The hurricane season (which officially runs from June 1 to November 30)  will soon begin. Are you prepared to deal with the disaster a hurricane might bring? A common thread that runs through all major hurricane disasters is a lack of  awareness and disaster preparation.

A hurricane is an intense tropical weather system that is accompanied with heavy rains, flooding and or tornadoes and can cause extensive damage. For this reason it is critical that you know how vulnerable you are and what actions to take to  reduce the effects of a hurricane.

Here are some useful tips from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to get you ready for this hurricane season.

At the Start of the Hurricane Season

1.    Check the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and repair where necessary.

2.    Make sure that the galvanized sheeting on the roof of your house is properly fastened.

3.    Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings, equipment and furniture from getting wet.

4.    Keep handy a supply of lumber, plywood, timber, etc. for battening down purposes.

5.    Trim trees that touch power lines or hang over the house and other buildings.

6.    Make sure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be necessary.

7.    Make sure you have a supply of kerosene and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a plastic bag or other waterproof material.

8.    Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need very little preparation. Electricity may be off during a hurricane, leaving you without refrigeration.

9.  Place emergency food supply in a waterproof container and store in a closed box, cupboard or trunk.

10.  Make sure you have emergency equipment in your home. These include waterboots, raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, kerosene lamps and matches.

11.  Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.

During a hurricane

1.    Do not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary as you  may be hit by flying objects.

2.    Children should not be taken outside, since they may be in danger of being blown away.

3.    If you are away from home, remain where you are until the hurricane has passed. Many people have lost their lives trying to go from one place to another.

4.    Keep a hurricane lamp burning, as it may make the night more tolerable.

5.    If the house shows signs of breaking up, stay under a table or stand in a sturdy closet.

6.    Be prepared for material falling from the ceiling.

7.    If your glass windows have not been boarded up, place a large heavy object in front of the window to protect yourself and others from splintering glass.

8.    Be calm! Your ability to act logically is important.

9.    Listen to the radio for information on what is happening.

After a Hurricane

1.    Seek medical attention at first-aid stations, hospitals or clinics for persons injured during the storm.

2.    Do not touch loose or dangling electrical wires. Report these to the power company, the nearest police station or parish council.

3.    Report all broken sewer or water mains directly to the parish council, the public works department or water resources authority for your area.

4.    Immediately after the hurricane don’t use stored water for washing houses, cars and watering gardens until normal water services have been restored.

5.    Do not empty water stored in bathtubs or other receptacles until safe drinking water is restored.

6.    Boil all drinking water until safe water supply has been restored.

7.    Watch out for fallen trees. Collect fallen branches and other debris and pile them where they can be easily collected.

8.    Do not go outside barefooted. Avoid wearing open shoes and watch out for broken glass.

One never knows when a hurricane might occur and the devastating impact it might have. Proper planning is of utmost importance. This hurricane season hope for the best, prepare for the worst.