Severe weather could be harmful to you and your TORTOLA RENTALS, hearing the hurricane warning messages and preparing in advance can prevent injuries or major damage to property.

BEFORE

* Know where your emergency shelters are – You can contact the nations disaster office to get details about the nearest shelters.

* Have disaster supplies available

Torch and additional batteries

Portable, battery-operated radio and additional batteries

Emergency first aid kit

Non-perishable (canned food) and water

Non-electric can opener

Essential medications

Cash and charge cards

Sturdy footwear

* Safeguard your home windows

Permanent wooden shutters are the most useful protection. A less expensive approach would be to set up plywood sections. Use 1/2 inch plywood–marine plywood is better–cut to the size of each window. Make sure to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do that well in advance of the storm.

* Trim back tree branches

Trim branches so that they are a safe distance from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees around your property.

* Look at your house and Car Insurance

Make sure guidelines are valid and coverage is suitable.

* Make plans for pets

Pets might not be permitted into emergency shelters for health insurance and space reasons. Speak to your local humane society for info on animal animal shelters.

* Create an urgent situation communication plan

Make certain that your family get sound advice. Train family members when and how to shut off gas, electricity, and water. Train children when and how to call police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. In case anybody is separated from one another throughout a tragedy (this is a real risk in daytime hours when parents are at work and children are at school). Make a plan for how to find each other again.

Hurricane Watches and Alerts

A hurricane watch is released when there’s a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hrs. A hurricane warning is released when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 mph or greater, or precariously high water and rough seas) are required in 24 hrs or less.

Throughout A HURRICANE WATCH

* Pay attention to radio stations or television for hurricane progress reviews.

* Check emergency supplies.

* Fuel vehicle.

* Move outside items into the house such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that can’t be taken inside.

* Secure structures by closing and boarding up windows.

* Remove outdoors antennas and satellite dishes.

* Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Open only if essential and shut rapidly.

* Store clean drinking water in clean jugs, bottles, and cooking items.

During A HURRICANE WARNING

* If it is necessary to evacuate your house, secure home and visit the nearest shelter.

* Take blankets and sleeping-bags to shelter.

* Listen constantly to the radio and television for official instructions.

*Store all belongings and important papers in the most safe and secure part of your home.

* Stay inside, keeping away from windows and glass doors

* Have a flashlight with extra batteries on hand. Avoid naked flames, for example candle lights and oil lamps, for light.

* If energy is lost, switch off major home appliances to lessen energy ‘surge’ when electricity is restored.