Grand Cayman, July 1, 2024 – Following the Hurricane Alert issued for the Cayman Islands Government due to the potential impact of Hurricane Beryl, theDepartment of Environmental Health (DEH) is encouraging members of the public to prepare their properties to reduce the amount of debris that could be generated by any form of severe weather.

Additionally, the George Town landfill hours have been extended today, Constitution Day, until 4:00 PM to facilitate the disposal of waste to facilitate preparedness plans. There will not be any additional garbage collection. However, DEH teams will concentrate efforts on low-line areas. Members of the public are also advised to secure their garbage and to use the 24-hour drop-off site at the entrance of the George Town landfill which will remain open to facilitate the disposal of small amounts of waste from residential customers, if necessary.

DEH Director, Mr. Richard Simms highlighted the importance of taking the necessary steps to get ready and finalize all preparedness plans and secure all properties. “Debris reduction is critical to limit the potential damage to properties during any natural disasters. It also reduces the amount of debris generated by any severe weather and makes the following clean-up efficient. We all have a role to play”, said Mr Simms adding that homeowners are responsible for ensuring that their properties are clear from all debris and flying objects.

Here are some tips to prevent debris from any form of severe weather:

·         Cut back all trees and weak branches that make contact with buildings.

·         Thin your foliage so wind can flow freely through branches, decreasing the chance that trees/plants will be uprooted.

·         Clean your yard of any items that could become missiles in a storm such as broken lawn furniture, etc.

·         For any items that can’t be stored indoors, be sure they are tightly secured

·         Tie down trash bin lids so they can’t blow open with strong winds

·         Arrange transportation of your vegetation and construction debris to the landfills, as well as any bulk waste.

Members of the public are also encouraged to use the 24-hour drop-off site at the entrance of the George Town landfill which will remain open to facilitate the disposal of small amounts of waste from residential customers, if necessary.

However, once a storm is expected to landfall within 48 hours, DO NOT do any major yard work or cut down trees or vegetation as mass cutting places a tremendous burden on the normal solid waste collection and disposal process. DO NOT begin or continue construction projects that produce debris unless absolutely necessary to protect life and property.

As part of the Hurricane Preparedness Plan for the current hurricane season, temporary debris sites have been identified by the Initial Clearance and Debris Management (ICDM) Committee chaired by the DEH. The location of these temporary sites will be announced as it becomes necessary.

For additional information, please contact the DEH at 949-6696, email us at [email protected], visit the DEH’s website at www.gov.ky/deh  or message our Facebook page at https://bit.ly/3LEK55q