beginning today.

But Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan is stressing that the whole community should be better prepared for the devastation that severe storms and hurricanes could wreak on Bermuda.

The official hurricane season begins tomorrow and runs through to November 30.

The Premier said that schools throughout the Island had been encouraged to organise activities to make students aware of the precautions that should be taken in severe storms.

Special questionnaires will be distributed by the Emergency Measures Organisation to all Primary Six students.

Sir John suggested property owners could help by cutting back overhanging tree branches that might cause problems with electricity power lines during a hurricane.

"No-one appreciates being without electricity in the best of times,'' he said. "We can lessen the problem if we cut back the offending trees before a hurricane.'' He also announced that during Hurricane Awareness Week, the EMO would hold a simulated hurricane exercise called Hurricane Jo-Anne.

This would test response equipment, communication and management in the event of a hurricane and review and update the existing procedure.

Sir John added that it was important for residents to be familiar with conditions of readiness providing important indications of when a hurricane might strike Bermuda.

Hurricane Watch means winds may increase to hurricane force within 36 hours and Hurricane Warning means winds may increase to hurricane force within 24 hours or less.

This year's Atlantic hurricane names will be Arlene, Bret, Cindy, Dennis, Emily, Floyd, Gert, Harvey, Irene, Jose, Katrina, Lenny, Maria, Nate, Ophelia, Philippe, Rita, Stan, Tammy, Vince and Wilma.