Emergency Preparation in Paradise:
Ensuring Your Safety and Security in Puerto Morelos
Last updated 1/9/2024.
While our usual blog posts are about the beauty and lovely experiences here, we wanted to also create a series of posts that would provide important helpful information about visiting or living in Puerto Morelos. This first post in the series is all about emergency preparation in paradise, and this post highlights the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies, hurricanes, heat emergencies, flooding, pet emergencies, and car accidents.
While you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to think about is an emergency, but it is always a great idea to familiarize yourself with local emergency information (and maybe bookmark or screenshot this post in case internet is down when an emergency happens!) so that you know what to do in the event that you need it.
Emergency prepartion is vital in Puerto Morelos especially since it is a coastal town where the heat and humidity can be intense and where natural emergencies like strong rain storms or hurricanes can create issues with flooding and lack of electricity. Without further ado, let’s get right to it!
Emergency Contacts
Part of emergency preparation in paradise is having emergency contacts readily available to you. This includes not only your personal emergency contact information (names/numbers of your next of kin, your doctors, and a local friend who can help in a pinch if possible), but also local emergency numbers.
Emergency Numbers:
Know the local emergency numbers for swift assistance during crises, ensuring timely help during medical emergencies, fires, or other incidents.
Emergency Planning:
Create an emergency plan with evacuation routes, meeting points, and supply kits to reduce panic and ensure everyone’s safety. Here are some links to additional resources on this topic:
Medical Emergencies:
In Puerto Morelos, knowing nearby medical facilities and recognizing signs of emergencies is crucial. CPR and first aid training can be valuable skills. Stay calm, provide information to responders, and follow their instructions. Timely and appropriate medical care improves outcomes.
- Call emergency services immediately by dialing 911 if someone requires urgent medical attention.
- The only local hospital is Costamed and they also provide emergency ambulance services.
- For EMERGENCIES call 800-900-1133
- For non-emergency appointments call 998-500-2505
(We’ll include information about ongoing, preventative healthcare in a future post.)
Natural Disaster Emergency Preparation
Hurricanes:
As a coastal town, Puerto Morelos is vulnerable to hurricanes during that season from June through November each year. Secure your property, stock essential supplies, and monitor official updates to safeguard lives and minimize damage.
It is important to know where to get updates and what the different warning levels mean. One of the best places to find local updates is on the Ayuntamiento de Puerto Morelos Facebook page (Spanish only). In the event of a hurricane, their posts are typically shared on English language Facebook pages as well, such as True Friends and Expats of Puerto Morelos group. Look for posts there by Phyllis Lanius on the True Friends group as she is a Consular Liaison Volunteer with the US Consulate so she’s got valuable information to share in the event of emergencies or other major events that might impact you.
Heat Emergencies:
Hot and humid weather can pose health risks. Stay hydrated, seek shade, and be aware of heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable individuals.
CDC beat the heat emergencies
Beat the Heat! Stay Cool, Stay Safe!
CDC heat emergency
Know the Difference: Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
Flooding:
Heavy rainfalls and tropical storms can lead to flooding in Puerto Morelos. This often creates transportation issues here because the streets will quickly begin to flood to the point that it is not safe for vehicles (including taxis and private vehicles) to drive due to the dangers of damaging your vehicle due to high water or speed bumps and pot holes. If you use colectivos or taxis, please be patient as they will probably be running later than normal when it rains.
If you drive your own or a rental car, be sure to take note of flood-prone areas on the routes you normally take (or ask locals if you won’t be here long enough to see patterns), but if possible rather than driving during or right after a storm, remain safe wherever you are when the rain starts until flood waters have receeded.
Pet Emergencies:
Include pets in your emergency preparation plans. Have extra food, water, medications, and carriers ready for their safety during evacuations. Also keep this list of emergency veterinarians on hand should your pet become ill or injured outside of normal office hours.
Car Emergencies:
If you become stranded due to a mechanical issue, call the Angeles Verdes, or the Green Angles, and they can assist you. Dial 078 and give them your location.
If you are involved in a car accident in Mexico, stay calm and follow proper procedures. DO NOT MOVE YOUR VEHICLE – leave it wherever it stopped due to the accident. Call your rental car company (or if you own your car, call your insurance company) immediately as they have to send someone out to the accident scene. Keep necessary documents accessible, know traffic laws, and contact authorities promptly.
Angeles Verdes are your guardian angels on the road in Mexico and will come to help you if you break down. They published this infographic of items to bring with you on roadtrips in case you have a mechanical issue. The list includes:
- Gloves
- Jumper cables
- Electrical tape
- A reflective vest
- A rain jacket
- A fire extinguisher
- A hydraulic jack
- A reflective triangle
- A set of wrenches, screw drivers, and pliers
- At least 3 liters of water
- Portable cell phone charger (pre-charged)
- Flashlight
- Drinking water
- First Aid kit
- If you are a U.S. citizen traveling to or residing in Mexico, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety messages and other travel information.
- Assistance: For Emergency Assistance for U.S. citizens in Mexico, call +52-55-8526-2561 from Mexico or +1-844-528-6611 from the United States.
- The U.S. Consulate General in Merida is located at: Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31; Col. Alcala Martin; Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050; Phone: + 52 999-942-5700; E-Mail: AskMeridaACS@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
If you are a Canadian citizen traveling to or residing in Mexico, the Canadian government travel website will offer you information on safety issues while traveling.
The closest Consular Agency of Canada is in Cancún.
-
Street Address: Centro Empresarial, Oficina E7, Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 12, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo, México - Telephone: +52 55-5724-9795
- Fax: +52 998-883-3232
- Email: cncun@international.gc.ca
- Internet: https://www.Canada.ca/Canada-And-Mexico
- Twitter: @CanEmbMexico
- Other social media: Canada.Mexico
In conclusion, prioritizing emergency preparation in paradise is an essential step towards ensuring your safety and security during your time in Puerto Morelos. As you revel in the beauty of this coastal haven, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks posed by medical incidents, hurricanes, heat waves, flooding, pet concerns, and vehicular mishaps. By acquainting yourself with local emergency resources and guidelines, you empower yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate unforeseen situations. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, embracing a proactive approach to emergency readiness can make a significant difference when the unexpected arises. So, as you savor the delights of Puerto Morelos, remember that being prepared is the key to unwavering peace of mind. Stay informed, stay safe, and make the most of your time in this idyllic paradise.
