action should Hurricane Gert wreak havoc to power lines.

The company began preparations for the storm several days ago by ensuring that all trucks were fully fuelled and stocked with essential repair equipment in readiness for mass call-outs.

And a company spokesman warned that, "if we do get damaging winds from Gert, it is important to recognise there could be major inconveniences''.

Belco crews spent the day cutting back trees along main power or high voltage lines and high impact areas. Three outside landscaping companies with tree cutting equipment were also drafted in to help with the work.

Yesterday Belco spokeswoman Robin McPhee said: "We are in a state of readiness -- our line crews are on alert, we have ensured that our fleet of trucks are fully fuelled and stocked with emergency equipment and that we have a complete inventory of equipment necessary for restoration.

"Should we begin to experience high winds later tonight, we suggest that customers who do not have surge protection equipment to unplug sensitive electronic equipment to avoid possible damage which could result during a power outage.

"Initially we recommend that you un-plug computers, printers, fax machines, microwave ovens, VCR's televisions and other equipment containing microchips.

"When you are unplugging your television remember to also disconnect your cable service as there could be damage to your equipment from lightning.

"Should we be unfortunate and experience the severe high winds associated with Hurricane Gert, we do expect to experience some power outages.

"It is important that customers remember not to call Belco to report a power outage during the storm as our crews are limited in what they can do in hurricane conditions. Also we would like to keep our telephone lines free for emergency and life-threatening situations.

"Engineers stationed in our control room will monitor the situation by computer so that we are aware when large areas lose power. In the initial stages after the storm, restoration of power would begin with emergency services, essential services and large areas first.

"In the initial stages after the storm strikes the most important thing would be individual and overall public safety. At any time, if you see lines down, do not touch them as you may not be able to tell whether they are live. If you do see live wires, pole fires or other emergency situations, call BELCO on 955 immediately.

The island's glazing firms were yesterday gearing up for a storm of business.

Jim Thatcher of Island Glass said: "We've had a lot of calls in for roller shutters.

"And people are buying a lot of plexiglass to cover their windows -- the phone's been ringing off the hook.'' Mr. Thatcher added: "We have a vast inventory but we did place a lot of orders in anticipation. We'll be ready.'' Bermuda Glass spokesman John Woolgar said his firm had taken a rush of late inquiries for metal roller shutters as well.

He added: "People have also been asking us to sort out existing shutters on their houses.'' Mr. Woolgar added that his workforce would remain at their homes tomorrow and call in on cellular phones for advice.

He said: "We'll have everything in the shop buttoned up -- there's no point in letting the trucks out to get smashed up.'' Mr. Woolgar added: "If the hurricane hits hard, we'll be very busy. Our intent is for all our people to stay at home, but basically they will work from there.'' Insurance firms Freisenbruch Meyer and Harnett & Richardson have issued special emergency numbers in case phones are cut off by hurricane weather.

Clients can contact the firm either on the usual number 296-3000 or the special numbers 292-7503 and 292-7506 if the regular service is out of order.

Clients of Diamond Company and the Lister Insurance Agency can also use the special numbers.

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