Workers are busy erecting shutters on Government buildings and hurricane shelters around

Grand Cayman this morning (Wednesday, 6 May 2015).

Although no hurricane is presently approaching the Cayman Islands, this annual exercise allows staff of the Public Works Department (PWD) and the National Roads Authority (NRA) to prepare for the hurricane season – which commences on 1 June.

Similar shuttering dry-runs have been held for the last 27 years. PWD and NRA teams with specific responsibilities will move around Grand Cayman to protect over 100 Government facilities and buildings (including 16 hurricane shelters). Standby generators will be started and cistern water levels checked.  A similar plan will take place in the Sister Islands at a later date.

On completion of the exercise, inspectors will examine the buildings to certify that the facilities were adequately secured. Some statutory authorities are also participating in the exercise by shuttering their own facilities.

Members of the public are encouraged to review their own home-protection plans, and should consider the following at a minimum:

o   Materials to cover windows and glass doors (usually plywood or purpose built aluminium shutters).

o   Where these materials will be obtained, and how will they be installed? (Once a hurricane warning has been issued it is often too late, as these materials are in limited supply on-Island).

o   Is your home a safe place to stay in the event of a hurricane? If not, whether you will stay with a friend, relative, workplace or in a hurricane shelter?  (Note that hurricane shelter spaces are limited; staying in a hurricane shelter should be a last resort).

For additional information on this exercise please contact the Public Works Department at 949 2547.