Risk Assessment

• Understand the hurricane risks in your area including potential flood zones and historical hurricane paths. You may contact the Office of Emergency Management about community evacuation plans.
• Establish warning, evacuation and facility shutdown procedures. Make plans for assisting employees who may need transportation.
• Hurricane Watch: If a hurricane is predicted to come to the island within 24 to 36 hours, tune to local radio and television stations for additional information as an evacuation may be necessary.
• Hurricane Warning: A hurricane will strike land within 24 hours. Take precautions at once and evacuate immediately if advised.
• Plan to protect windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection. As a second option, cover windows with 5/8” marine plywood.
• Consider the need for backup systems: Portable pumps to remove floodwater, alternate power sources, such as generators or gasoline-powered pumps (Not in enclosed spaces), battery-powered emergency lighting.
• Prepare to move documents, computers and other items within your facility to another location.
• Be aware of the hurricane categories.

What are the hurricane categories?

Hurricanes are categorized using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their sustained wind speeds. Here are the categories:

1. Category 1:

• Wind speeds: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
• Damage: Very dangerous winds will produce some damage. Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters.

1. Category 2:

• Wind speeds: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
• Damage: Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage. Risk of injury and death from flying and falling debris is possible.

1. Category 3 (Major):

• Wind speeds: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)
• Damage: Devastating damage will occur. There is a high risk of injury or death due to airborne debris. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.

1. Category 4 (Major):

• Wind speeds: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)
• Damage: Catastrophic damage will occur. Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls.

1. Category 5 (Major):

• Wind speeds: 157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher)
• Damage: Catastrophic damage will occur. High percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Most areas will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

These categories help to assess the potential damage and necessary precautions for affected areas.

Emergency Kit

These are items that you will need in your emergency kit.

• Drinking water- Stock up on drinking water to last three to five days at least.
• Food- Purchase non-perishable food along with a manual can opener, enough for at least five days. Keep disposable cutlery, cups and plates. Examples of non-perishable items include:
  • Drinking water
  • Dry cereal
  • Canned fruits
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned juice
  • Canned beans
  • Peanut Butter
  • Bread
  • Apples
  • Oranges
  • Crackers
  • Nuts
  • Granola and energy bars
  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Seasoning
  • Oats

• Batteries, lights- Keep enough batteries to power a flashlight and portable radio. Also, a solar-powered light is handy in providing a renewable power source for your mobile phone or radio. Keep a sufficient supply of candles, lighters and matches and store in a dry place.
• First aid kit- This should contain whatever essential medicine your family needs such as pain killers, allergy medication, asthma inhalers, bandages, antibacterial salve, sleep aids, nausea medication etc. Take extra care for persons needing special medication such as diabetics. Women should keep feminine items such as maxi pads or tampons as well as personal hygiene items.
• Documents-Make sure to have your original documents in a small safe or waterproof, portable container which you can take with you at a moment’s notice. This should contain essential documents such as birth certificates, passports, health cards, legal and financial documents. It is also handy to keep some emergency cash in case banks or ATMS are temporarily inaccessible
• Tool-It might be handy to have basic tools for any quick repairs, such as wrenches and pliers, screwdrivers and other items such as duct tape and perhaps a small sewing kit. If you can, keep an extra gas tank and a two-hob stove for preparing quick meals and boiling drinking water.
• Clothes-Keep a few items of clean clothes such as jeans, shirts, warm clothing, underwear, shoes and socks. Waterproof jackets, umbrellas and rain boots are also good to have. 
• Emergency information– Have emergency contact numbers close so you can access updates or receive help quickly.

Evacuation Plan

Identify evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go. Avoid waiting until the hurricane has landed before evacuating. Ensure all family members are aware of the plan and practice it regularly.  Know the location of local shelters and have a plan for pets, as not all shelters accept animals. Also, if you are a motorist, check that you have a full tank of petrol before you leave your residence.

For persons who live in Bridgetown, here are the eight shelters to consider.