Mexican Caribbean

   

September 2011

 

 
 

     

 

 
     

 

 
     

 

 
         

 

 
 

Quintana Roo

   

Hello Cozumel! Mexican President Calderon and his family vacationed here in August, and from the sounds of it enjoyed all the island has to offer. Did you get a glimpse of him?

 

I hope everyone is enjoying our beautiful beaches and water sports during these past hot and humid weeks. Word of warning! There have been many cases of dengue fever reported. PLEASE use plenty of mosquito protection.

The Municipal Government of President Aurelio Joaquín González has been up and running. I receive weekly bulletins on what the local government is working on. I am not certain what is of interest to the readers. Here are the ones I felt are relevant and interesting:

In August Cozumel was one of 48 Municipalities (out of 220 that applied) granted federal funding for added security on the island.

President Joaquin Gonzales has also attended a series of meetings with the Pan American Health Association to plan steps to make Cozumel a smoke free Island. There is a major concern that Tobacco has been identified as the number two addiction in the youth population, the first being alcohol.

Last but not least, the annual inauguration of the schools opening took place. Our island youth are all back in school, and looking adorable in their uniforms.

September Events:

The American Movie Network is shutting down as of August 30th. Reminder, free U.S. television online: USTVNOW.com.

September 15th is the Mexican Independence day. El dia “Del Grito De Dolores” (the cry of pain) for independence will again be celebrated with all the traditional dressings.

Fall bowling leagues are starting this month. Sign up at Caribbean bowl as soon as possible.

Casino 21 Update:

The new slot machines are in and they now have LIVE BLACKJACK. The Casino is fast becoming a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Good atmosphere and a fun time guaranteed!

 

 

  

October and November are Cozumel’s most likely months to be hit with a hurricane. Above is a picture of devastation brought on by hurricane Wilma in October of 2005.This is mind, I have always wanted to write a guide in English that can inform inexperienced residents what to do to prepare for a hurricane. Experienced readers, if I have left anything out, please submit your ideas. I plan on making a brochure to distribute next year.

Have a safe and Happy September, until next time!

 

 

Hurricane Season

WHAT TO DO

BEFORE DURING and AFTER

 

BEFORE

Stay on top of information provided by the authorities. Listen to the radio or TV for information

Cover all of your home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.

Bring in all outdoor furniture, potted plants, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.

Turn off all power breakers, turn off and disconnect all gas tanks, and check for gas leaks.

Install a generator for emergencies. If you do not have a generator and must keep Insulin or other medication refrigerated, make arrangements with someone that has one well in advance.

Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage, it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage. Reinforce your gates.

Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.

Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or again, bringing them inside.

Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill large containers with water, and the bathtub if you have one.

You should have a first aid kit. Do not forget a battery operated radio with batteries, lanterns or flashlights, cellular telephone, blankets, bedspreads, candles, and matches.

Protect your documents, money, and personal belongings. You should have a place that these items can be kept safe from damage.

You should have a supply of non- perishable food on hand (canned, bottled, and/or boxed) have in store bottled water that can last you for 3 to 4 days. Store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in case of flooding. Make sure to have bottled water stored where it will be as safe as possible from flooding.

Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0 °F and the refrigerator is at or below 40 °F.

Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer.

In case of a power outage, the appliance thermometers will indicate the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer to help you determine if the food is safe.

Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers in case the power goes out. If your normal water supply is contaminated or unavailable, the melting ice will also supply drinking water.

Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. This helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.

Group food together in the freezer. This helps the food stay cold longer.

Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours.

Purchase or make ice cubes in advance and store in the freezer for use in the refrigerator or in a cooler. Freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.

Anticipate and prepare in advance for transportation, nutritional and medical needs.

If the authorities from Civil Protection tell you to evacuate your home, do so. Do not hesitate, leave immediately, and find a shelter.

If you have pets contact Animal Control Centro at 872-5795. They will provide a safe haven for your pets.

 

 

DURING

 Information on the weather conditions will be transmitted by authorities every three hours as the storm approaches and during the storm.

Stay away from the sea. Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors and take measures to protect you from heavy winds.

Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.

Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.

Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

DO NOT leave your home or shelter until the authorities have announced it is safe to do so.

BEWARE OF THE EYE OF THE HURRICANE!

If the eye of the hurricane passes over the island, it will be calm. During this time, DO NOT go outside of your home or shelter. The winds will regain new strength and without warning start blowing in the opposite direction.

When the Power Goes Out . . .

Here are basic tips for keeping food safe:

Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.

The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.

A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish, or eggs while it is still at safe temperatures, it's important that each item is thoroughly cooked to the proper temperature to assure that any food borne bacteria that may be present is destroyed. However, if at any point the foods were above 40 °F for 2 hours or more — discard it.

Wash fruits and vegetables with water from a safe source before eating.

For infants, try to use prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water. When using concentrated or powdered formulas, prepare with bottled water if the local water source is potentially contaminated.

 

 AFTER

 

Be careful with fences, walls, houses, and buildings that might be in danger of collapse. Do not touch fallen cables.

Do not move anyone seriously injured, call the authorities.

Continue listening for information transmitted by authorities, and if you can join to help in the reconstruction and clean up.

You'll need to determine the safety of your food. Here's how:

If an appliance thermometer was kept in the freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the freezer thermometer reads 40°F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.

If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. You can't rely on appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.

Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than 4 hours and the refrigerator door was kept shut. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or leftovers) that has been above 40°F for two hours or more.

Keep in mind that perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs that are not kept adequately refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed, even when they are thoroughly cooked.

The Alerts

 

ALERTA AZUL:

Minimum Danger.  Advisory that a tropical storm is nearby with winds of at least 63 KM/hr and might affect us within 72 hours. Updates are given every 24 hours.

ALERTA VERDE

Low Danger. Advisory that a tropical storm is nearby with winds of at least 63 KM/hr and might affect us within 24 to 72 hours. Updates are given every 12 hours.

ALERTA AMARARILLA

MODERATE DANGER. Advisory that a tropical storm is nearby with winds of at least 63 KM/hr and might affect us within 12-60 hours. Updates are given every 6 hours.

ALERTA NARANJA

HIGH DANGER. Advisory that a tropical storm is nearby with winds of at least 63 KM/hr and might affect us within 6 - 36 hours. Updates are given every 3 hours.

ALERTA ROJA

MAXIMUM DANGER. Advisory that a tropical storm is nearby with winds of at least 63 KM/hr and might affect us within 0 - 18 hours. Updates are given every 3 hours.

Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.

Category One: Winds 74 – 95 MPH

Very dangerous winds will produce some damage

·         Minor damage to exterior of homes

·         Toppled tree branches, uprooting of smaller trees

Extensive damage to power lines, power outages.

Category Two: Winds 96 – 110 MPH

Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage

·         Major damage to exterior of homes

·         Uprooting of small trees and many roads blocked

Guaranteed power outages for long periods of time – days to weeks

Category Three: Winds 111 – 130 MPR

Devastating damage will occur

·         Extensive damage to exterior of homes

·         Many trees uprooted and many roads blocked

Extremely limited availability of water and electricity

 

Category Four: Winds 131-155 MPH

Catastrophic damage will occur

·         Loss of roof structure and/or some exterior walls

·         Most trees uprooted and most power lines down

·         Isolated residential due to debris pile up

Power outages lasting for weeks to months

Category Five: Winds Over 155MPH

Catastrophic damage will occur

·         A high percentage of homes will be destroyed

·         Fallen trees and power lines isolate residential areas

·         Power outages lasting for weeks to months

Most areas will be uninhabitable

 

 

New Habit Group

By: Susie Anstey

Exciting news… I’m starting a new HABIT group in Cozumel and I’d love you to come along. It will be a chilled out hour or so of: drinking tea/coffee, slowing down, inspiring conversations, and nurturing creative thoughts. Or more specifically it is a chance to explore and reflect on ways to integrate positive habits into our lives and thereby increase peace and happiness for ourselves and others. Each meeting has the same format of: "hellos,” "space" (meditation to relax), "teatime for the soul" (discussions/reflections on positive emotions and mental states), and "action" (personal plan for you, decided by you).

HABITs are happening all over the world and were started by an international peace organization for young people (www.lkpy.org). When Venerable Namgyel was here in Cozumel he suggested that I set one up for English speakers. HABITs are free and everyone is welcome.

So pencil into your diaries: SATURDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER, 2011; 1030am - 1145am, at the COFFEE BEAN aka Coffee Cozumel.

From then on the HABIT will be on the first Saturday of every month, same time, and same location.

Bring anyone you want along and forward this on to everyone you think might be interested (please post on face book).

 

 

Can’t wait to see you there!

Susie Anstey

habitcozumel@gmail.com

Got any dents or rust spots that needs work?

By Lynn Horowitz

“El Colega” comes highly recommended.  He does an absolutely beautiful job, is fast and on time, and the price is really reasonable.  With this recommendation from Lynn Horowitz, (872 3071) what more could you ask for.  He does not speak English but with a few words of Spanish you can get him to tell you an estimate and a time to pick it back up.  He is located back behind the Boxito on the Transversal.  It is probably easiest to just drive there and show him what you want done. Finding it for the first time was easy just followed Calle 4 which is parallel with the Transversal (Juarez’ extension).

“El Colega”

Miguel Euán Cano

Tel: 987 116 7263

Calle 4 North between 100 Bis and 105

 

  

 

English Language Church Services

 

Cozumel Community Church

Avenue Andres Quintana Roo (11th Ave.)

Between Calle 15 and Calle 20

Services in English every Sunday at 10 a.m.

Pastor Brent at: brentjlowry@hotmail.com

Ebenezer Presbyterian Church


30th Ave. at 10th Street North

Services in English every Sundays at 9 a.m.

 

Jesus es Rey

Bible Church

Corner of Ave. 95 y Calle 39.

Services in English will be at 10a.m.

 

Jewish Services Friday Evenings & Saturday Mornings

Chabad of Cozumel

Calle 12 No. Entre R. Melgar & 5th Ave.

chabadcozumel@gmail.com

Rabbi David Caplin

044-987-111-9715

 

Emergency Numbers


Emergency 060


24 Hour Doctor 872-0103

Dentist 872-0808

Hyperbaric Chamber 872-0103

Police 872-0092

Red Cross 872-1058

Taxi Cab 872-0236

Taxi Cab 872-0041

U.S. Consulate 872-4574

U.S Consulate 872-6152

U.S. Consulate 044-987-121-0323

 

Aura Holguin-Resch (Aurita)

 May be reached at atreasuryoftrade@msn.com for suggestions, comments, assistance, submit editorials or for information on:

 

-Bible Classes

- Book Club

- Book Exchange

- Game night

- Garden Club

- Ladies Breakfast Club

- Local  discounts

- Health Insurance

- Recreational activities

Home:                   987-869-1757

Cellular:                987-105-7669

From US:              386-445-8702

 

 
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