The Caribbean Public Announcement

[SEAZSky]

The Caribbean Public Annoucement

July 08, 2005

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert American citizens to the advent of Hurricane Season in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Hurricane season ends on November 30. This Public Announcement expires on December 5, 2005.

The National Weather Service has predicted as many as 15 tropical storms for 2005. Up to nine of those storms may become hurricanes, and three to five of them may develop into major hurricanes. In 2004, tropical storms and hurricanes caused widespread damage and casualties, including the temporary closure of affected U.S. Embassies and Consulates and the evacuation of U.S. citizens from affected areas.

U.S. citizens in the region may wish to take basic precautions to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes. It is advisable to put together a kit consisting of a supply of bottled water, a battery-powered or crank-turned radio, vital documents, and a supply of prescription medications. Keep abreast of local government announcements and instructions, weather reports and other media reports.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their location or through the Department of State's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov in order to facilitate communications and emergency services in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane. Links to detailed information on storms and storm preparedness may be found on the "Natural Disasters" page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs' website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/eme ... _1207.html.


Updated information on travel in the Caribbean may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or from overseas,
1-202-501-4444. Travelers to the region are encouraged to check the internet site of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with consular responsibilities for the territory they will be visiting - accessible via http://usembassy.state.gov/

For further information please consult the Consular Information Sheet for the country or territory in question, available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov



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