A vacation in the Dominican Republic is like a vacation in paradise, but still, things can go wrong. And for many travelers, a hurricane is one of the scariest scenarios they can imagine, let alone experience.
Fortunately, as a forward-thinking country, the Dominican Republic is uniquely positioned to deal with hurricanes, with a number of measures in place to protect travelers from harm.
While a powerful tropical storm is currently battering the country, Here’s what the Dominican Republic is doing to protect travelers during hurricane season.
The shoulder season, which runs from September to early November, is coincidentally one of the stormiest periods in the Dominican Republic. It is then that hurricanes and powerful tropical storms are most likely to hit the tropical island, sending a wave of destruction across the Caribbean destination.
With at least several hurricanes expected to form over the Caribbean this year, officials are carefully monitoring weather conditions to alert residents and travelers in case a hurricane appears likely.
From the civil aviation surveillance bodies to the Emergency Operations Center, the Dominican Republic has an extensive network of experts on call at all times to respond to severe weather events.
In addition to having a comprehensive preparedness plan, the Dominican Republic also closely follows international protocol in matters such as aviation and construction.
But when it comes to hurricane safety, few places in the Dominican Republic are as safe as its all-inclusive resorts. With a variety of safety features, from preventative maintenance to staff training, travelers can rest assured that their resort is ready to act in the event of an emergency.
Although devastating hurricanes are relatively rare in the Dominican Republic, travelers should take a few precautions before and during their next getaway to Punta Cana, especially during the peak of hurricane season.
Prior to arrival, visitors should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance, which covers all medical costs, as well as transportation and emergency evacuation. Some insurance plans also allow travelers to rebook their flights and accommodations in the event of a storm, which can be helpful during storm-prone months.
Travelers are also advised to familiarize themselves with their accommodations, hurricane safety protocols, and evacuation points. It is important to check the weather forecast every day and avoid spending time on the beach when it is windy.
ONAMET, the Dominican Republic’s state meteorological institute, is the best source of up-to-date weather forecasts and warnings. The agency publishes daily forecasts and issues alerts in case of strong winds, rain or lightning.