The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June to November, and can affect the whole of the southern USA, including Florida, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. There are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself if you live in, or are planning to travel to, this region including:

• Giving family or friends the address and telephone number of where you are staying, and calling them to let them know your plans if a hurricane is forecast to affect the area you are in.
• Paying close attention to weather reports on local TV and radio stations.
• Keeping important numbers handy such as family and friends, airlines, tour operators, travel insurance providers and that of the British Consulate.
• Ensuring that you have access to supplies of food, water, radios, torches, first aid kit etc.
• Monitor our website (UKinUSA.fco.gov.uk/orlando) for the latest updates to our Travel Advice.

We encourage you to let us know where you are by registering on our on-line registration system called Locate. If something happens, we'll let you know what we are doing and how we can provide assistance to you.  For more information on the system, and to register, click on the "Register with us" button on the right.

You can also monitor local and international weather updates from World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Website has a detailed information about what you should know about travelling to an area that can be affected by hurricanes.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website contains information about how to prepare for extreme weather conditions and what to do if you are told to evacuate. It also provides a useful list of disaster supplies that will help if you live in an area affected by storms and hurricanes.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management website provides information on how to prepare for a storm including, if you are a Florida resident, preparing a family disaster plan.

In Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, local authorities will provide information about weather conditions and shelter locations through local television and radio stations.

I hope this information helps you and your family to prepare and stay safe during this hurricane season.

DEAN CHURM
Consul (Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands)

1 June 2009