Weathering the Storm
Published 14th August, 4:13pm
Weathering the Storm
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins on 1 June and ends on 30 November; however, historical statistics show a dramatic increase in tropical cyclone activity beginning in early August and a steep decline in activity towards the end of October. Statistics show that 96% of major hurricanes on record have occurred within this window.
“If you don’t have a family plan in place already it is not too late to put it together now,” advises Omar Afflick, deputy director of Preparedness at Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI). “A good hurricane information kit is available at the HMCI office or can be downloaded from www.caymanprepared.ky.”
Other recommendations include trimming back trees and establishing an emergency supply of canned food and water that can last for a week. “Ideally you should have at least a gallon of water per day for each person in your house. Preparation is the key. It is too late to install hurricane shutters or scramble for batteries for your portable radio when a storm is bearing down on the Cayman Islands.”
Mr. Afflick also strongly encourages residents to “work out where you are going to stay in a hurricane well ahead of time. If your home is strong, elevated and away from the coastline, then it is probably the best place to ride out a storm.”
If you are uncomfortable about riding out a storm in your home, Mr. Afflick had this to say: “If you determine that your property is not strong enough, or if the location in which you live makes it vulnerable then plan to evacuate.”
At this point you still have a number of options, but you have to choose one. Hurricane shelters are certainly an option to consider and the list with locations is available on the Cayman Prepared website.
Every district has a shelter that is specifically designated as an Emergency Medical Centre (EMC). If you have an existing medical condition that might require treatment during the passage of a hurricane then this may be the appropriate choice because there are medical personnel on hand.
Remember when winds reach tropical storm strength ambulances will not move until the winds subside to a safe level and this could potentially be over 24 hours.
Government shelters will not take pets, so if you plan to evacuate and want to remain with your animals then contact someone you know who has a resilient property and ask if they would be willing to put you and your pets up during a hurricane.
Mr. Afflick acknowledged that this can be a challenge, “Reaching out and asking someone to do this for you can be a daunting prospect, but remember they can only say no and you must have an established plan in place before the storm strikes. Wherever you decide to weather the storm, identify the location ahead of time and confirm that the space will be made available to you to shelter in the event of a hurricane.”
For further information contact: Simon Boxall