hurricane season for 1998.

There are a few check points you can implement at the start of hurricane season.

Inspect and repair windows, blinds, shutters, latches and hooks.

Prune trees and overhanging branches.

Trim your trees before there is a hurricane or storm threat.

Keep emergency equipment available to include a hammer and nails, pair of pliers, plywood boarding (for windows), masking tape, plastic sheeting, rope, buckets (for fresh water), first-aid kit, flashlight and batteries, matches, AM/FM radio (battery operated), fire extinguisher or sand bucket, non-electric stove and fuel.

Have healthy snacks like nuts, cereal, fruit squirrelled away.

You may want to keep a stock of candles and hurricane lamps, but avoid using them if possible, especially during high winds (fires caused by candles and kerosene lamps are a major hazard during hurricanes. If you keep your candles in the fridge they will burn slower.

Decide which is the safest room or location inside your house if a hurricane strikes.

LIGHT-UP TIME -- Gorham's salesman Jevon Welch shows a powerful battery-operated lamp which is a must for hurricane season or any other time when your power is cut. All hardware stores have a wide array of lamps and flashlights.

ON THE GRILL -- Barbecuing is fun all summer -- but if you have an electric stove, it's worth investing in a barbeque or grill so you can cook food in the event of a long power cut.

HURRICANES HUR