|
The Hurricane
Season has begun. Hurricanes are all
too familiar to persons living in our region. These storms bring strong
winds, rain and exaggerated tidal surge that leave devastating results
including property damage and loss of life.
Make sure to
purchase some of necessary items listed below in an effort to avoid
shortages or a last
minute rush to local stores.
All
Churches are asked to form special Dispatch Teams to assist their
elderly, sick, and shut in members who might need help in the event of a
storm.
Community Services Director
The following was taken from The Grand Bahama Weekly, May 25, 2006
Are you Ready?
[May 25, 2006] "The official estimate for storms this year could be as
high as 16 named storms, with eight to 10 becoming hurricanes;
four to six of those could become "major" hurricanes (Category 3
or higher). Are you paying attention now? While these predictions
do not exceed last year's record breaking activity (28 named
storms, 15 hurricanes and seven major hurricanes) we should all begin--this
weekend--to get ready.
Do you have hurricane shutters? If yes, inspect them. If not,
contact a reliable and experienced local supplier and request an
inspection and estimate; place an order immediately as materials are
already scarce and backorders are likely. Inspect and test run your
generator; if you don't have one start looking for one; many local
stores carry them at reasonable prices, including a warranty. Begin to
plan food supplies, and you can even begin buying foodstuffs that
have a long shelf-life like long-term carton milk, bottled water and
canned goods. Cut back trees from your home, especially those
near windows and porches. Contact GB Power if there are trees close to
power or other utility lines serving your house.
Do you live within a half-mile of the shore? Talk to friends or family
that live inland and ask if you can relocate to their home if a
storm threatens. If that is not an option, find out where the closest
official hurricane shelter is located (hopefully we'll soon see
shelter locations listed in the local media).
Exchange phone numbers (get updated cell numbers!) with close
family and friends.
But above all, get educated. Last year's devastating
Hurricane Wilma was even more significant because many residents were
simply not aware of just how badly it would affect Grand Bahama. Learn
how to interpret projected path maps and be sure to respond early
to warnings; do not wait too late and be that family that we hear talked
about on the radio that is trying to find safe shelter while the winds
wail. Begin today to plan, learn and prepare."
|
