Hurricane Preparation Tips From Argus Group

The hurricane preparation tips below were provided by the Argus Group:

What to do before the storm

• Secure or bring inside all outdoor objects that could be blown around by high winds: BBQ, garbage cans, lawn furniture
• Check on your elderly neighbours
• Stock up on drinking water, canned goods, manual can opener and non-perishable foods
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of your prescription drugs
• Listen to Government Emergency Broadcast Station on FM 100.1 mHz
• Fill your bathtubs and buckets with water to flush toilets
• Make sure your portable radio is working. Stock up on extra batteries
• Check that your flashlights are in working order and that you have enough bulbs and batteries
• Locate your emergency candles and matches
• When using candles, guard against fire by keeping a bucket of sand to absorb small fires or smother flammable liquids
• Plug downpipes on the roof to prevent salt water contamination if you can easily do so without causing personal injury
• Close your shutters/blinds or board up your windows. If you do not have appropriate supplies, apply masking tape in the shape of an “X” on your windows. This may stop the glass from shattering
• Charge your cell phone
• Fill your car and/or bike with gas
• Park cars away from the house and large trees
• Unplug electrical appliances
• Secure your boat, check the up-chain and bridle of your boat mooring. Don’t use nylon bridles as they can rub through
• Fill your cooler with ice
• Ensure you have some sturdy working gloves and large trash bags
• Bring in all pets with plenty of time to spare
• Have a household fire extinguisher at hand
• Ensure you have full insurance on your possessions. Don’t wait until after a major storm is forecast to hit the island
• Ensure all insurance premiums for home and contents are paid

What to do during the storm

• Do not take unnecessary risks and stay away from windows and sliding glass doors
• Listen to the radio for updates (playing a board game can help pass the time)
• Open one window a couple of inches on the leeward side of the building away from the approaching storm
• If the ‘eye’ passes directly over the island remember to switch windows, as the winds will return from the opposite direction

What to do after the storm

• Clear your driveway and street (do not clear debris if power lines are down)
• Check on your elderly neighbours
• Listen to the radio to find out how best to proceed
• If you have sustained damage contact your insurer as soon as possible. To help with the assessment of your damage, take photographs and create an inventory of the damage
• Obtain estimates, but do not be rushed into signing repair contracts. Deal with reputable contractors
• Never pay the entire amount before repairs are completed. Reputable contractors will not demand huge down payments and get a receipt for everything

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