population. Weather incidents have a way of bringing families and friends together.

No-one should venture outside until the hurricane has completely passed.

One important thing to remember while you are an indoor captive is to tightly close all windows except those on the side opposite the direction of the wind.

If it's blowing from the south, you can open windows on the northern side about six inches. This reduces the build-up of pressure inside the house and helps prevent damage.

If the eye, or centre, of the hurricane passes directly over the Island, everything will suddenly appear dead calm. This temporary lull can last up to an hour, then the wind and rain will suddenly resume at full force from the opposite direction. During this lull you should close the open windows and open windows on the other side of the house.

If power goes out, unplug electrical equipment and appliances. Leave one light switched on so that you will know when power is restored.

There are many enjoyable things to do during a hurricane. If you have children you could make it an educational event.

Have the family make a hurricane scrap book about your particular family activities. Let the children pretend they are news reporters gathering data for a story. The family can do little drawings, take photos, write little poems about the hurricane, colour, etc.

If you do a hurricane diary or scrapbook it will be fun to refer to it when the next hurricane comes a year away, or ten years away. It will also make a great show and tell item for school children. These events become part of your family's memory bank.

Another fun thing to do as a family might be to choose a book which everyone is interested in and allow each member to read so many pages or a chapter aloud.

Eating always make a good social event. Allow all family members to participate in food preparation, setting the table and clearing away (use paper plates).

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