Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes are classified into five categories, based on their wind speeds and potential to cause damage:

• Category One - Winds 74-95 miles per hour
• Category Two - Winds 96 - 110 miles per hour
• Category Three - Winds 111 - 130 miles per hour
• Category Four - Winds 131 - 155 miles per hour
• Category Five - Winds greater than 155 miles per hour

• Check to be certain that your emergency equipment is in good working order.
• Store water, food and essential medicines
• Have enough supplies for at least two (2) weeks.
• Obtain and store materials to protect your home.
• Review your insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage.
• Keep a list of prescribed medications for elderly relatives and friends and be sure to include them in your plans.
• Have a flashlight with batteries handy.
• have a battery operated radio available.
• Have a First Aid Kit handy.
• Pick fruits and trim trees if near house.
• Plan for evacaution
• Listen to the weather reports on radio and television.

• Remain calm and provide assurance to children and elderly
• In cases where your house is damaged and the main switch is still on, it is always wise to switch it off. Ideally, you should do so before the hurricane.
• Where there are heavy lightning flashes, avoid getting into contact with metal objects. Stay out of th shower or bath during ALL storms.
• Avoid going outdoors until the "all clear" is given.

• Assist in search and rescue.
• Seek medical attention for persons injured.
• Clean up debris and effect temporary repairs.
• Report damage to utilities.
• Assist in road clearance
• Watch out for secondary hazards, fire, flooding, etc.
• Assistin community response efforts.
• Avoid sightseeing.
• Co-operate with Damage Assessors.
• Avoid getting into contact with lines lying on the ground
• Report to the Grenada Electricity Services (GRENLEC) all damaged or broken poles/wires etc. which may be seen in your area, as soon as possible.

1. Rely ONLY on official bulletins from radio and TV - do not use the telephone.
2. Use storm shutters or board up windows securely. Protect outward doors.
3. Check that oil and gas stoves are in working order; replenish stock of kerosene, charcoal and gas.
4. Sterilize baths, all containers and cooking utensils to store water. If in doubt, drink boiled or treated water only.
5. Store all garden implements and furniture in an enclosed, sheltered area.
6. If youa re evacuating, leave early so that you are not stranded by flooded roads, fallen trees, wires and traffic jams. Make sure you ahve enough fuel in your vehicle.
7. If there is a lull after the 'eye' of the storm has passed, stay in place, except to make emergency repairs. The wind may return suddenly with even greater strength.
8. Since 90% of hurricane casualties occur from drowning, you must evacuate low lying areas, beaches and other vulnerable locations as early as possible.
9. Those seeking shelter should shut off water, gas and electricity before leaving home.
10. Secure your boat well before the storm arrives, or move it to a designated safe area early. Make emergency repairs.
11. Pets are not allowed at shelters therefore you will need to make arrangements for the safety of your pets.

• Battery operated radio
• Flashlights
• Extra Batteries
• Canned or packaged foods, milk and beverages (two weeks non-perishable food supply)
• Can opener (non-electric)
• Matches
• Eating utensils (disposable cups, plates, forks, etc.)
• Baby food, diapers and formula

• Extra prescription medicine
• Bottled Water (7 gallons per person)
• Protable cooler
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• First Aid kit
• Cash
• Toileteries (toilet pepar, soap, disinfectant, sanitary napkins, etc.)
• Important documents (Voters ID, passport, insurance certificates etc.)
• Bleach (unscented without additives)