Information for Travelers

Hurricane Preparedness

As always, the Embassy encourages resident Americans and visitors to register with the Embassy upon arrival in Belize.This will facilitate our efforts to notify you in the event of an emergency. You may now register your visit online.

The U.S. Embassy reminds resident American citizens and tourists that the Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30 each year. Americans in Belize are strongly recommended to remain alert to weather updates during these months and to educate themselves -- in advance -- as to what action to take in case of an emergency. The The National Hurricane Center offers helpful preparedness information.

The areas in Belize most sensitive to hurricane damage are the cayes and coastal areas, including such popular destinations as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia on the mainland. Residents and visitors to those areas are advised to leave at the hurricane alert stage -- when a hurricane is first spotted heading toward Belize and land, air and sea transportation have not yet been seriously affected.

Be aware of the hurricane phases

• Alert - After a tropical storm or hurricane moves into or develops anywhere in the quadrant south of 21 degrees north latitude and between longitude 80 degrees west and 83 degrees west, a Hurricane Alert is in effect. All residents in the cayes are advised to leave the islands at this stage of the hurricane.

• Watch - If a tropical storm or hurricane moves into or develops anywhere in the quadrant south of 20 degrees north latitude and between longitude 83 degrees and 85 degrees west, a Hurricane Watch is in effect. The international airport will close when there is a sustained 40 mph windspeed, usually during the Watch phase. Those on the mainland coasts should make plans for moving to high ground in the interior.

• Warning - After a tropical storm or hurricane moves into or develops anywhere in the quadrant south of 20 degrees north latitude, and west of 85 degrees longitude, a Hurricane Warning is in effect. During this stage the hurricane or storm appears likely to strike the coast of Belize in a matter of hours. Anyone still on the coastal region of Belize is advised to move to the central highlands.

Know how to monitor the progress of the hurricane

• Via internet: The National Hurricane Center Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration has continuous updates; and also The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO). Add these to your internet Favorites now so you will be able to get to them immediately.

• Via telephone: call 225-2011, the National Meteorological Office at the Phillip S. W. Goldson International Airport.

• Via radio: Belize Communication & Security, Ltd. (BCSL) is located in Belmopan. When an Alert is issued or the US Embassy announces emergency conditions, BCSL initiates its hurricane or emergency plan which includes monitoring of all frequencies and responding to all call signs. These call signs include any appointed U.S. Embassy Warden. Each Warden may program his VHF radio to the following frequency for country-wide communication services during emergencies - at no charge. The primary frequency is: Receive-149.800 Transmit-150.400 Tone: 100Hz. Any warden may call BCSL at 822-2149 for further information. The President of BCSL is Rick Simpson - also a U.S. Embassy Warden. All major stations will have continuous update of the hurricane progress.

Have an alternate residence and evacuation plan in place

Residents of San Pedro and outer islands are advised to leave the islands as soon as a Hurricane 'ALERT' is issued. Residents of Belize City and coastal regions are advised to move into central Belize when a Watch is in effect. Have a hurricane emergency kit in place in your home and at your emergency residence.

Know your warden

The Embassy will monitor the path of the hurricane via the National Hurricane Center in Miami and give periodic updates to wardens about conditions.  As appropriate, information regarding time and cost of air evacuation will be given to wardens for dissemination. If you do not know who your warden is, and if you wish to receive e-mails directly from the consular office, please contact the Consular Office by e-mail or telephone (501) 822-4011.

After the hurricane has passed, the Embassy will appraise the situation.  Notices will be sent to the American community as soon as the situation has returned to normal. If there is a threat to safety, security or health, evacuations may be considered at this point.

updated: January 2007