There will not likely be much hurricane activity in Mexico until September or October. But Mexico is a big country, and hurricanes can arrive on either coast or rush in from the Gulf of Mexico anytime. So how exactly does one protect their home or condo in Mexico ahead of hurricane season?
STEP 1
The first thing you must do to prepare for a hurricane is to stay informed. In the days leading up to a storm, state and local governments will issue advisories and warnings dependent on the estimated time and distance until landfall. Comisión Nacional del Agua (CONAGUA) — the National Meteorology Service is a great source of knowledge in Mexico and to help our clients we have created this Hurricane Tracker webpage found by clicking here — Live Hurricane Tracker worth checking out to see tropical storm and hurricane patterns. Following the weather forecast is always recommended to be in the know if your property in Mexico is in the path of an oncoming tropical storm or worse a hurricane.
STEP 2
Make sure the seals on your windows and doors are intact. Caulking has poor resistance to the elements in this hot summer climate — it dries up and cracks, making it easier for water to get inside your home or condo. Who knew that it was necessary to check the seals regularly? The windows may leak during the first tropical storm, much like the screen door on a submarine. You could save hours cleaning up after subsequent storms by scraping off and replacing the caulk.
STEP 3
If you have mini-split air conditioning units, you must ensure they are bolted firmly to their bases. If the compressor units are not secured properly, they may be completely blown off the roof.
STEP 4
If you have a stationary fuel or gas tank, you should ensure that it is secure — and the gas lines as well.
STEP 5
Check your roof for any cracks or other problems in the roofing membrane/tiles that could allow water to enter your home or condo. If you have a small leak in the roof right now, you can be sure that it will become a big problem in a storm with wind-driven rains.
STEP 6
Be sure to inspect your roof for any debris that can be blown around— and if you find any, remove it before the storm as it could fly away and cause injury to people. Even small objects pose a risk if they have the potential to cut or puncture someone.
STEP 7
Also, clear your gutter and drainage, and inspect the roof drains to ensure they are not blocked with debris. This can cause water to pool on your roof, damaging the surface and leaking into other areas of your home, causing much more damage. Remember that basements and areas of your home that are below ground level are not covered on a Mexico home insurance policy unless endorsed and approved by underwriting. Be sure to avoid the buildup of water and assure your home has proper drainage.
STEP 8
Maintain a Mexico Home or Condo Insurance policy that provides coverage for windstorms, hurricanes, and floods to protect your investment in the event of a devastating hurricane.
If you own a home or condo in Mexico, West Coast Global Insurance Services has made it easy to protect your investment from the unexpected. Please fill out this form to get a quote for the most reliable Mexican Home and Condo Insurance coverage throughout Mexico.