Important Hurricane Preparation Information

Tue, 2005-09-06

  • All members of the public should stay out of the water until it is deemed safe to return. Surfing, swimming or sail-boarding/body-boarding before during or immediately after a storm system is not only irresponsible – it is life threatening!
  • The best preparation is information. The Emergency Broadcast Station (EBS) is at 100.1 megahertz on the FM band (100.1 FM) and will commence operation 6 to 12 hours before the anticipated arrival of a hurricane, with up-to-date information provided directly to the commercial news stations. In the event that the commercial news stations are unable to transmit, the Emergency Broadcast station itself will begin direct transmission to the local area. Contact the EBS on 299-4399, 299-4400 or 299-4401.
  • Check your emergency supplies. It is recommended to have the following items readily available: a hammer & nails, a good length of rope, a pair of pliers, some plastic sheeting or tarpaulin, masking tape, a bucket, flashlights, candles & matches, and a non-electric stove. Also it is important to have a portable FM radio with spare batteries.
  • Stock up on suitable food, such as dried or tinned goods. Fill your vehicle with gas. Decide which room will be your strong room. If you own a boat, take the proper steps to secure it. Check on your neighbours before & after the storm, especially the elderly or infirmed. Make sure that at least one phone in your home does not require electricity to operate (i.e. a not a cordless phone).
  • When a hurricane is imminent, fill containers with fresh water, even your bathtub. Bring animals/pets inside. Park your car in a safe place. For larger animals (i.e. horses) take steps to secure their shelter before the storm.
  • For those resident living in low-lying areas close to the ocean, listen carefully for any instructions regarding evacuation. Make prior arrangements to move to another location on higher ground in case evacuation becomes necessary. When moving, take into consideration the fact that some roads may become impassable due to storm surge before the hurricane hits.
  • If the power goes out, unplug electrical equipment and appliances. Leave one light switched on, so that you will know when power is restored.
  • After the hurricane passes, stay away from disaster areas. Do not hinder the work of rescue workers and essential services. Do not make unnecessary phone calls. Do not touch loose or dangling wires – they might still be live. Report downed or dangerous power lines to BELCO. Sterilise or boil your drinking water until you are able to determine if your tank water is fit to drink.
  • Keep calls to the emergency 911 number to a minimum. There will be an elevated chain of command at COMOPS headed by a Chief Inspector to deal with calls for assistance.
  • Police will be on the Causeway from 8am Thursday, September 8, 2005.