This paper examines disaster risk reduction (DRR) practices in five municipalities exposed to hurricanes in the Yucatán peninsula, Mexico. Using a comparative case study method, performance is measured with respect to five indicators of DRR that were identified by stakeholders as being ‘municipal government responsibilities’: effective use of risk maps; publication and enforcement of by-laws and regulations; design and application of risk communication systems; coordination of preparedness measures and evacuations; and shelter management.