Hurricanes

Puerto Rico is located in the path of hurricanes and other tropical systems. It is estimated that a major hurricane may affect Puerto Rico about once every thirty years. Weather people expect that the 2007 hurricane season is going to be an active one, with an estimated seventeen tropical storms.

In recent years, Puerto Rico was affected most by Hurricane Hugo in September, 1989. Winds estimated at up to 140 miles per hour tore trees, roofs and electrical power lines in the island-municipalities of Vieques and Culebra and along the northeastern sectors of the main island. In some areas, entire weeks passed before electrical services and water were restored. Damages were estimated in billions of dollars.

Hurricane Georges, in September 1998, also left a trail of destruction on its path.

On September 14, 2004, Tropical Storm Jeanne made a very slow path across Puerto Rico. It hit land near Yabucoa in the east, along the southern coast of Puerto Rico and exiting near Isabela in the North. according to the National Weather Service Forecast Office. It left behind considerable rainfall which has been responsible for flooding, mudslides, fallen trees and branches, power and water outages. At least five deaths were reported.

You can get timely climatological updates from National Weather Service Forecast Office - San Juan, Puerto Rico

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, telephone 787-729-7637) provides emergency federal aid in the case of natural disasters.

The hurricane season normally runs from June 1st to November 30th, although hurricanes have been known to occur both earlier and later than those dates. Peak of the hurricane season is around mid-September.

The Weather Channel (on Cable TV) features a Tropical Weather Report every hour from June through October. In case of the proximity of a tropical weather system, bulletins are issued by the National Weather Bureau and broadcast over most of the local radio and TV stations. Emergency broadcasting systems go into effect for this and other natural disasters.

The Puerto Rico Civil Defense (Defensa Civil) oversees all emergency activities. They are available at (787)724-0124 state-wide and at Oficina de la Defensa Civil at all municipalities. You should learn the number for your municipality and keep it among your emergency numbers.

The Department of Consumer Affairs (Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor or “DACO”) publishes yearly, at the beginning of the hurricane season, a list of articles included in price-control in the event of emergencies. The list includes some food staples, fuel, batteries, some medicines and others. The law requires that the list must be visible at the entrance to retail establishments throughout the hurricane season.

Some common recommendations in the event of a hurricane or other major tropical disturbances include:
   stay away from low areas subject to flash flooding
   remove and secure any loose objects that may become deadly projectiles in the strong winds
   provide dry foods and drinking-quality water for your family´s needs for at least one week
   make sure that your home or a section of your home is capable of resisting high winds - or move to a secure shelter for the duration of the system
   provide any special medicines required by any member of your family
   provide alternate means of illumination and cooking, in the event that electrical power outages may occur
   keep some cash around, as you may not be able to access ATM’s or banks for some time after a major disaster
   keep a battery radio on hand to receive bulletins from government authorities.

The experience in the nearby islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix, whose commercial districts were affected badly by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, was that considerable looting took place at commercial establishments after the hurricane.

Some hurricane damage may be declared to be tax-deductible under Puerto Rican laws.

Most home mortgages granted by financial institutions require some type of hurricane insurance. Check your mortgage papers or call your insurance agent.

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