Important Hurricane Safety Tips & Preparedness Procedures

Its the season my friend, and so it is critically important that we follow these hurricane safety tips.

Please read, note the recommendations, and then share with your friends or family members you think might be at risk of a tropical storm or hurricane.

At the start of the hurricane season:

1. Check thoroughly the roof of your house, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches and repair where necessary.
2. Make sure that galvanized sheeting on the roof of your house is properly fastened.
3. Keep in stock extra plastic bags and sheets of plastic. Plastic is essential to prevent important documents, paintings, equipment and furniture from getting wet.
4. Keep handy a supply of lumber, plywood, timber, etc. for battening down purposes.
5. Trim trees that touch power lines or hang over the house and other buildings.
6. Make sure that emergency cooking facilities such as coal stoves are in good working condition as these may be necessary
7. Make sure you have a supply of kerosene and coal. Keep coal dry by wrapping in a plastic bag or other waterproof material.
8. Latch down securely all small buildings in the yard such as outdoor kitchens, pit latrines, tool sheds, barns, etc.
9. Store extra food, especially things that can be eaten without cooking or which need very little preparation. Electricity may be off during a hurricane, leaving you without refrigeration.
10. Place emergency food supply in a waterproof container and store in a closed box, cupboard or trunk.
11. Make sure you have emergency equipment in your home. These include water-boots, raincoats, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, kerosene lamps and matches. Have simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, bandages, eye lotion, etc. at home.

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During a hurricane…

1. Do not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary. When the winds get very strong, you are in danger of being hit by flying objects.
2. Children should not be taken outside, since they may be in danger of being blown away.
3. If you are away from home, remain where you are until the hurricane has passed. Many people have lost their lives trying to go from one place to another.
4. Keep a hurricane lamp burning, as it may make the night more tolerable.
5. If the house shows signs of breaking up, stay under a table or stand in a sturdy closet.
6. Be prepared for material falling from the ceiling.
7. If your glass windows have not been boarded up, place a large heavy object in front of the window to protect yourself and others from splintering glass.
8. Be calm! Your ability to act logically is important.
9. Listen to the radio for information on what is happening.
   
   

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After the hurricane…

1. Seek medical attention at first-aid stations, hospitals or clinics for persons injured during the storm.
2. Do not touch loose or dangling electrical wires. Report these to the power company, the nearest police station or parish council.
3. Report broken sewer or water mains directly to the parish council, the public works department or water resources authority for your area.
4. Water which has been stored should not be used immediately after the storm for washing houses, cars and watering gardens until normal water services have been restored.
5. Do not empty water stored in bathtubs or other receptacles until safe drinking water is restored.
6. Boil all drinking water until you are sure that a safe water supply has been restored.
7. Watch out for fallen trees. Collect fallen branches and other debris and pile them where they can be easily collected.
8. Do not go outside barefooted. Avoid wearing open shoes and watch out for broken glass.
   
   

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Your Hurricane Survival Kits

Survival Kit 1: Water

1. Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles.
2. Store one gallon of water per person per day.
3. Keep at least a seven-day supply of water for each person in your household.
   
   Do not forget water for your pets. They are also members of your family, if you have any.

Survival Kit 2: Food

Store at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation of cooking and little or no water. These types of foods include:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices
• Crackers
• Jams

Survival Kit 3: First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit should include:

• Adhesive bandages in all sizes
• Sterile gauze pads
• A small pair of scissors
• Needle and thread
• Assorted safety pins
• A supply of prescription medication, if you are taking any
• A supply of non-prescription medications such as over-the-counter painkillers
• Alcohol
• Cotton

Survival Kit 4: Tools and Supplies

• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Candles
• Lanterns (Home Sweet Home lamps)
• Flash lights, one per person, with extra batteries for each
• Cash
• Can opener
• Utility knife
• Plastic sheeting to protect valuable documents, etc.

Survival Kit 5: Sanitation

• Toilet paper
• Soap
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene products
• Plastic garbage bags
• Plastic bucket with a tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household bleach
• New! Face masks for use in public (particularly relative to the pandemic)

Survival Kit 6: Clothing and Bedding

• Include at least three complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
• Sturdy shoes or work boots.
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
  
  

That's it! To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Be safe!

Please remember to share this article, using the social media links below, with your friends and family to help then stay safe.

Watch Video! When Is The Hurricane Season In Jamaica

Other Pages Related To Hurricane Safety

• Hurricane Dean 2007 in Jamaica
  
• Weather in Kingston
  

Return to Current Events in Jamaica from Hurricane Safety Tips.
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