Are you blown away? Hurricane season begins!

Author : teriann

It’s that time again!

Well for some it’s a time to begin to worry and start counting how much money they will have to spend. June 1 is the official start to the hurricane season.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak  occurring between mid-August and late October, this means that everyone is on high alert as they make their preparations.

Hurricane Preparations

Hurricanes can cause loss of life and severe damage to property along coastlines and can extend several hundred miles inland. The extent of damage depends on the wind intensity of the storm and  the amount and duration of rainfall.

Jamaica has certainly has its fair share of storms over the years, and each year we brace for the storm season. This season some meteorologists suggest that it will be more active than in previous years. Whether this proves to be true or not, we need to expect the best but prepare for the worst.

Preparations for hurricane involve things that must be done before, during and after the hurricane. Let’s focus on what must be done before a hurricane.

Before the Storm

Before a hurricane occurs, it is important that you reduce the risk of damage to structures from winds and flooding. This includes strengthening the building’s outer shell—including the doors, windows, walls, and roof.

Ensure that you remove or secure all objects and non-building structures, as well as clearing the outside areas around the building. This involves cutting limbs that are overhanging the roof of your home as these may collapse on your home.

Stock up on items

Instead of the rush on supermarkets when a storm is on its way, why not stock up on tinned items and other perishable food items? It is also a good idea to store water in covered clean containers. Batteries, candles and matches are a staple during this time so they can be purchased ahead of the storm.  This will alleviate any additional stress of finding extra funds that will be needed over a period of time.

It is also important to have additional medication and a first aid kit as you would be unable to have access to health care during the storm. Collect items for the first aid kit over a period of time as it would be more expensive than if  you were to purchase them all at once.

Things to Know

You should know your evacuation routes; plan your transportation and identify a place to stay. To ensure that you will be able to act quickly should the need arise, you need to plan ahead.  It is important to know your community’s local hurricane evacuation plan especially if you live in a high risk area.

So are you ready for the season?

Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

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