May 31, 2013 - The Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), today urged Canadians to be well prepared when travelling abroad during hurricane season.
“With more and more Canadians travelling abroad, our government continues to ensure they have the tools they need to be informed and prepared for the road ahead,” said Minister Ablonczy. “At this time of year, we remind all travelling Canadians to consult Travel.gc.ca before their trips so that they have the latest safety information.”
The Atlantic hurricane season starts at the beginning of June and lasts until late November. Hurricane season affects the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and the East and Gulf coasts of the United States—in particular Florida, Louisiana and Texas. This year is predicted to be an above-average season in terms of the number and severity of storms.
In the event of a hurricane, Canadian travellers may find themselves stranded for days waiting for power to return, roads to reopen and flights to resume, and with no access to telecommunications. The Government of Canada’s ability to assist affected Canadians may be limited in these circumstances.
Canadians travelling to a hurricane-prone destination during hurricane season are encouraged to take the following steps to help reduce their personal risk:
- Check the Government of Canada’s Country Travel Advice and Advisories for up-to-date, essential information on your destination.
- Stay informed about the risks of travelling to areas affected by hurricanes at Travel.gc.ca.
- Obtain the latest hurricane warnings and advice by following Travel.gc.ca on Twitter.
- Register your itinerary online at Travel.gc.ca or with the Canadian government office in the country you plan to visit.
- Ensure that family or friends in Canada are also aware of your itinerary, and that someone in Canada has copies of your travel documents (such as your passport identification page, itinerary and accommodations, and insurance policy).
- Confirm travel arrangements prior to departure and purchase comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers trip cancellation or interruption in the event of a hurricane.
- While you are travelling, monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities and tour operators. Get the latest weather forecasts for the region, and visit Storm Preparedness: Taking Action Against Hurricane Hazards.
- If you require emergency help, contact your nearest embassy or consulate directly, or contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
For further information, visit Hurricane Season Travel Tips on Travel.gc.ca and follow Travel.gc.ca on Twitter or on Facebook to keep informed of changes to travel advice and advisories during hurricane season. You can also receive daily travel updates (except Saturdays and Sundays) by email. Download the Travel Smart mobile web application to save and consult travel reports and emergency contact information as you travel the world.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)
613-944-2300
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
Follow us on Twitter: @DFAIT_MAECI
