Secure your Home
 
The most important measure you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter.  It is important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it.  You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas: roof, shutters, doors and garage doors.

 

Update your Family Disaster Plan and Replenish your Disaster Supply Kit
 
The Family Plan should be based on your vulnerability to Hurricane Hazards that could affect your family such as storm surge or flooding.  By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

Every home should have a Disaster Supply Kit which would contain certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane.
 
Family Disaster Plan
Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard; Determine escape routes from your home as certain areas could be inundated by flooding and storm surge especially low lying areas and along the coasts; Make a plan now on what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate; Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call; Check your insurance coverage; Stock non-perishable emergency supplies.
 
Disaster Supply Kit
Water, at least one gallon daily per person for three to seven days; Food, at least enough for three to seven days, non-perishable packaged or canned/juices, foods for infants or the elderly, snack foods, non-electric opener, cooking tools/fuel, paper plates/plastic utensils; Blankets/Pillows; Clothing (rain coat, sturdy shoes); First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs; Special items for babies and the elderly; Toiletries/Hygiene items/Moisture wipes; Flashlight and batteries; Battery operated radio; Fully charged cell phone with an extra battery; Cash/Credit Cards; Toys/Books/Games; Important documents should be put in a waterproof container; Tools; Vehicle fuel tanks should be filled a few days before a hurricane strike; Pet care items (medication, amply supply of food and water, a carrier or cage, a muzzle and leash).

In the event of a hurricane strike, buildings have been identified to serve as a temporary shelter. Persons who will seek safety in a shelter must follow and abide by the following information provided.

Shelters will be manned by law enforcement/military officials in order to guarantee order and the smooth operation within the facility.

Shelters will be opened afte​r a hurricane strike. This notification will be issued via the radio, online internet websites and the print-media. Persons who feel that they won’t be safe in their homes should prepare to go by friend, another secure location or to a shelter. Prior to leaving your home, make sure everything is secure and you’ve packed all the essentials that you will need.

 

PACK ONLY ESSENTIALS - Persons utilizing a shelter are not allowed to carry certain items with them, only the essentials. Pack enough water and food for up to three days. It is also advisable to take a first aid kit to the shelter with you along with prescription medications.

 

BABY & CHILDREN REQUIREMENTS - If you have a baby, remember to pack enough diapers, formula and bottles to last at least three days. Take playing cards, games and toys to keep children, and yourself, occupied. Take a set of clean clothes and bedding (pillow, sheets).

 

FOOD ETC. - Carry a can opener; a few cans of non-perishable food; special items for elderly or disabled family members; battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries; cash/credit cards; passport and other important papers (insurance papers). There is no need to bring cooking equipment or furniture to a shelter.

 

ALCOHOL/WEAPONS/SMOKING - Alcoholic beverages and weapons are not allowed in shelters. Smoking is also not allowed.

PETS - Shelters do not accept pets. You should make arrangements beforehand to have your untied pets secured in a room at your home, with sufficient water, and food for at least three days. Do not leave dogs and cats in the same room.

 

Office of Disaster Management & Department of Communication