Preparing for the Storm

With the entire family develop a complete action plan. This plan should include evacuation procedures and preparation tips for both inside and outside the house.

Preparation

• Develop a complete “Hurricane Kit”. Stock up on emergency supplies including a first aid kit, batteries, flashlights, matches, candles, fire extinguisher, sterno, fuel, sand and a bucket and rope (for gathering fresh water from your tank).
• Stock up on canned/dry foods that require little preparation and cooking (make sure that you have a mechanical can opener).
• Sterilize and fill jugs, bottles, etc. with drinking water; fill the bathtub to enable flushing of the toilets.
• Pet owners should stock up on pet food also.
• Check on supply of necessary medications.
• Put important documents in waterproof container.
• If necessary, withdraw some cash from the bank.
• Unplug any appliances, computers, televisions and equipment that may be susceptible to power spikes or surges.
• Make sure that animals are kept indoors where possible.
• Charge your mobile phone(s).
• Keep your (battery powered) radio tuned to local stations or the Government Emergency Broadcast Facility (FM 100.1 MHz) for continuous weather updates.

Buildings

• Secure storm shutters and/or tape or board up windows. Apply masking tape in “X”s in your windows – this will not stop anything from breaking, but it may help keep the glass from shattering.
• Remove or secure awnings.
• Plug water tank roof drains with rags or other suitable items to prevent ingress of leaves and other debris into the tank during the storm. BE AWARE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR WATER TO OVERFLOW FROM ROOF AREAS AND CAUSE FLOOD DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE. DO NOT BLOCK DRAINS WHICH COULD GIVE RISE TO THIS SITUATION.
• Make sure roof down pipes are fitted with securely installed strainers.
• If you have a garage, brace garage doors from the inside.
• Disconnect propane gas tank and turn off main gas line.

Children's Checklist

Before & During the Storm: How to cope with and keep children relaxed.

During a severe storm or hurricane, children can become very scared. Plan on speaking to them about the storm a day to a day-and-a-half before the storm arrives. A very important factor however, is to remain calm and upbeat. If you are scared, your children will sense it and a child’s fears may intensify.

Also, be sure to explain in detail what storms or hurricanes can do. The more the child knows about safety precautions, the more confident they will be during the storm.

Get your child involved in preparing the hurricane kit or plan of action. When stocking supplies, allow them to choose food items they enjoy.

When a storm hits, stress to the child the importance of being on their best behaviour. During the storm, sing songs or play games to keep them occupied and to relieve some stress.

After the Storm

Listen to either the local stations or the Government Broadcasting Channel for further information including the possible necessity for sterilising drinking water.

• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or infirmly.
• Report any physical injuries, fallen trees or downed power lines to the necessary organisations and fully cooperate with Disaster Relief efforts.
• DO NOT drive unless absolutely necessary.
• DO NOT go sightseeing; you may interfere with rescue work and also put yourself at risk.
• If you must drive, keep watch for debris, dangling wires and fallen trees.
• If power is off, DO NOT open your fridge or freezer unless necessary.
• Before starting clean-up, take pictures of damage, inside and out. They will be important documentation for any insurance claim
• Make an accurate assessment of damage to your property (home, vehicles, boats, etc.).
• Secure your property as best as you can.
• Sterilise or boil drinking water drawn from tanks until you are satisfied that it is not polluted.
• Report damage to your insurance company so that they may be aware of claims and can advise you on corrective actions. Remember, taking photos of the damage can be very helpful.

Emergency Contacts & Shelters

Emergency Contacts

911
POLICE, FIRE,
AMBULANCE,
MARINE RESCUE

955
BELCO (Power Outage)
295-1001
BTC (Repair Service)

297-1010
Rescue Coordination Centre
(Harbour Radio)

FM 100.1 MHz
Government Emergency Broadcasting Channel

The Emergency Measures Organization will determine which shelters will be opened based on the specific circumstances of the disaster. The Emergency Shelters identified for use for the public will be announced in the Emergency Broadcast Station, FM 100.1 MHz once they have been arranged. If you need to evacuate your home take your pre-assembled emergency supplies with you to the nearest Emergency Shelter.

Emergency Medical Centers

King Edward VIII Hospital 

7 Point Finger Rd, Paget DV 04, Bermuda

Phone: (441) 239 2009

In emergencies where the Causeway Bridge is closed, medical coverage for the East End community will be carried out by the Lamb Foggo, Urgent Care Centre located at 1, Hall Street, Southside, St Georges, (between the Police Station and the building that used to house White’s Supermarket).  The hours of operation are Monday to Friday 4pm to midnight, Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to midnight.  During severe weather, these hours might be extended.

Urgent Care Centre (441) 298 7700

Hurricane Shelter

There is one approved pre-hurricane shelter:

Cedarbridge Academy
Cedarbridge Academy Gymnasium
1 Cedarbridge Lane
Prospect DV 02

There are other school and church sites that may be used as Emergency Shelters in the case of a disaster. The EMO will determine which sites will be opened based on the specific circumstances of the disaster. A management team of trained public officers and volunteers are in charge of the shelters.

What to Take to the Emergency Shelter

Shelters usually open their doors to the public during the warning stage of the hurricane.

Do take:

• 3-4 days supply of food that does not need cooking;
• Can opener;
• 3-4 days supply of water (one gallon per day per person);
• First aid kit that includes prescription medications;
• Special needs items for infants (formula, bottles, diapers);
• Special needs items for elderly or disabled family members;
• Bedding (sleeping bags, pillows);
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries;
• Change of clothes;
• Extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash;
• Passports and important family papers;
• Reading materials and quiet games to help pass time and keep children occupied;
• Car charger for your cell phone.

Do not take:

• Pets;
• Cigarettes, other tobacco products or illegal drugs;
• Alcohol;
• Weapons;
• Cooking equipment;
• Furniture.

Cots and air mattresses may not be allowed because of limited space.