Premier Michael Dunkley spoke about Bermuda’s experiences with hurricanes and the steps the Island takes to prepare for a severe weather event at the 29th Governor’s Hurricane Conference in Orlando, Florida, yesterday.

Mr Dunkley, who is the Chairman of the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO), also highlighted the important role that Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance entities play in the recovery effort of global disasters.

“Hurricanes are a fact of life for Bermudians,” Mr Dunkley said. “We are a small island, just 21 square miles in size, and our geographic isolation has meant that for most of our 400-year history we have been left to our own devices.

“We do not have the option of evacuating with the approach of storms, and so, over time, we have built a unique infrastructure that is, generally speaking, hurricane resistant.”

Mr Dunkley added that beyond the Island’s physical development, Bermudians themselves are a savvy people, who are quite proud of the way they handle hurricanes.

“Perhaps the most important component of Bermuda’s hurricane know-how is the need to remain alert for new ways to better ready the Island for the next big storm and the recovery that always must follow.”

Mr Dunkley spoke about the advent of improved weather forecasting and the 24-hour news cycle that makes alerting the public to danger much easier. He also spoke about using text message alerts to spread information quickly, the importance of the EMO in readying the Island for an emergency and the need to reposition assets across the Island accordingly.

“Coordinating this readiness effort is a critical element of how we manage to lessen the blow of severe storms,” Mr Dunkley said.

In terms of recovery, Mr Dunkley said: “We are an Island destination that has an affluent population, a discerning visitor and worldwide connections. We must get up and running fast.”

He explained that the EMO’s main priorities after a storm focus on electricity restoration, clearing main roads, assessing damage to private homes, clearing the airport runway and structurally assessing the Causeway, because attention to these five areas immediately sets the Island on a path to recovery.

Mr Dunkley also spoke about Bermuda’s resilience when faced with hurricanes and the Island’s ability to contribute to the relief of global disasters.

“We are the beneficiaries of our history, of lessons learnt across centuries and of our commitment to remain vigilant and prepared,” Mr Dunkley said.

“The record shows that Bermuda-based insurers possess the capability and capacity to help when help is needed most,” he added.