Last October I visited Mexico for the first time with a good friend. We were both so excited to get away and to enjoy our vacation on the beautiful beaches of Peurto Adventuras. Unfortunately, we arrived in the midst of hurricane Rina. With the preparation for the hurricane and the clean up thereafter, we only enjoyed about three days of sun. While, I was nervous and fearful for what the hurricane had in store, the employees at the resort were extremely organized and calm. They had experience with storms before and procedures were in place to ensure the safety of the guests. They communicated regularly with everyone and had designated personnel in place available at all hours for guests to ask questions. As a public relations practitioner I was very impressed with the high level of effective communications by the employees at the resort.Palm trees blowing from the strong winds (view from my balcony)

With Hurricane Sandy affecting the Ontario region, I’ve found that the government and the media are doing a great job at communicating with the public. Social media has surely facilitated with the swift and constant delivery of information. I find it particularly exceptional that the government of Ontario ensures that information is readily available in both French and English. This is mostly due to the French Language Service Act (1986), wherein it stipulates that an individual has a right to receive services in French from the Government of Ontario ministries and agencies in 25 designated areas. During Hurricane Nina, the assemblies at the resort were done in English, French, German and Spanish. Again, I was very impressed. The importance is that both in Ontario and Mexico, leaders rallied together to ensure that everyone was well informed.

Hurricane Sandy will surely be an experience to remember and and find its way in our history books. But rest assured…the sun will come out tomorrow.

The calm after the storm – Mexico 2011