storm affects the Island.

Mock warnings of "Hurricane Kristie's'' approach will be sent to the media, Government agencies and all military commands in recognition of the annual observance of Hurricane Preparedness Week.

The week's activities, generated by the Naval Oceanography Command Facility, will run from June 1-5 and will also involve Government's Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO).

"Mock warnings will be generated by the Naval Oceanography Command Facility commencing as early as Sunday,'' a spokesperson said, "and will warn of the approach and development of tropical storm and ultimately exercise Hurricane `Kristie' by early in the week.'' Plans are for `Kristie' to develop into a category three or four hurricane and threaten Bermuda by June 3 or 4.

The official beginning of the North Atlantic hurricane season is Monday and awareness lectures will be presented to all schools on the Islands by Police spokesperson Sgt. John Dale and Lt. Cmdr. Jim Bancroft, commanding officer of the Naval Oceanography Command Facility. The two will also appear on local TV and radio throughout the week.

Issues spotlighted during this year's Hurricane Preparedness Week include: New international terms: tropical storm or hurricane watch -- expect the storm or hurricane force winds to effect the Island within 36 hours and tropical storm or hurricane warning -- winds will strike the Island within 24 hours.

Government's new marine weather radio service which will provide forecasts and warnings over a continuous broadcast at 162.4 MHZ.

A message not to use the recent experience with Hurricane Emily as a bench mark for preparedness as odds are that a storm many more destructive than Emily could strike the Island within the next decade.

Battery powered lanterns and flashlights should be used during power outages rather than candles which cause hundreds of fire-related deaths yearly.

"Save your butt, not your boat'' is the message to any mariners who might consider seeking refuge ashore rather than in the safety of their homes.

The effect of hurricane storm surge on Island coastal residents and the potential need for evacuation plans.

"Dr. Bill Gray of Colorado State University, the world's foremost authority on long range seasonal hurricane forecasting is predicting 1992 will be only slightly more exciting than the 1991 season,'' the spokesperson added.

LT. CMDR. Jim Bancroft.