Cuba's Hurricane Preparedness

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Cuba's hurricane preparedness is renowned for its effectiveness, thanks to a well-structured system that integrates civil protection committees, media, and community involvement. The system begins with early warnings issued by the national media around 72 hours before a storm's predicted landfall, while civil protection committees check evacuation plans and shelters[2]. This timely communication ensures that the population is informed and prepared to respond to the impending threat. The Cuban model emphasizes education and community participation. Disaster preparedness is part of the general education curriculum, and annual drills like the Ejercicio Meteoro simulate evacuations to ensure readiness[1][5]. Local leaders organize evacuations, focusing on vulnerable populations, and communities work together to secure homes and provide support[5]. This comprehensive approach has resulted in significantly lower mortality rates compared to other countries in the region, making Cuba a model for hurricane risk management[1][2].