hurricane season.

Hurricane season in Bermuda begins June 1 and continues through until November 30.

Earlier in the year, hurricane forecaster Lixion Avila from the US National Hurricane Center in Miami, said the weather phenomenon "La Nina'' may result in a busy 1999 hurricane season.

Mr. Avila forecasted ten tropical storms, with five or six of them becoming hurricanes.

This weekend is the perfect opportunity for home owners to make a quick inspection of their home to see if it is ready for hurricane season and outline an emergency plan.

Experts suggest residents inspect their windows, blinds, shutters and latches to see if any repairs are needed. If anything needs to be fixed be sure to do it as soon as possible -- do not wait until the peak of hurricane season -- August, September and October.

Check your trees to see if they are touching overhead wires. If they are, be sure to prune the overhanging branches. Do not wait until a hurricane warning is issued because it will be difficult to trim branches in the wind.

Purchase candles and batteries for flashlights and radios ahead of time. By planning ahead you can avoid being left in the dark since the moment a hurricane watch is issued, the store shelves quickly empty of these items.

And make sure that you have the following emergency equipment safely squirrelled away: An AM/FM radio that is battery-operated; Flashlight and batteries; A hammer and nails; Plywood to board-up windows; Masking tape to tape windows that can't by boarded up; Plastic sheeting; Buckets to dip water out of your tank and bleach or water purification tablets; First-aid kit and extra supply of necessary medicine; A fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand; A pair of pliers and rope; A list of emergency numbers; A battery-operated clock; Non-perishable food and a manual can opener; Waterproof matches; and Stock up on baby supplies (if necessary); Once a hurricane warning has been issued, be sure to ...: Store at least 7 gallons of water per person in containers and fill the bathtub with water for flushing the toilet; Get some cash (automatic teller machines may not work after the hurricane); Fill your car or bike with gas; Make sure valuable papers are in a waterproof bag or container; Warn your neighbours, especially the elderly or the sick; Secure your outdoor furniture; Close your shutter or board up your windows. Those windows that cannot be boarded should have masking tape affixed; Park your car and bike in the safest possible place; Turn radio on and set it to the Emergency Broadcasting Station on FM 100.1 MH; Secure your boat; and Bring in all pets.