Hurricane Awareness

Checklist

Documentation

In case of an emergency, all important papers and documents should be kept together in a safe place, up-to-date and readily available to include at least the following:

Passports, with extra photos             ID cards Medical and Health records Birth Certificates Powers of Attorney Check books Wills

Marriage certificate                          Bank books and bond receipts Stock certificates Auto registration and titles Insurance policies Personal property inventory U.S. currency and Local currency

Precautionary Measures To Be Taken During The Warning Period

Check dry food supplies. Cook as much of your perishable foods as possible. Try not to open refrigerators or freezers unnecessarily. These units can maintain cold temperatures for hours if left closed. Fill clean water containers and cover tightly. Fill all available receptacles with water - including bathtubs. Place containers of water near the toilets for flushing.  Check tires, battery and fuel for your car. Secure all outdoor items such as lawn furniture, swings, garbage cans, barbeques, etc.; take down hanging plants. Move furnishings away from the doors and windows; remove hanging items from the walls.

Be sure you know the hurricane shelter nearest to your home, but do not leave your home unless it is absolutely necessary. The Barbados Central Relief Organization Category One Shelters list will be available in the coming weeks. Secure all doors and windows, taping the large windows. Check that fire extinguishers are working. Trim trees that may pull down wires or damage your house. Have adequate clean laundry for your family. Have a large hot meal before the hurricane strikes. A storm is likely to last up to 24 hours. If your house is on or near the beach, move to higher ground. Turn off your electricity main switch as winds approach.

Emergency Supplies

Water - a gallon of water per person per day. A 3 day supply is suggested. Dry and canned goods, including staples and high energy food. Remember baby food and supplies for pets. Buckets and sealable containers for storing water and foodstuffs. Avoid containers that decompose or break. First aid kit, including special medication. Sanitation supplies (paper, soap, garbage bags, feminine hygiene)

Manual can opener and bottle opener Flashlights, and battery operated lanterns/torches (these are recommended instead of candles and lamps for emergency lighting) and spare batteries and bulbs. Battery-powered portable radio and spare batteries. Tools and equipment (hammer, saw, ladder, extra nails, etc.) for makeshift repairs after the storm Duct tape Car with a tank full of gasoline.

During The Storm

Stay indoors in an interior room if possible. Do not go outside, even during the relative calm while the eye of the storm is passing over. Keep children in your sight. Turn off main electric circuit breakers. If you are at the office when the storm hits, do not attempt to go home.

Conversely, if you are told your office is closing and you should go home - go home immediately! The local government will announce the location of this season's hurricane shelters soon. Every parish has several shelters. DO NOT PANIC!

After the Storm

Do not go out unless absolutely necessary. If you must go out, avoid coastal areas as much as possible. Beware of downed power lines and debris.

The following websites provide useful information on hurricanes affecting the region:
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/huricane/whoutlks.htm