Don’t be alarmed if you see hurricane shutters being installed on Government buildings and hurricane shelters on Grand Cayman this Wednesday, 4 May 2016. On that day the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Roads Authority (NRA) will conduct their annual shuttering exercise in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season, which begins 1 June.

On Grand Cayman, PWD and NRA employees will carry out the exercise, which mirrors their activities in the event of an actual hurricane threat. Teams with specific responsibilities will shutter-up and protect more than 100 Government complexes and buildings, as well as 16 hurricane shelters.

They will start standby generators in key government buildings and shelters and check cistern water-levels.

Once the shelters and buildings are secured, inspectors will examine them to certify that all facilities are adequately prepared.

This is the 29^th year that a dry-run has been conducted here.

Similarly, in the Sister Islands, the District Administration’s Annual Hurricane (Shuttering) Exercise will be held on Friday, May 6.

Home-and business-owners should also consider emergency plans. Officials also encourage members of the public to review their home-protection plans before the start of the season – which is just a few weeks away.

Residents are encouraged to consider the following questions, at a minimum:

1. Do you have materials (usually plywood or purpose-built aluminium shutters) ready to cover windows and glass doors in the event of a hurricane threat?
2. Where will these materials be obtained; and when and how will they be installed? In the event of a storm it is often too late to consider this step, for once a “Hurricane Warning” has been issued these materials are in high demand and often in very short supply.
3. Is your home a safe place to stay during a hurricane?

If it is near the sea, or it is of poor construction, then the home is not safe in this situation.

You will then need to determine where would you stay – in the home of a friend or relative; at your workplace; or in a public hurricane shelter?

Staying in a hurricane shelter should be considered a last resort, as shelters will be crowded and uncomfortable. Due to limited space in the shelters, you should make every effort to stay in the safe home of a friend or relative, or at your workplace.

For additional hurricane-preparation information, please contact the Public Works Department at 949-2547. To learn more about national hurricane preparations, visit the Hazzard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) “Cayman Prepared” website at www.caymanprepared.gov.ky – or call 945-4624.

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IMAGE: ialert.com