Hurricane Tips

By Philipp Richter

2018’s Hurricane Season has begun. To keep you, residents of the Cayman Islands safe. Here are some tips on what you should and shouldn’t do in the event of a Hurricane.

1) A common misconception when securing a home is to tape X’s over windows to protect it from flying debris. In actuality, what it will allow is fragments to take out the whole window pane as it is fastened together with tape. It is recommended to use storm shutters or plywood to cover the entire window.

2) Storm winds will come at all directions as the Hurricane moves and rotates and can pick up items like lawn furniture and coconuts that can be thrown against your home or neighbors. To be safe, collect all of your coconuts and find a safe and secure location for lawn/patio furniture.

3) Do not open windows or garage doors to stabilize pressure in the home, once the wind gets inside it will cause more damage.

4) It is safer to use flashlights for light than candles; if a candle drops it can cause a fire.

5) If you see a door starting to bow from the force of the wind, don’t stand behind it as you will probably go with it. If the door is meant to go, then it’s meant to go.

6) Have a week’s supply of food and water for every member in your family, including pets. Buy items in a can or water-proof containers. Granola bars, chocolate, candy, fruits and vegetables are recommended.

7) If a family member is on medication, ask the pharmacy to issue at least two weeks worth of medication.

8) Fill up your cars with gasoline.

9) Scan and upload important documents such as passports and insurance policies to an iCloud server just in case they are damaged.

10) Keep cash on hand to buy extra materials such as gasoline for generators or automobiles.

11) Know where the closest Hurricane Shelter to you is located.

12) Let family members on island or off island know where you will be during the hurricane.

13) Take all boat trailers and small vessels out of the water.

14) Have mobile phones fully charged.

15) Wait for the “all-clear” to be issued before leaving your home, as the conditions outside can be un-safe.

Generator Use:

Keep generators dry and do not use when it is raining or wet. Place the generators on dry surfaces and make sure your hands are dry while operating. To prevent carbon monoxide building up in the home, do not place a generator inside, but rather under a canopy or open shed that also protects it from the rain.

To prevent fires from occurring, turn off the generator and let it cool down before refueling as gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

ATLANTIC BASIN SEASONAL HURRICANE FORECAST FOR 2018

The National Weather Service estimates a slightly above average hurricane season. On their website it states “As is the case with all hurricane seasons, coastal residents are reminded that it only takes one hurricane making landfall to make it an active season for them. They should prepare the same for every season, regardless of how much activity is predicted.”

The list of names for the 2018 Atlantic basin are Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Isaac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie, William.