Public Encouraged to Have Hurricane Plan

By: Hayley Reid

As the busy 2023 Atlantic hurricane season continues, the Cayman Islands Government is encouraging the public to evaluate their hurricane preparedness plans, stay informed and seek information from official sources.

Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI), Danielle Coleman stated, “We ask that individuals prioritise stocking and replenishing hurricane essentials from now through the remainder of the season. A concise list of essential items can be found at www.caymanprepared.ky/hurricanes. We would also like to remind everyone across our Islands to monitor official sources such as Hazard Management, the National Weather Service, and the Government’s website for important information regarding storms.”

Members of the public are cautioned against assuming their safety based on previous storms that have affected the Cayman Islands. Director Coleman further noted, “How a storm will affect our Islands is based on many complex elements and it is never safe to assume a storm will develop or act a certain way based on a similar previous weather system. Even if our Islands are not in the direct path of a storm, we can still experience extreme weather such as heavy rains and hazardous sea conditions.”

The public can download the National Emergency Notification System mobile app which allows HMCI to send emergency alerts by email, SMS text, or both. Persons can visit nens.gov.ky to learn more and download the app.

Residents are asked to ensure that their hurricane plans involve checking on older relatives and older persons in the community. HMCI in partnership with the Cayman Islands Department of Child and Family Services hosted a series of trainings earlier this year for caregivers advising them on how to prepare for the potential needs of the elderly in their care during and after a storm.