Introduction
As of May 15, Mexico officially began its rainy season, starting in the Pacific and later in the Atlantic. The 2025 hurricane season has commenced, increasing the risk of intense rainfall, flooding, power outages, evacuations, and other disruptions that can drastically alter daily life. Are you prepared to face an emergency?
Hurricane Season Forecast
According to the National Water Commission (Conagua), more storms than usual are expected this year: 16 to 20 in the Pacific and 13 to 17 in the Atlantic, with heightened activity between September and October.
The states most likely to be affected by tropical cyclones this year are Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Quintana Roo, Veracruz, Tamaulipas, and Yucatán.
Importance of an Emergency Backpack
Having a well-prepared emergency backpack is crucial for covering basic needs such as health, food, communication, and documentation during potential evacuations or service interruptions.
Essential Items for Your Emergency Backpack
- Flashlight with extra batteries: Essential for safe movement during power outages.
- Battery-powered radio: Keeps you informed about alerts, authorities’ instructions, and weather updates.
- Bottled water: Enough for three days per person.
- Non-perishable food: Canned goods, energy bars, or items that don’t require refrigeration or preparation.
- Warm clothing and extra footwear: Include a blanket, rain gear, and clean clothes.
- Lighter or matches: Useful for warming food or creating heat.
- First-aid kit: For treating cuts, bruises, fever, or minor medical emergencies.
- Whistle: Allows you to request help if trapped or alert rescuers.
- Copies of important documents: Birth certificates, CURP, voter ID, passport, insurance policies stored on a USB or in waterproof folders.
- Copies of house keys: Keys can easily get lost during evacuations.
- Personal medications and special items: Include prescription drugs, canned milk, diapers, or baby formula if there are infants or elderly individuals.
- List of emergency contact numbers: Include medical contacts, family members, and civil protection services.
Why Preparation is Crucial
Mexico is one of the countries most exposed to natural phenomena, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and extreme temperatures. According to the Secretariat of Environmental and Natural Resources (Semarnat), tropical cyclones have caused over 12 billion pesos in damages and numerous deaths in recent years.
Beyond physical and material damage, these events also cause severe emotional impacts by disrupting routines, basic services, and family stability. Thus, acting proactively during the pre-advisory phase—with family plans, ready backpacks, and defined evacuation routes—is vital.
Gradually Build Your Emergency Backpack
You don’t need to acquire all items at once. Gradually build your backpack, review it every six months, and ensure all products are up-to-date. Store it in a visible and easily accessible location for the entire family.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What should I include in my emergency backpack? A: Include a flashlight, battery-powered radio, bottled water, non-perishable food, warm clothing, lighter, first-aid kit, whistle, copies of important documents, house keys, personal medications, and a list of emergency contacts.
- Q: Why is preparation important during hurricane season? A: Preparation helps ensure your safety and well-being during potential emergencies, disruptions, and evacuations.
- Q: How can I build my emergency backpack? A: Gradually add items, review the backpack every six months, and store it in a visible and accessible location for your family.
