A tropical storm is a type of low-pressure system that forms over tropical or subtropical waters. It is characterized by strong winds and heavy rain, and can cause significant damage to coastal areas.
A hurricane is a type of tropical storm that has reached a certain threshold of wind speed. Hurricanes are classified on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most severe.
The main difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane is the wind speed. Tropical storms have wind speeds of less than 74 mph, while hurricanes have wind speeds of 74 mph or higher. Hurricanes also tend to be larger and more organized than tropical storms.
Tropical storms can form anywhere in the world, but they are most common in the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes are most common in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause significant damage to coastal areas. The strong winds can knock down trees and power lines, and the heavy rain can cause flooding. Storm surges, which are walls of water that can be as high as 20 feet, can also cause extensive damage.
However, the history of Cozumel’s hurricanes that were significant are several. The last Wilma in 2005.
Cozunel has been hit by several hurricanes over the years. The most recent was Hurricane Wilma in 2005, which caused extensive damage to the island. Other notable hurricanes that have hit Cozumel include Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, Hurricane Dean in 2007, and Hurricane Paula in 2010.
Here is the 2023 Cindy Trautwein living a vacation everyday in Hurricane Season checklist for Cozumel in no certain order
Make a plan: learn where evacuation centers are located on the island (they will also be announced)
Select a common meeting place in case your separated
and create a single contact with an outside family member for central communications
Consider an area in your home access for higher ground in case of flooding –
Secure the exterior:
the a/c compressors on the exterior or roof
the propane tanks (consider filling them full not only for use but for extra weight) do well in advance of a threat
the Tanaka your water on the roof but also fill in advance not only for weight but for additional water supply from gravity Make sure your “lid” is also secured debris blowing will easily contaminate the water
Additionally the outside patio furniture, chairs, small pots, covers, rugs or mats, plants not secured, decorated ornaments, garden supplies
Trim branches that cause any threats now included coconut or palms
Consider using blankets to secure or cover up outside sculptures
Storm shutters or hurricane shuttles or at least plywood covers
Move your car to higher ground and away from potential tree or structure damage and power lines if possible –
Remember garage doors don’t work with out power unless a known updated manual system also don’t let be your only entrance or exit for no return
Make sure a trusted neighbor or relative has a key access keep car keys with you
Fill up all cars or motorcycles well in advance of a threat – the lines become hours and hours long closer to the threat Including groceries
Withdrawn cash usd if you need to return to the usa soon or as an alternative and/or pesos well in advance of a threat (start stashing now) atms need power!!
Cash will be King! Atms will empty closer to a threat stash cash! Keep near your emergency gatherings
Gas for generators or other power devices in advance (test in advance)
Consider a “shelter room” generally an area without doors or windows whatever is safe for you your family and pets
Unplug all electrical devices the POWER will be shut off prior to a threat generally within 12-24 hours as an island precaution
Store in an area where leaks or water may not find them
Freeze bottles of water and load in your freezer and put in refrigerator also used canned cartons from juice boxes
There WILL BE a curfew generally 12 to 24 hours prior to an island threat
Watch these social media feeds for more info https://www.facebook.com/ProteccionCivilCZM?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Listen to 89.9 sol radio (in Spanish so have another device to listen to so you can translate info)
Google translate has capacity
Other news to track
All Cell phones in the family charged at all times with several charging devices including solar – you may have your car as a back up charger eventually
Expert tip (download movies in advance)
Food suggestions:
Propane for outside grills
Any dry food items secured in a plastic tub you’ll keep in your safe room (not in the pantry) remember you made need to move around – have a secondary supply tub for more so not all good in one area
Matches lighters
Can opener knives paper plates and other utensils
Canned food tuna and chicken pre canned at Sams in bulk
Dry cereal
Milk
Canned soups, vegs, beans and fruit
Peanut butter jelly and bread
Crackers with salt
granola bars
Prepare some meals in advance or sandwiches premade
Honey
Boxed juices
Nuts in bulk canisters (Sam’s)
Sugar or sweetener packs
Flashlights extra batteries sealed bag any other type of battery light
Battery operated fan (you may want several) consider pets too one that has a usb charger port too
A waterproof container of all important docs including passport drivers licenses immigration cards and other credit cards or bank atm cards wills (write on your body in black permanent marker your family contact especially living alone if there is a large threat)
Emergency medicine for 15 days
The original individual bottles for quick refills if necessary
Emergency medical pack store bought but add additional meds like antibacterial tube and antibiotics aspirin Tylenol (remember you may need to share your resources)
Water in large containers for a week supply (move to locate in several locations in your space)
Small water bottles in your possession enough for a week
PETS
Well in advance of a immediate threat secure your pets indoors they sense a weather change and will change their normal behavior so don’t wait secure them indoors
Food (all pets) can opener and water proof containers for two weeks in advance
Pet litter box and change of litter supplies
Water including a bowls
Pet medication again get placed in your emergency kit in advance
consider leash and collars now!
You may not have the same safe places for them
Consider kennel or travel go bags for a quick evaluation to higher ground or evacuation
Consider an ID for your pet or tracking device make it now
Put all your TRAVEL Pet travel documents in your safe document place (you may need to evacuate)
Miscellaneous
Shovels
Small tools
Duck tape
extra large garbage bags
Rope of different sizes
Other buckets to collect leaky areas
empty plastic tubs
Extra towels
Sand bags for areas of high water to enter (in advance)
A kayak or paddle board
Consider Art or other valuables to lift off the ground for water damage
Save egg cartons to burn for mosquito control
Aluminum foil
Dish soap
Paper towels
Baby wipes
Toilet paper (lots)
Rain gear
Charcoal and lighter fluid
Mosquito repellent
plastic sheeting covers
Plastic food storage bags
Bar soap
Clorox or ammonia, or cleaning supplies
Extra contact lenses and solution
Hand held battery fan or neck fan
