Prepare In Advance

Ø Protect valuable appliances and equipment with reliable surge protectors.

Ø Trim tree branches away from your home and ensure all dead or weak branches are removed in advance.

Ø Review your insurance policy to ensure that you are adequately covered for all aspects related to the storm like wind, flood, fire, etc.

Ø Update your hurricane plans and evacuation route and review it with your family frequently.

Ø Check your stock of supplies

Ø Secure tightly any loose objects surrounding your property.

Ø Keep car topped up with fuel

Ø Fasten and secure doors and windows, using wood or proper hurricane shutters

Ø Make a plan of where you are going to be, should a hurricane strike.

Ø Be aware of shelter locations, in particular, the ones nearest you.

Ø If a member of the family is ill, seek procedure advice from medical authority

Ø If staying at home, designate an interior room of your house as a place of refuge

Ø Make arrangements for securing your boat

Ø Pets are not allowed in emergency shelters, make alternative arrangements for them

Ø Place your important documents (passports wills, insurance policies, deeds, etc.) in a safe dry place

Ø Check that you are covered by adequate hurricane insurance

Ø Complete an inventory form or household possessions, (this will speed up insurance claims). 

When a Storm is Approaching

Ø Tune in to Island 102.9 FM for storm and safety advisories.

Ø Never attach a generator directly to the electrical system of a structure without a properly installed transfer switch.

Ø Never use a generator indoors. When using one outdoors, do not use near doors, windows or vents.

Ø Keep BEC and other emergency Numbers handy.

After the Storm Has Passed

Ø Avoid contact with overhead power lines during clean-up and other activities. ALWAYS keep a safe distance of at least 10 feet from dangerous wires.

Ø Assume all power lines are live!!! Never touch a fallen line. Call BEC immediately.

Ø Adhere to safety precautions and ensure that your family does the same.

Ø Remember to stay tuned to local radio for power restoration updates and additional safety tips.

Hurricane Checklist

If you plan to stay at home, you need:

Ø Water (seven Gallons per person)

Ø Water Jugs and Water purification tablets

Ø Non-Perishable Foods (canned)

Ø Manual Can opener

Ø Baby Food, Diapers, etc.

Ø Pet Food

Ø Cooking Facilities (i.e Camp Stove or Grill plus Gas)

Ø First-Aid Kit

Ø Medicines

Ø Battery operated Radio

Ø Extra Batteries

Ø Butane Lighters, Matches

Ø Duct Tape

Ø Bleach (without lemon or additives)

Ø Candles, Flashlight, Lantern

Ø Fire Extinguishers

Ø Mosquito Repellent

Ø Life Preservers

Ø Inflatable Raft

Ø Trash Bags

Ø Hammer and Nails

Ø Saw

Ø Crowbar

Ø Sledgehammer

Ø Cellular Phone (if possible)

If you plan to go to a shelter you should take:

Ø Water (1-2 Quarts per person per day)

Ø Canned foods, milk, & beverages

Ø Baby food, Diapers etc.

Ø Medicine

Ø Toilet Paper Toiletries

Ø Battery operated Radio

Ø Flashlight

Ø Portable Ice Chest

Ø Eating Utensils

Ø Blankets or sleeping bags

Ø Identification and Valuable papers

Ø Cards, Games, Books 

How is the scale of a hurricane determined?

Category 1 Hurricane

Ø  Winds 74-95 m.p.h

Ø  Storm surge generally 4-5 ft. above normal.

Ø  Minor coastal road flooding. Damage to shrubbery & trees and poorly constructed signs.

Category 2 Hurricane

Ø  Winds 96-110 m.p.h.

Ø  Storm surge 6-8 ft. above normal.

Ø  Some roof material, door & window damage, some trees blown down. Coastal routs flood 2-4 hours before arrival or hurricane center.

Category 3 Hurricane

Ø  Winds 111-130 m.p.h.

Ø  Storm surge generally 9-12 ft. above normal.

Ø  Some structural damage to small residences & utility buildings. Structures close to coastal routs could experience damage due to floods and large floating debris. Evacuation of low-lying residences within several blocks of shoreline may be required.

Category 4 Hurricane

Ø  Winds 131-155 m.p.h.

Ø  Storm surge generally 13-18 ft. above normal.

Ø  Shrubs, trees and all signs blown down, some complete roof & structure failures on small premises. Extensive damage to doors & windows. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 floors of structures near the shore may be flooded requiring evacuation of residential areas that stretch as far as 6 miles inland.

Category 5 Hurricane

Ø  Winds 155 m.p.h. +

Ø  Storm surge generally 18 ft. + above normal.

Ø  Complete roof failure on many residential and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles of the shoreline.