From Hazard Management

The Cayman Islands are vulnerable to a number of different hazards including hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and floods, but with the beginning of the hurricane season right around the corner (June 1st), it is especially important that residents are ready for the hurricane threat. In past hurricanes (such as Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Paloma) many residents lost passports, photographs, computers and even their vehicles. In some cases people were hungry and thirsty in the days immediately following the impact. With proper planning most of these hardships and losses could have been avoided.

Unfortunately when a hurricane threatens there is a lot to do and many important decisions to be made. If you leave things to the last minute there really is only time to scramble to gather some vital supplies (if there are any left in the stores). So prepare now:

Here are some of the most critical supplies to have on hand, well before a hurricane threatens:

At least a 3-day and preferably a 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day)

Non-perishable food

A battery operated radio

Formula, diapers, and other baby supplies

Manual can opener

First aid kit

Prescription and non-prescription medicines

Toiletries

Cell phones and battery-powered cell phone chargers

Battery-powered radios and flashlights

Plenty of batteries

Extra cash

Blankets, sleeping bags, books, and games (especially if evacuating)

During a hurricane, and possibly for days or even weeks afterward, electricity and other utilities might not be available. Debris and/or water might block the roads, preventing vehicles from getting in our out of your neighborhood. Help might not reach you for days after the hurricane, so you’ll need to be completely self-sufficient during that period. Hurricanes can bring torrential rain, flooding, storm surges and devastating winds that damage homes, destroy treasured keepsakes and disrupt family life. You don’t have to be blown away when a hurricane hits. It’s never too early to prepare and you can take several basic steps right now to protect your family and your home from disaster.

Come to a decision about:

Where do you plan to ride out a hurricane?

Where are you going to keep your pets during a hurricane?

Where will you store your car during a hurricane?

Also:

Test emergency equipment such as generators and flashlights

Trim trees that could fall on your roof

Check shutters are working properly

Review insurance coverage for your home and business and determine your flood insurance eligibility. Also review your home owner’s insurance policy periodically with your insurance agent or company representative to make sure you have sufficient coverage to rebuild your life and home after a hurricane.

Red Cross offers hurricane tips for preparedness week

By John DiMaria From Timesleader

The American Red Cross marks National Hurricane Preparedness Week, which runs through May 31, with reminders of safety steps that people can take before tropical storms or hurricanes threaten.

The Atlantic and Caribbean Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

Hurricanes are powerful and dangerous storms. They can bring heavy rains that cause major flooding, destructive winds that down power lines, uproot trees and damage homes and storm surges that travel several miles inland, destroying everything in their path.

As hurricane season approaches, it is important to know the difference between the threat levels, the Red Cross says.

• A Hurricane Watch is when conditions are a threat within 48 hours. It’s time to review your hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is issued, and stay informed.

• A Hurricane Warning is when conditions are expected within 36 hours. It’s then time to complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Now is the time for families and individuals to build an emergency kit and create an evacuation plan.

The free Red Cross Hurricane App puts real time information on hurricane safety at your fingertips. This app, which has more than 970,000 downloads, is a must have for anyone who lives in an area where a hurricane may strike or has loved ones who do.

The Hurricane App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross. Learn more about all of the Red Cross mobile apps at redcross.org/mobileapps. Learn more about hurricane preparedness at redcross.org.

For more on this story go to: http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news-news/1422076/Red-Cross-offers-hurricane-tips-for-preparedness-week

See attachment for all the hurricane names 2014.