With the recent devastation of Hurricane Harvey throughout Texas and Hurricane Irma pounding through the Caribbean and on its way to Florida, we thought it may be a good idea to revisit our post from a year ago on what you should do in case you were ever on a diving vacation when a hurricane decided to strike. Since hurricanes come through the exact locations many of us love to go diving, it's best to have a plan of action in place before you go.
1. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".
Ever heard this saying? If you are really THAT worried about your vacation being ruined or prevented because of a hurricane, then DON'T plan to travel to a Caribbean island during hurricane season. Yes, that may be a tough thing to do since prime hurricane season is smack dab in the middle of summer, and the "off-season" prices are cheaper, but they are cheaper for a reason: it's hurricane season! Therefore, if you are truly worried, plan your trip elsewhere and save your Caribbean diving trip for the winter months.
2. Buy travel insurance.
If you are traveling to Hurricane friendly locations during hurricane season, get travel insurance. It is well worth the extra money for piece of mind. That way, if a storm is forecast to hit the area you are to traveling to, you will have no problems rescheduling or canceling your trip. Also, many travel insurance companies will help you during the evacuation process if that were to happen.
3. Pay attention to the weather.
It is unlikely that you will get caught unaware of an impending hurricane. Hurricanes are seen developing far out in the eastern Atlantic, off the coast of Africa, and hurricane trackers are pretty good at forecasting their trajectory. Therefore, if a hurricane is on its way, you'll most likely know about it BEFORE you even get to your travel destination.
Path's do change, however, so keeping a comprehensive weather app on your phone during your vacation is prudent and always a good idea.
4. Don't stay in your hotel room / listen to the staff!
If a hurricane is imminent, the most important rule is to listen to the hotel staff and do exactly what they say. Most likely, this is not their first storm and they know what to do to keep you safe. If you are renting a house, listen to the locals. Don't be afraid to ask them what to do. In a hotel, they will most likely place all of the guests into a large interior room such as a ballroom. Pack up your necessities and go there! If you are hunkering down in your rental, find an interior room with no windows in which to ride out the storm.
5. Bring cash.
If the power goes out, so does the ability to process credit cards. During this time, cash will be king!
6. Have an emergency plan in place.
If your vacation does turn south, having a plan already in place is key to staying calm and safe. This also means being holed up in your hotel with no a/c and very little services. Being prepared can make the best out of a bad situation.
Have these emergency items in place:
- Communication plan in place with someone back at home - choose someone (friend, family member, neighbor) to be your point of contact for safety updates. They can then let everyone else know how you are, but this will save you from trying to get out calls or emails to a bunch of different people.
- Keep cash, passports, visas, etc. in one secure location at all times. Also, keep copies of your passport in a zip lock bag in a separate location from your actual passport, in case the real thing gets lost.
- Basic first aid kit - Don't rely on someone else to come to your aid if a minor medical need arises. Be prepared to handle non-life threatening emergencies on your own.
- Basic food and water items - If you don't want to travel with them, hit up a store first thing during your vacation and buy enough protein/granola bars and water to last your family 2-3 days.
7. Don't check your bags.
We know this one is hard as a diver, but the least amount of luggage you need to check, the more likely all of your items will arrive with you. With the possibility of flight cancellations and delays also comes the increased possibility of your checked luggage not making the flight with you. If you do need to check your luggage, make sure all our essentials, including medications and valuables, are carried on with you.
By adhering to these seven safety tips, you can be rest assured that if a hurricane does head your way while on vacation you will be prepared.
Final thought - Lend a hand:
When the winds calm, and after you've thanked your lucky stars for being safe, keep this in mind... You may be able to go home to an undamaged home, but those that call that place home cannot. Take a look around and see what you can do to help before you go. One act of kindness can go a long way.
