It’s a special time of year that many Mexico visitors don’t get to experience: the May-June transition from “dry” to “rainy” season. Across Mexico, thirsty mountains, plains and valleys undergo a remarkable transformation as live-giving liquid from the skies awaken flora and remove dust and debris from a dry season that lingers from November to May.

It’s a remarkable thing to see. The hillside I gaze upon outside my Lake Chapala home has been brown and dusty for months. In a matter of two short week, the coming rains will convert this vista into a garden of Eden right before my eyes.

If you live in Mexico, there are some tips to getting ready for this season. With it come hurricanes and evening downpour can seem like it’s time to board the Ark. Here is some advice from Novamar Insurance.

Thanks to technology we now know in advance when a hurricane, tropical storm or heavy rains threaten our area including their intensity. We are a few days away from the beginning of the rainy/hurricane season and it is very important to be prepared to prevent damage in addition to being able to use your insurance policy. Here are some general recommendations:

House

• Check the water hoses in the bathrooms, kitchen and refrigerator filter. Change them once a year if you live next to or near the sea.
• Check the seal of the glass windows and doorknobs.
• Have a storage plan for goods stored outside so that they do not fly away in the wind.
• Clear all outside drains and pipes.
• In the gardens check that the water has good drainage away from structures.
• If there is a below floor level room check that the sump pumps work correctly.
• Emergency plan in case of having to evacuate due to a hurricane or flood.
• Check the coverages in the insurance policy and know the amounts of the deductibles and coinsurance, because that is the first thing you will pay before the insurer begins to pay the damages. Have the insurer’s phone number along with the policy number on hand.

Cars

• Check brake systems
• Check the wear status of the tires
• Check the condition of the windshield wipers.
• Check the condition of the rubber seals on the doors, trunk, and hood.
• Check outside water drainage systems. Many times, they are covered with leaves and soil.
• Find alternate exit routes in case of a flood in the area where you live and where you work.
• Check the coverages in the insurance policy and know the amounts of the deductibles. Have the insurer’s phone number along with the policy number on hand.

Boats

• Make sure cockpit drains are clear and bilge automatic bilge pumps are functioning.
• Remove and properly store all outside canvas, sails, dinghy – do as much as possible to reduce windage on deck.
• Check mooring lines at the dock, add chafe protection and added dock lines as necessary.
• Check with the marina management about their emergency plan in case of hurricane.
• Have your own emergency plan in case of a hurricane.
• If the size of the boat allows, remove it from the water and strap it down on the hard in a protected boatyard.
• Check the coverages in your insurance policy and know the amounts of the deductibles. Have the insurer’s phone number along with the policy number on hand.

Learn more about Mexico insurance here https://www.mexicoforliving.com/insurance-programs/