HURRICANE season is here, and the US Embassy is doing its part to ensure that you are prepared. According to the National Hurricane Center, this summer’s Atlantic hurricane season — which runs from June 1 to November 30 — will be more active than usual, with six to 10 hurricanes predicted, three to five of which are expected to be category 3 or higher. Most storms are expected later in the season but, as we all know, last year Hurricane Beryl struck Jamaica in the first week of July.

Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause life-threatening flash floods, landslides, dangerous winds, treacherous surf and rip currents, and other hazardous conditions. After a storm there may be significant damage to infrastructure (including roads, electricity, and phone and Internet service); shortages of food, water, accommodation, and medical supplies and facilities. Storms may also result in airport closures or limited flight availability.

For American citizens in Jamaica, these storms can mean you are cut off from home, family, and work for a long period of time. The US Embassy recommends preparing for a storm long before one makes landfall. After all, it’s better to prepare for a storm that does not come than find yourself in the eye of a hurricane unprepared.

First, ensure that you have copies of critical documents such as birth certificates and marriage licences in your possession, and make sure your passport is up to date. The worst time to find out that your passport is expired is when you are at the airport trying to catch the last flight to the United States as a hurricane quickly approaches.

Luckily, you can renew your passport up to a year before expiration and easily renew an adult passport by mail if it has been expired fewer than five years. Visit the US Embassy in Kingston website for instructions on how to renew adult passports by mail, or to make an appointment for an interview. The US Embassy website also lists other resources that are available in a crisis.

You should also stay informed by registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is the main method the US Embassy utilises to share information about major storms, as well as important safety and security information throughout the year. Please also follow the US Embassy on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get updates.

In anticipation of a storm interrupting electricity and cellphone services and resulting in store closures, make sure to stock up on essentials such as canned food (and a can opener), flashlights (including batteries), bottled water, pet food, and necessary medication. Visit ready.gov/kit for more ideas on what to include in your emergency kit.

As the storm approaches and until the ‘all clear’ is sounded, stay up to date by monitoring local media, visiting the website of Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Met Office, and regularly checking the National Hurricane Center website for constant updates.

Lastly, make sure you have travel and health insurance with coverage for both in the United States and abroad, including medical evacuation insurance should you be injured and unable to fly commercially. Medical evacuation to the United States can be cost-prohibitive, and having insurance can be the difference between accessing necessary medical care or not.

Preparing for a hurricane when the skies are blue and the sun is shining may seem unnecessary but as the adage goes, “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”