WHAT TO DO AT THE START OF A HURRICANE

BE INFORMED

Learn all you can about hurricanes, how they can effect Cayman and how to prepare. Learn about your area. Knowing how high above sea level it is, and its flooding history will give you an idea of how safe your area is. But remember: new buildings, roads and other construction could make flooding more likely even if it was not a problem in the past. You can find out the elevation of your area from the Lands and Survey Department at 949-7900. In-land areas which have had serious flooding in past storms include the West Bay Peninsula, Red Bay, Prospect, Savannah, central George Town, areas around the North Sound, low lying areas of Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Learn the location of official public shelters and emergency medical centres – note the closest ones to you.

MAKE A PLAN

Make sure the house you choose is well constructed and on high ground or has a foundation high enough to avoid too much water getting in.
Decide where you will store your boat in an emergency and how to secure it.
Make sure home and property insurance is up-to-date. And that you understand what your coverage provides.

PREPARE

Trim dead wood from trees and cut back overhanging branches.
Check and repair loose gutters around the roof and downspouts.
Check your hurricane shutters or plywood covers and the tools you need to install them.
Practice installing them.
If you do not have shutters for windows and doors, stock up on plywood and get it cut and labelled for each opening.
If you can afford it, install properly constructed garage doors.
Get wood or metal planks to reinforce the doors from the inside in the event a hurricane warning is issued. If you can’t afford commercial garage doors, get plywood sheets to nail over the openings and wooden planks to reinforce the plywood.
Check and repair loose or damaged roofing; install hurricane straps on roofs if they do not already have them.
Stock up on hurricane supplies.
Begin collecting enough non-perishable food, water, first aid and other survival supplies to last each person about a week. A good idea is to buy the supplies a little at a time, picking up some extras with each trip to the supermarket.
Don’t forget any prescription medication your family may need and special items for the young and elderly.
Keep your vehicle gas tank above half at all times during hurricane season.
Inspect your cistern and get it cleaned.
Have your cesspool emptied.
Take pictures of your house (inside and out) and of furniture and equipment for insurance claims. Secure these in a safe place.

Go to Hurricane Supplies List
Go to Protect your Pets
Go to Securing your Boat
Go to Protect your Property

Return to Hurricane Information

Bookmark this page with:(What's this?)

Quick Links: