On average, each year ten tropical storms, six of which become hurricanes, develop in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea or Gulf of Mexico.

To help ensure the safety of your family and property, The Royal Gazette <$>spoke to the Department of Health’s promotion co-ordinator, Dr. Jennifer Attride-Stirling, who recently published the Emergency Plan for the General Public, and devised the following guidelines.

The first of these is to develop a family emergency action plan and she suggests discussing the types of disasters that are most likely to occur and discuss a plan of action for each of these, including escape routes from your home.

“Select two places to meet in case your family is not at home when disaster strikes, or if you can’t return home due to downed power lines, flooding or other hazardous situations.”

Quoting the Emergency Plan for the General Public, Dr. Attride-Stirling made the following suggestions:

[bul]Ensure you have enough non-perishable food and water supplies on hand.

[bul]Review working conditions of emergency equipment, such as flashlights and battery-powered radios.

[bul]Trim trees and shrubbery, especially near windows.

[bul]Buy plywood or shutters to protect doors and windows.

[bul]Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

[bul]Charge your cellular phone.

[bul]Secure your boat and mooring.

[bul]Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils. Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities.

[bul]Once officials instruct you to turn off all utilities, unplug all electrical appliances. Once the power is restored, power surges could damage appliances.

[bul]Don’t forget your pets depend on you for their safety and well-being.

[bul]Know the locations of electrical, water and gas shut-offs and how and when to shut them off.

As the storm approaches the Island, Dr. Attride-Stirling suggests listening to the radio for official bulletins of its progress, while also doing a number of things in preparation: “Ensure you have enough fuel in your vehicles, have extra cash on hand and be ready to cover all windows and doors if need be.

“You can also stock up on canned food, first-aid supplies, drinking water and medications and bring light-weight objects indoors like garbage cans, garden tools, patio furniture and toys,” she says.

“Remember to place potted plants in a protected corner of the garden on the ground, especially hanging pots and plants.”

As for what you and your family should do during a hurricane, she points out the importance of listening to the Emergency Broadcast on FM100.1 Mhz and following instructions if ordered to evacuate your home.

“If you are not evacuating, stay away from windows and doors and locate a strong room in your house, preferably a room without windows, somewhere in the middle of the house. Stay indoors,” she warns. “The only time you should leave your home is if you have to evacuate.”

When this happens, she suggests avoiding flooded roads and potentially washed-out bridges: “Secure your home if time permits and unplug all appliances, turn off electricity and the main water valve, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor and take your pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.”

Once the hurricane has passed, Dr. Attride-Stirling encourages families to remain indoors and monitor the situation by listening to updates on the Emergency Broadcast Station.

“Avoid going to potential disaster areas as your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations and also put you at risk.”

However, if you had to evacuate your home, Dr. Attride-Stirling insists families only return after authorities say it is safe to do so.

“But be aware of downed or loose power lines and report them immediately to Belco, the Police or Fire Services by dialling 955.”

She adds that if your home has been damaged in the storm, you should avoid using candles or an open flame to inspect for damage.

“The first thing you need to do is check for gas leaks. If you smell gas, or hear a blowing or hissing noise, quickly leave the building, leave the doors open and call the gas company immediately.”