Canadians Advised To Take Hurricane Season Precautions

As hurricane season begins (and lasts until the end of November), Global Affairs Canada is reminding Canadians to take severe weather conditions into consideration when planning their travels.

This includes hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones and monsoons that could have a serious impact on travel safety.

The most threatened areas for hurricanes are the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and the east and Gulf coasts of the United States. Travellers should check the Travel Advice and Advisories to see if a destination is prone to hurricanes. Check twice: before purchasing a trip and again before leaving.

For those travelling to a hurricane-prone destination during hurricane season, the following advice could be helpful: Purchase travel insurance and make sure it covers trip cancellation or interruption in the event of a hurricane; Carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator as well as for the Canadian government office nearest to your destination; Leave copies of your travel documents and detailed information on your itinerary, tour operation, flights, hotels, cruise ships, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses with family or friends at home; Be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice and at your own cost; Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

All Canadians travelling abroad should consider signing up for Registration of Canadians Abroad. This free service allow the Government of Canada to reach you in case of an emergency or during a natural disaster abroad.

Canadians requiring emergency assistance abroad can call collect 1-613-996-8885 or send a message to [email protected].