Preparing for hurricanes and tropical storms in the Caribbean requires a well-thought-out emergency checklist to ensure safety and minimise damage.
Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you get ready:
Before the Hurricane/Tropical Storm
Planning and Preparation
Emergency Contacts
- List of emergency phone numbers
(local authorities, family, friends, and emergency services). - Contact information for your insurance company and policy numbers.
Evacuation Plan
- Identify safe evacuation routes.
- Know the location of local shelters.
- Plan for the transportation of pets and livestock.
Family Communication Plan
- Establish a communication plan to stay in touch with family members.
- Ensure everyone knows where to meet if separated.
Emergency Kit
- Non-perishable food and water (at least three days' supply per person).
- First aid kit, medications, and essential medical supplies.
- Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
- Personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies.
- Important documents (ID, insurance policies, bank records) in a waterproof container.
- Cash in small denominations.
- Multi-tool, duct tape, and local maps.
- Extra clothing, blankets, and sturdy shoes.
Home Preparation
- Secure windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood.
- Reinforce the roof, garage doors, and other vulnerable parts of the house.
- Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding.
- Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of debris.
- Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and other items that could become projectiles.
- Check and secure propane tanks and other fuel sources.
Vehicle Preparation
- Keep your vehicle’s fuel tank full.
- Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition.
- Have a vehicle emergency kit
(jumper cables, flares, spare tire, etc.).
During the Hurricane/Tropical Storm
Safety Measures
- Stay Informed
- Monitor weather updates through a battery-powered radio, TV, or mobile apps.
- Stay Indoors.
- Stay in a secure, windowless room on the lowest level of your home.
- Avoid using electrical appliances and avoid taking showers or baths.
Evacuation
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Follow designated evacuation routes and avoid flooded roads.
Emergency Kit Accessibility
- Keep your emergency kit within reach.
After the Hurricane/Tropical Storm
Assessment and Recovery
Safety First
- Wait for official updates and clearance before returning home if evacuated.
- Avoid downed power lines, flooded areas, and unstable structures.
Damage Assessment
- Inspect your home for structural damage, gas leaks, and electrical hazards.
- Document any damage with photographs for insurance claims.
Communication
- Let family and friends know you are safe.
- Report power outages and downed power lines to local authorities.
Clean-Up
- Wear protective clothing, gloves, and boots during clean-up.
- Use proper equipment to remove debris safely.
- Disinfect and dry out affected areas to prevent mold growth.
Insurance Claims
- Contact your insurance company to report damage and start the claims process.
Mental Health
- Seek support if you experience stress or anxiety
after the storm.
Additional Considerations
Special Needs
- Ensure plans accommodate the needs of elderly family members, infants, and those with disabilities.
Pets
- Have a plan and supplies for pets, including food, water, and carrier or leash.
Community Involvement
- Stay connected with neighbors and local community groups for support and assistance.
By following this emergency checklist, you can ensure that you and your loved ones are as prepared as possible to face the challenges posed by hurricanes and tropical storms in the Caribbean.
We consistently maintaining standards, choice, availability and supply, to suit our unique region. And at ex-factory prices with consolidated shipping throughout the Caribbean, we will get your project moving quickly, safely and effectively to secure against or recover from damage.
Contact us today. Talk to our highly experienced sales staff
who will lead you through the process and discover
why we are ECMIL | The Steel of The Region
NB. This article is for general information purposes only and is meant as an incentive to the reader, who should then research and seek advice from their architectural and construction professionals to confirm that the ideas expressed are possible within the building codes of their territory or within the limitations of their home's architecture. ECMIL only recommends their own products and third party products which they supply, as part of their company's roofing solutions to customers.