With the 2015 hurricane season officially kicking in as of May 15 and weathermen forecasting major thunderstorms to hit all over Mexico this weekend, it’s time to get serious about preparing for eventualities during this year’s rainy season.
Since the first of this month, personnel from Chapala’s Civil Protection Unit, the departments of Sanitation, Parks and Gardens, Public Works, Ecology and the Simapa Water and Sewage Authority have carried out special assignments related to flood damage prevention, with a focus on clearing out principal creek beds and storm drains clogged with rubbish.
In scouting out the entire community, Civil Protection has identified 34 high-risk zones prone to flooding and debris slides. The assessment has singled out 70 homes that are most in danger due to their proximity to arroyos that are likely to fill up and spill over during intense storm periods.
Citizens are advised to likewise undertake precautions, such as removing trash and debris from rooftops and rain gutters, repairing leaky roofs, and making up supply kits to cope with emergency situations.
Irreplaceable personal documents are best stored in plastic envelopes or bags, kept handy to carry away in case of evacuation orders. Every family should devise a strategy to maintain communication and pinpoint a place to reunite in case of separation in emergencies.
Pedestrians and motorists are warned to avoid venturing out on flooded streets, bridges and creek beds. During periods of prolonged heavy rains, be especially wary of potential disaster areas distinguished by steep inclines and unstable soil conditions.