What to do when a hurricane disrupts your vacation
You plan and plan your vacation and most of us are thinking we will have great weather, but what do you do when a hurricane disrupts your vacation? What are the steps to keep yourself and your travel buddies safe, comfortable and secure when weather takes over your fun!
We have put together a list of our top 10 suggestions for putting storm preparations in your travel plans.
1. Become a weather checker before leaving home –
Check weather before leaving home to ensure the trip should be taken. If there is any question about weather – discuss with your travel partners if this is a trip you should take.
Consider things other than “it’s raining and windy”. There are other conditions that may follow – trees down, power outage, road closures, and low supplies of gas, water and food.
2. Travel insurance helps buffer the loss of money – Travel insurance can refund those items which are non-refundable, will incur a cancellation fee and are pre-paid. When considering how much your vacation costs for insurance purposes – you are only insuring those items which are non-refundable.
Typically, travelers will insure flights, hotel stays, all-inclusive vacation packages, tour packages and event tickets at their destination. While some of these things can sometimes be refundable, many times they aren’t. The key is to know that travel insurance will only cover anything pre-paid and non-refundable. You’ll only be reimbursed for the money that you lose.
And, travel insurance offers different levels – one level may include more coverage and refund options than others.
Most comprehensive travel insurance plans will be similar – offering coverage for trip cancellation up to 100% and trip interruption up to 100-150% of your pre-paid non-refundable trip cost. But when you start looking at travel delay benefits, lost baggage protection limits and emergency medical coverage, you will see that there is a wide range of benefit limits.
When purchasing insurance it may cover children or it may not.
Ask if the option you are purchasing includes each member of the family or if individual policies must be purchased.
Important to know: When looking at news coverage about a potential hurricane in your vacation area, remember to purhcase your policy well in advance of the hurricane being identified and named. After they are named, you will not be covered for any damages or refunds as a result of that hurricane.
3. Follow evacuation warnings
Do not wait expecting it to pass or “not be too bad!” The weather can be unpredictable from several standpoints; the amount of wind and rain, visibility and/or lenght of time the storm occurs. Keep yourself and your travel buddies safe and out of harms way.
Once an evacuation has been announced gas up right away, keep your telephone charged and have a portabable charger with high voltage which can quickly recharge cell phones and tablets.
The American Red Cross and state emergency services will have a list of shelters if needed.
4. Stay in contact with your hotel or rental management
During major storms, hotels and rental accommodations located near the water can be directly impacted by flooding, water surges and flying debris. Many will either evacuate or have guests move to a central area. If you are already there and can not leave, follow the instructions of hotel staff to stay safe. If a storm is predicted, check with the hotel or rental property for an update and their next-step recommendations.
I highly recommend asking what are their evacuation procedures and where guests will be moved if necessary. Ask for a room near emergency exits and remember to avoid elevators during an emergency.
5. Check with your airline, train, boat or bus for cancellations
During major storms, flight delays and cancellations are certain to be a major issue. Even if you are not in the direct path of the storm, your flight can be effected by the storm. Aircraft are scheduled around the airline’s system and the airplane heading to your sunny area, could be delayed due to a storm in a completely different area. If part of your vacation includes a boat tour, water conditions may prohibit the captain from setting sail. Check with their customer service representative for updates, refunds or rescheduling options.
Storms can mean road closings, trees and debris on the highway. Your journey by bus or motorcoach could be postponned, rerouted or cancelled. Check with customer service and sign-up for any update emails or texts the company may offer. Most transportation companies have smartphone and tablet apps which help you stay up to date.
6. AAA can help with rerouting
Determining where to go can be confusing. AAA can help with an alternate route. Google maps and WAZE can also provide alternative routing too. They are a good idea to have on a road trip, regardless of the weather. Load Google Maps on your smart phone and/or tablet and when all else fails an ol’ school paper map can help you find your way.
If you’re sitting in traffic, wondering what’s going on, WAZE has a comments option which provides up-to-date, eyes on the road information.
Visit AAA’s website before leaving home. www.autoclubsouth.aaa.com
7. Do not go out and try to capture the storm
So often the magnificent sight of a massive storm will attract people to watch or go out and take pictures and video. We have all seen news coverage of people standing by the ocean shore taking photos – those fascinating waves can change, surge higher and come in closer. Unless you’re a working photographer it’s best to stay far away.
8. Stay safe and keep your family safe
No going out to ride the big waves, or kayaking in the flood. The major danger is live wires in water and along the streets.
9. Keep animals safe
Remember animals can get anxious in emergency situations. They will need food and water; dont forget the potty stops too. Make sure you have a leash in case you find yourself in a situation where you need to keep your pet close by. Also, remember to think of pets when you are leaving them home and a hurricane or inclimate weather is predicted in your hometown. You will need to be prepared for their comfort and safety at home – while you’re away.
10. Let family and friends know you’re ok.
Keep your family in the loop. They will be worried about where you are and how you’re doing.
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