Living in Los Cabos: It’s Hurricane Season (Part 4)

So now we’re up to crunch time: there is a storm moving in and the National Hurricane Center is urging everyone to take precautions to protect life and property. So what are those precautions? Remember, nine times out of ten these precautions won’t be necessary, but you don’t know if this storm is going to the nine times out of ten, or ten. I prefer to prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised.

If you’ve read the previous posts you’re in great shape because you’ve already gotten a lot done and only have a few projects to protect yourself, your family and your home. I like to get the last few things involving a trip into town done very first thing because everyone who didn’t pay attention earlier in the season will be running around like crazy decapitated chickens. Also because everyone who did is going to be coming to get the same last-minute supplies you are and the stores will run out.

The ATM’s are going to be turned off when the electric company cuts power, and there is going to be a run on cash before that so the bank or other ATM location is probably going to be your first stop. Get as much cash as you can.

You’ll need to stock up on perishables this time in case there is damage from the storm. With power out and supply lines cut it will be some time before Los Cabos gets another delivery of bread and fresh produce. Stock up, but be mindful that you are going to lose refrigeration for some time. Try for fruits like apples and bananas that don’t require refrigeration. You’ll want bread and eggs as well. Fill in any holes in your canned goods, and I like to cook one last real meal before the storm comes in so whatever you need for that. Once you’ve done that, stop at the gas station on your way home. When the power is out so are the pumps, and one of the last supplies to come in after a storm is gasoline, so top off the tank on all your vehicles. If you have a gas generator remember that you might need to siphon gas out of the car to run it, so yes, you do need to top off even if you drive a suburban with an over-sized fuel tank.

Once back home you’ll be doing all the fun preparation: getting everything inside and putting up your hurricane protection (if you have it). When a storm comes in the wind blows turning normal everyday objects turn into missiles. During Julietta I lost the side windows in my Jeep because my neighbor left a small plastic bucket outside. The wind picked it up and smashed it right into the car and nearly out the other side. So get everything indoors. Some people throw their lawn furniture into the pool, which is another way of protecting. Bob and I always have a ‘discussion’ about the barbeque. His point is that it’s big and heavy. My point is that it’s big, heavy and has wheels. For things like this that you don’t want to or can’t bring inside lash them to a tree or pole. If you’ve got hurricane screens or panels put them up.

Inside you’ll want to get everything that might be damaged by water off the floor. Your home will take water. Get rugs, computers and electronics up off the floor. Get out those flashlights and lanterns you bought and have them ready. If you don’t have hurricane screens close the blinds: if the window breaks the drapes may help keep glass from flying around.

With all this done you should be in great shape to ride out the storm. As mentioned, since our stove is electric I try to cook one meal to enjoy before the power goes off. Depending on the time of arrival of the storm I may not have much time to prepare it. I’ve posted an incredibly easy dish on Food.com if I can’t actually spend the time cooking; it’s titled “Pre-Hurricane Chicken”.

So now all you’ve got to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy Mother Nature’s display. More on that tomorrow…….

Carol Billups is Broker/Owner of REALTY EXECUTIVES Los Cabos. A Certified Home Marketing Specialist, she has enjoyed working with both buyers and sellers for over nine years and still thinks hers is the best job on earth. She is also the real estate columnist for Los Cabos Magazine and the real estate co-ordinator for the Los Cabos Now program on CaboMil FM (www.cabomil.com.mx). You can read more of her articles on www.reloscabos.com. You can reach her from the U.S. or Canada at 1-760-481-7694, or in Cabo at 044-624-147-7541.

© 2010 Carol S. Billups