock windows and doors: Use the window hurricane shutters provided and ensure all doors are properly locked.

Protect electronics: Unplug devices and use surge protectors to prevent damage from power surges.

Taking a few simple steps to secure your condo can significantly reduce potential risks:

Secure loose items: Bring in any balcony furniture and outdoor items.

Close and lock windows and doors: Use the window hurricane shutters and ensure all doors are properly locked.

Protect electronics: Unplug devices and use surge protectors to prevent damage.

Please let us know if you plan on using WhatsApp as your emergency form of messaging and we will add you to our Hurricane Beryl Group for fast short text messages. Download WhatsApp Messenger from Google Play here.

Locate inside your penthouse these items and keep on your kitchen counter. (If you cannot find them then you may need to purchase them now.)

BLUE IKEA BAG – full of tropical storm towels
Enough Water – (have at least 1 gallon per person per day for one week minimum) freeze as many water jugs as you can now
Locate the magnet on the refrigerator with Abdiel’s cell phone number
Download the WhatsApp app and make sure you know how to use it to communicate with Abdiel in case of emergency it works better than regular cellphone towers.
Flashlights and extra bulbs, Extra batteries
Your portable cellphone chargers. Keep them charged. Be sure to have charging cords and wall chargers in case the power is working in your shelter or other safe place.
Toilet paper
Matches or lighter for candles Scissors
Plastic garbage bags to put your clothes in before the storm. Clean change of clothes

These measures will help protect both you and your belongings.

When and How to Evacuate Safely

Though rare, evacuation may become necessary when preparing for a hurricane.

Here’s what you need to know:

When to evacuate: Evacuate if local authorities issue an order or if Tim’s Ocean Condos advises it. We will notify you via email, so be sure to check the email address you used for your reservation. Please note, this information will not be sent through Airbnb or VRBO messaging. When you receive our evacuation email please forward it to everyone in your group.

Evacuation procedures: We will provide guidance to designated safe areas.

Personal evacuation plan: Keep your hurricane safety kit ready and have a plan for quick packing. This will help you prepare for a hurricane efficiently and safely.

We are here to support you and ensure a smooth transition if evacuation becomes necessary.

Staying Informed: Best Sources for Hurricane Updates

Staying informed is one of the best ways to prepare for a hurricane. Here are some reliable sources for updates:

National Hurricane Center (NHC): Download the NHC app or visit the NHC Hurricane Tracker App from your App Store. This is a great resource to monitor the storm.

Local news channels and weather apps: Keep updated with local weather conditions.

Tim’s Ocean Condos also provides real-time information and safety instructions through emails and in-person communication. Staying informed is a crucial part of preparing for a hurricane and will help you make the best decisions during the storm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for a Hurricane

Q: What should I do if I hear a hurricane warning?
A: Stay calm and follow the instructions provided by Tim’s Ocean Condos. Secure your belongings and stay indoors.

Q: Can I leave the condo during a hurricane?
A: During the storm it is forbidden to walk in common areas and corridors to avoid risks. Remain indoors and wait for the all-clear signal from local authorities or the property management.

Q: What if I have special medical needs?
A: Inform our staff upon check-in, and we will make the necessary arrangements to provide additional support and supplies.

Be Prepared and Safe at Tim’s Ocean Condos

Preparing for a hurricane is essential for a safe and enjoyable vacation at Tim’s Ocean Condos. By following these steps, you can rest assured that you are well-prepared for any situation. Remember, your safety is our priority. Feel free to reach out to our staff if you have any concerns or need assistance. We are here to help you prepare for a hurricane and have a safe and pleasant experience during your stay at Tim’s Ocean Condos.