By Michael, on August 31st, 2012 
Many of the tropical sites to which mission-trippers commonly venture are also sites that are at major risk during the months that span July to October, colloquially referred to as hurricane season. While hurricanes can potentially hit nearly anywhere along a coast, they are most common in tropical areas, including Central America and the Caribbean, both common mission trip landing sites. If your mission trip is slated for hurricane season, you don’t necessarily have to change your plans, but you should take some added precautions due to the possibility of weather-related disruption.
Insure Yourself
Getting insurance to cover yourself anytime you travel is a wonderful idea, but during hurricane season this simple step takes on greater importance. As you plan your trip, spend some time sifting through
mission trip insurance plan options and select one to purchase. By taking out this insurance, you can ensure that should the worst happen and you end up in the path of a hurricane, the costs you may incur will be covered, making it easier to recover from this unfortunate turn of events.
Leave Info at Home
If you are traveling in an area where a hurricane may hit during the hurricane-prone months, your loved ones will likely experience stress. Reduce the amount of worry they have to feel by letting them know where you will be and when you will be there. Leave a detailed copy of your itinerary at home. In doing so, you can allow those that remain at home to keep track of your travels and give them more peace of mind should they hear a hurricane is kicking up, as they can check for themselves whether or not you are in the path of the storm at that moment.
Register with Your Embassy
As a U.S. citizen, your embassy has a vested interest in watching out for your welfare. If you're traveling during hurricane season, contact the embassy in the country you will be visiting and let them know of your travel plans. This allows them to work with local authorities to ensure your safety should a hurricane hit.
Study Emergency Plans
If you find yourself in a place that is under threat from a looming hurricane, work quickly to gather whatever information you can about how to ensure your safety. If you are staying at a hotel with other mission-trip attendees, speak to the hotel management about the appropriate precautions to take. If you are living in more modest accommodations, be attentive to any calls for evacuation and follow the suggestions of local authorities seeking to help people brave the storm.
The possibility of a hurricane is enough to make anyone rethink her decision to venture into the tropics. But if you've committed to heading to this zone as a part of a mission trip, you don’t need to abandon your plans. With precaution and attention, you can minimize your risks and reduce the likelihood that the potential of a hurricane impacts – or stands in the way of -- your mission trip efforts.
